companies that dont require refresh course

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by o.m.d., Jan 10, 2011.

  1. o.m.d.

    o.m.d. Heavy Load Member

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    i sent an email to a guy that brokers jobs to trucking companies. according to him i can never get a job driving tractor trailers unless i go to a full school, as many of you know i'm going to upgrade to the A this spring.

    so my question is, are there companies that don't require a refresh course or full school?
     
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  3. KO1927

    KO1927 Medium Load Member

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    Yes you can, just not the super-carriers. Think small outfits. Think industries where the truck is a means to an end, as opposed to a trucking company. Foodservice, construction, logging, lumber yards, LTL Freight (might start on the dock there).

    It is possible, it just takes more work than a sign up sheet. Network, call, fill out applications, and burn some shoe-leather.
     
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  4. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    Dec 24, 2009
    Cherokee County, Alabama
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    Think BROKERS that own their own equipment and have the best of the trucking world.
    - trucks that do what they are supposed to and not run @less than most posted speed limits;
    -a truck WITHOUT all that qualcom,vorad,electronic logs( loose leaf all the way!!);,etc. that takes the truck driving out of driving a truck while still running legal( don't think for a minute that the DOT does not audit and check a broker's truck out so running illegally or like a renegade from a decade ago(although I do kind of miss that style of driving) is not an option although we all fudge a log from time to time);
    -less sitting and more driving simply due to the fact that they want their loads covered first and fastest but w/the shipper and consignee in mind regarding looking/acting professional,arriving and leaving in a nice looking truck and;
    - no "never have driven dispatcher" telling you how to run,where to run,where to fuel,how to drive.
    -cell phone dispatch,direct owner to driver load planning,EXCELLENT home time and not earned home time as in 3 weeks out 1.5 day home junk;
     
  5. o.m.d.

    o.m.d. Heavy Load Member

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    well i've been doing a little hunting around the internet, havent been putting an serious effort yet as i still need to upgrade to the A. i am finding companies that hire no experience, it might take me a little more time but thats fine with me, i'm not in any rush i like my job i have now. but i need to get OTR experience so when i'm ready i can get my own truck and drive for myself. i'm confident in my abilities to switch to tractor trailers from straight trucks, i'm a safe driver but i gotta learn some things, how to maximize the 10 hours, stuff like that. i was a little put back when this broker told me theres no way i'll find a job...
     
  6. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    Dec 24, 2009
    Cherokee County, Alabama
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    so he told you no way you'll find a job? that is reason enough to give in and up i reckon. after all,all brokers are the same and their word is gold.

    Right.
     
  7. o.m.d.

    o.m.d. Heavy Load Member

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    massachusetts
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    give up? yeah right. an email from a broker wont stop me!
     
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  8. o.m.d.

    o.m.d. Heavy Load Member

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    when i said "put back" i didn't mean i was throwing in the towel, i thought to myself "what? no that cant be true thats nonsense but who knows, let me consult the great minds of truckersreport"
     
  9. 94gt50

    94gt50 Bobtail Member

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    I sure hope that all works out well for you, I think that is pretty much the standard truckers dream, just dont lease a truck from the same company who signs your paycheck keep us updated
     
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  10. I am medicineman

    I am medicineman Medium Load Member

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    Kemper County, Mississippi
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    I started driving when I was 17 in an OSHKOSH concrete truck.
    At 18, I pulled a log wagon around the State.
    At 23, I was pulling flatbed around my area.

    I worked mostly "local" off and on for many years.

    I finally went OTR when I was 27.

    I was a driver trainer, and laid down over a million miles without a reportable accident.
    I ran all 48, some Kanadia and Mexico, and even made a couple trips into Alaska.
    I pulled every imaginable type trailer (excepting a parking lot), and some that got a LOT of questions from other drivers as to what they were.

    I left in late 2003, and went back to college and got an EMS degree.
    I drive Ambulances AND Fire Trucks now.

    I also became a Emergency Driving instructor for both Ambulances and Fire Trucks, and have been doing that fot the past 3 years.

    And you say ..... So what??

    Well,
    I have recently spoken with the "big companies" and they ALL want me to take a "refresher course" before they will hire me.

    I have a LOT of experience and training already.
    Unlike the 1 or 2 years they call "experience" nowadays.

    So tell me WHY.


    I honestly believe that its the same "racket" they have going with CCW classes.
    The instructors got to those who decide and fed them a line of BS about how much better things would be if people paid them $300 and up for a "class".

    But I'm also kinda "tin-foil-hat-ish" at times too.
     
  11. modog12345

    modog12345 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 5, 2011
    poplar bluff,mo
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    I am like medicine man. I started with straight lumber truck while in highschool (1982) and then worked for pepsi with 53' van and double,then to kraft foods pulling double reefer,did ltl for 5 yrs also double w/haz mat. Then the last 8 years I have had my own authority (intrastate) with 2 dumptrucks and lowboy hauling heavy equipment. Have to give up business do to economy and no local jobs. I can not get hired with anyone without going out with a have a trainer for 4 weeks.I am wanting to do flatbed and the big ones offer refresher courses.
     
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