Commitment to

Thank you for your service . You should be able to get your CDL training paid by the VA . Try to avoid the large carriers and check with local companies willing to give a vet a chance . Get a job lined up before training . Not getting hired within a reasonable time within training will result in needing to take a refresher course .
Have you considered joining a Reserve MT unit ? That would give you training and experience . The state DMV will probably recognize a military tractor trailer license and upgrade your civilian license to a CDL A with only testing for endorsements required .

 

Some companies will place a negative on your DAC report.

Cover ALL job related issues/questions before you attend orientation. I know that's #### near impossible. But once they pop for the bus ticket, motel room, and other cost. They consider it fair game to place a negative statement on your DAC, if you leave orientation.

Keywords here are "Job Orientation" ....not "Job Interview"

 

Not to be starting an argument.

But you're not an employee if you fail the drug test during orientation. But we both know where that leads.

 

Some companies like Knight will charge you for orientation if you leave before your 90 day period is up. Most of them will just put it on your DAC. I don't think most companies consider this a bad offense. So you didn't like what they had to offer, why the hell should someone hold that against you?!

Your best bet is to avoid the mega-carriers and you won't have this problem. Take your time and do your research. Also think outside the box. You don't have to follow the rest of the herd. For some reason every new driver thinks they have to drive for one of the top 5 mega-carriers. Go to a rest stop or truck stop near your house and start calling different companies you see. You can also talk to drivers and see what they have to say about their companies.

 

Hopkinsville is a nice little town. I spent some time out there in the 1990's installing some software at the hospital.

Really liked the "boo-goo" (I probably butchered that real bad. It was a BBQ with clear BBQ sauce)

Good luck!!

 

How the heck does a company put something on someone's DAC that is brand new to trucking? DAC would not exist until you've been hired, correct? This is one thing that I've had pointed out to me, by a smaller trucking company. They stated that they will of course check my DAC. I pointed out that I have not driven for anyone yet, and they replied, oh, so you won't have a DAC yet.

 

No, the DAC exists so long as the carrier subscribes to DAC's services. What they will put is generally "Quit In Orientation". It's not necessarily a negative, but you will have to list that company every time you apply to another one. Even places you only attend orientation and never pull a load for must be reported. They are also required by law to maintain records of your pre-employment drug screen and will report to the next company.