At a crossroads.

Although I don't EatMyVeggies (healthy food screws up my system) I'm gonna have to throw in with him on this one. It sounds like you're going to have to end up on some OTR, or regional, at best, gig and muscle thru it as best you can for a year to get the experience everyone in your area with the type of job you'd like to be able to land wants.

No clue on if you've broached that topic with your wife. If you haven't it would be wise to start breaking her into the idea now as opposed to "Hey honey, I got a job, I'll be gone for 2 weeks at a time, leaving day after tomorrow". It will give both of you time to let it sink in some, and also time for each of you to start thinking about how things will handled while you're away and what will need to be put in place to accomplish it all. It won't be a complete list, it never is, but it will be a start, and it will help.

Hopefully something will pop and you won't need to go that route, but best to get out in front of it now in terms of bringing it up and starting to figure how to deal with it just in case in my opinion. And personally, I don't know how you do it, if I was with someone (ANYone) for years on end with the exception of only a couple days here and there you'd see me on the evening news. I can't do 20 to life answering to ##### so I would be the murder/suicide blurb most of the way thru the evening broadcast. More power to you sir, you are a better man then I.

As far as the appearance thing goes, there isn't much I can say, I've been on both sides of that thru life with things such as long hair, ink, what I chose to wear, weight and whatnot. Sadly, we live in a world of perception is reality long before reality becomes perception. For the moment all you can do take whatever steps within your grasp to look as main stream as possible while going thru the process. Once you get a foot in the door it will be a (slightly) different story.

Best of luck to you, it sounds like you have the drive to make it happen, now just need to find a place to let you make it happen.

 

You wont be the first one discriminated against. I once had a 41K truck purchase fall through due to one boss's bigotry. I say this. It's a shame he allowed me to sit in three months worth what I call classes all the way up until I signed and bought it. I don't think he figured I had teh balls to try. But it is what it is.

What goes around usually comes around so they say. I don't actively look for it too much.

If you ever think you have absolutely enough in your area, do not put off or put away the idea of traveling to where the job is. Sometimes that would lead to good things. Other times not so much.

 

I'm kinda in there with @EatYourVeggies & @Suspect Zero . . . you're probably gonna have to bite the OTR bullet for a year; I know I did back in the day, and yeah, I had a VERY young son, and a young daughter. It was tough, but it paid the bills. I actually did 3 years, for 3 different companies, until I found something more "local." It made the wife and I appreciate eachother even more, however. And with today's technology *that still confuses the H- outta me* y'all can skype or facebook video chat, or whatever to keep up with the family! I didn't have that; I lived on ONE daily phone call. 20 years later, I've got much to show for it. Not a Pete yet, but.. who knows?
Also..... the gig that I now DO have, I didn't find on Craigslist. It's a sign (very small, private fleet) in front of a barn, yes.. a semi barn..... that caught my attention. "Looking for A driver" Just one.
I knocked on the door, and here I still am. Had I not had that experience behind me, I doubt I'd've gotten in.
On another hand, a guy from one of the places I used to deliver asphalt, HAND DELIVERED a letter to my wife today, wanting to hire me away... to run for him~!!!
Experience opens doors, Dave.
I've been following this "both places," and I feel for you, and wish you the best.
Tomcat

 

For starters, don't walk in wearing a mask made from human skin and carrying a chainsaw!

Ok, I had to lighten the mood.

On a serious note, if you even suspect there is something in your appearance and demeanor which intimidates people, then it's most likely true.

I can't cover the topic in one forum post, but there are some good information out there on interviewing skills and how to make oneself presentable. It's going to take work but it's a good skill set to have whether you're dealing with a hiring manager, DOT, LEO, or shipping clerks.

Before your next interview, you should do your best to work these out. Perhaps a job counselor can give honest feedback. Little things like personal space, eye contact (but not too much eye contact - that's just creepy), voice tone, not fidgeting, etc. all matter.

 

Did you try all those companies listed in Post #9

Try Paul Transportation
Freymiller will hire you.

 

Well there's defiantly hope for you if you can't make it in the transport industry i'd try giving short story writing a real go ! There are quite literally thousands of companies crying out for OTR drivers put all the names in a hat and pick one out.

 

Just pick a company that will hire you and start making money. The wife might have a tough time with you gone. But not as much as she would being broke. Get your year in then start searching for something better. Time flies buy when your out on the road anyway.

 

A great deal of carriers (better better ones especially) are going to require the usual recent veritable otr experience. You may have to go with a trainer. I wish you and your family well and good luck.

 

Paul hires new cdl grads on a case by case basis. It's not on the website.