Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Best way to start

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Florida John, Aug 18, 2010.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Aug 18, 2010 #1
    Florida John

    Florida John Bobtail Member

    9
    3
    Aug 18, 2010
    Lake City
    0
    I have been self employed my entire life, have a wife and 2 kids, a college degree, a felony from 2006, no job, no prospects and have been looking and trying to get into a new field for the past 3 years. Opened a pizzeria in 2009 but too much expense and competition to keep open. My felony keeps me from using my college degree and from getting a decent job anywhere. I have been not even been able to get an interview and even tried places like Wal-Mart and Dollar General. Looks like the only thing that I can do is wash dishes at Cracker Barrel or start my own business again. I tried to not get into trucking because I wanted to be with my family. Finances are now making it a question of being gone or not being able to care for their basic needs.
    I have decided to get my CDL and start class on the 30th. I know that I can't get a job driving for a major company but feel that the CDL will open up my job prospects and I may be able to find a position with a small local company, maybe.
    I have enough money from the sale of the pizzeria to get a truck and my own authority but have been disheartened by what I have read on message boards about being an independent owner operator, especially without any experience.
    I am use to hard work, have business experience and really want to work for myself. I am really very frustrated with the whole job application crap and getting the door shut without getting my toe in the door.

    Can anyone give me some constructive advice on which way to go - the good and the bad. I can try and try to get a job or get my own authority and try to make it.
    I know I won't get rich, I know there is a huge learning curve and I know I am running out of options.

    Thanks
     
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    #1
    Attack Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Aug 18, 2010 #2
    Roadrealtor

    Roadrealtor Road Train Member

    1,061
    1,070
    Aug 7, 2010
    Fort Myers, FL
    0
    I admire your diligence and perseverance. I am in the process myself of getting into driving for the same economic reasons. Granted, without the 2006 problem, I have a few other opportunities but everyone with experience has recommended company vs O.O.

    Having said that, I am wondering if there are possibilities of driving team with an O.O versus having to cover your equipment right out of the gate.

    Look on team partner boards, even craigs list. The benefits could be that you will learn how the O.O. find their loads to minimize downtime and you don't have the overheard while you are learning.

    If you can get a year of experience this way, the 2006 problem is a year older, you could be looking at an easier time if you go the O.O. route or if you choose to go company you will have the required experience.

    Good luck whichever way you go.
     
    Roadrealtor, Aug 18, 2010
    Roadrealtor, Aug 18, 2010
    #2
  4. Aug 18, 2010 #3
    Florida John

    Florida John Bobtail Member

    9
    3
    Aug 18, 2010
    Lake City
    0
    Thanks Roadrealtor, I have never considered the idea of a driving team. I will look into it.
     
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    #3
  5. Aug 18, 2010 #4
    backtrack

    backtrack Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Aug 18, 2010
    Indianapolis Indiana
    0
    I have re-entered the trucking industry after being off the road for 10 yrs. I did this by attending school,same as I did 15 yrs ago. I had heard driving school counts as 1 yr. exsperiance to insurance companies Is this true?
     
    backtrack, Aug 18, 2010
    backtrack, Aug 18, 2010
    #4
  7. Aug 18, 2010 #5
    Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

    588
    205
    Aug 11, 2009
    Cornholio, OR
    0
    If the felony will affect your bond-ability that is going to be a tough row to hoe.

    No HazMat or TWIC eligibility may seriously limit your usefulness to the industry, even if you own your own truck.

    Is he able to get his own authority given the circumstances?

    I would suggest the trades but they are so slow now there is no security. What about Redimix? Waste Management? BFI? etc. These will also give you home time for your family.
     
    Bent Wrench, Aug 18, 2010
    Bent Wrench, Aug 18, 2010
    #5
  8. Aug 18, 2010 #6
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

    10,371
    5,085
    Nov 8, 2009
    Charlotte, North Carolina
    0
    I'm thinking No...........lol



    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Aug 18, 2010
    American-Trucker, Aug 18, 2010
    #6
  9. Aug 18, 2010 #7
    Florida John

    Florida John Bobtail Member

    9
    3
    Aug 18, 2010
    Lake City
    0
    I can get bonded through the Federal bonding program (www.bonds4jobs.com). Hazmat is probably a no for sure but I will apply anyway. Same may be true for TWIC.
    I know these will limit me for sure but I'm hoping that it won't take me out of the game altogether.
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2010
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    #7
    Attack Thanks this.
  10. Aug 18, 2010 #8
    Florida John

    Florida John Bobtail Member

    9
    3
    Aug 18, 2010
    Lake City
    0
    After looking up disqualifications for TWIC I think I'll be alright.
     
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    Florida John, Aug 18, 2010
    #8
  11. Aug 18, 2010 #9
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
    0
    Going to be tough, most likely do-able though. Most of your major carriers are not going to hire you with a felony being that recent. This is probably actually good for you. I really try to coax new guys away from the supercarriers. Find yourself a good mom and pop company. Or even an owner operator who wants to take you on and show you the ropes. Make sure you are upfront and honest about everything, they will find out! Maybe look into companies like Windy Hill or something similar. As a company driver you aren't going to want to hang around the docks all day when you are getting paid by the mile. Leave that for the guys that get percentage!
     
    chompi, Aug 18, 2010
    chompi, Aug 18, 2010
    #9
  12. Aug 18, 2010 #10
    thelastamericanhippy

    thelastamericanhippy Road Train Member

    1,038
    311
    Jul 10, 2010
    jacksonville, fl
    0
    That Haz Mat and TWIC stuff does not apply everywhere.

    There are many fine jobs, not needing that crap.

    Alot of companies don't mess with bonding, it's no biggie anyways......

    Ifn you want to drive truck, just go ahead with it. It'll work itself out...........
     
    thelastamericanhippy, Aug 18, 2010
    thelastamericanhippy, Aug 18, 2010
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 3