Been lurking here a while and just created an account finally as I’m running out of options.
I’ve been wanting to drive since I was a kid, but due to having a prosthetic eye, it was out of the question, As a few of you know, FMCSA changed vision requirements recently and I was able to pass my exam and I’m on the road to finally being a driver.
Unfortunately, I live in Maine and options are EXTREMELY limited. One of the reasons I went ahead and started going through the process is because the company that I am a lead for has decided to relocate at what seemed like the perfect time.They offered me relocation lump payment but it’s not enough to move and the cost of living is much higher where they’re going. I have until roughly October and it’s not a move I’m going to be able to make.
Enter driving! I heard talk about all of these companies that are willing to train new drivers to get their CDL and even though the pay isn’t the greatest, it’s still almost double what I currently make (talk about terrible pay, lol). All of these companies also are putting ads out that they are hiring in my area or in-state, but when I call, they say nothing is available. I mean heck, Schneider posted an ad and I saw it two days later and called - lady said sorry we’re not hiring up there. The ad is still up.
I’m honestly starting to get scared as I’ve paid out of pocket for vision exam, physical, hazmat training, etc and now it doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to get a job unless I wing the road test.
I’m 100% positive I will pass the permit, no worries there, and I’m willing to run my ### off to prove myself. I have no special requests either, I’ll do what I have to. Only thing I could even think of is that I prefer to run solo once I’m on the road and actually hired, but it is not a must. Someone help this guy out?
Thanks!
Beginning to get desperate, could use help/advice.
Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by buddha_, Aug 16, 2022.
Page 1 of 18
-
LoneRanger, BennysPennys, Another Canadian driver and 2 others Thank this.
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
@Chinatown will get you a good company. As for getting home or moving just work out of state for a few weeks/months save up and move where ever a convienient terminal is. Good thing about being a driver is your office has wheels so its easy to ride out a sub optimal situation like yours.
surf_avenue, Another Canadian driver, Siinman and 3 others Thank this. -
That’s honestly what I figured… go OTR for a little, have home time every few weeks to see my girlfriend and doggo but essentially live out on the road until we can get to a better location, but even mentioning that, both Schneider and YRC both said no. It was honestly a bit confusing.Another Canadian driver and austinmike Thank this. -
Which is fine if they keep you long enough but with your resume the way it is your not idea for their needs. But like i said chinatown is great he is a walking talking business card and knows pretty much every good stater company who is likely to hire you anywhere in your area.
Also as a side note any mega you join dont expect to get home much for the first 6 months. They are going to work you like crazy in that period.Big Road Skateboard, Another Canadian driver, tscottme and 1 other person Thank this. -
I haven’t gotten my CDL just yet, I’ve been doing the DOT health stuff though as I figured they wouldn’t want to do all the extra testing due to my eye. I just am on course to at least have my permit by September.
I love being in Maine, it’s beautiful out here, but the work out here is not the worlds greatest unfortunately.Another Canadian driver and austinmike Thank this. -
Move to where the job prospects are better. Yes, it's difficult. No, there is no guarantee. The states that produce little manufactured goods are not great places to earn a living driving a truck. FL is also a bit of a black hole for trucking. The state produces little more than sunburns and trash.
NEVER WORK FOR CR ENGLAND. Highest turnover in the industry, they routinely put 3 people in ONE truck, and they pull reefers. There isn't one good thing to recommend them. They advertise so much MOST newbies think they are the ONLY company giving "free" CDL training. Dozens of companies do that. Half of the companies that hire newbies will reimburse students for CDL school.
The best places for trucking are near where the major US interstate highways cross.WallyWallyWorld, Another Canadian driver, austinmike and 1 other person Thank this. -
Unfortunately, until then, I’m stuck.Another Canadian driver, tscottme and austinmike Thank this. -
nredfor88, Another Canadian driver and buddha_ Thank this.
-
What's holding you back from bugging out of Maine?
nevermind I see it nowLast edited: Aug 16, 2022
Another Canadian driver Thanks this. -
There's a few companies that hire in Maine and have their own cdl school.
~
Student Drivers - CFIBennysPennys, Another Canadian driver, buddha_ and 1 other person Thank this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 18