Considering CDL, what’s the best path for a job with no exp?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by AceC, Aug 9, 2024.

  1. AceC

    AceC Bobtail Member

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    Hey all,

    I’m currently based in SoCal (San Diego specifically) and am looking to start a new career in OTR or regional trucking. I have no ties (family, mortgage) to the area so I can be on the road with no pressure to be home. Clean driving record , good physical shape but middle age so don’t know if I can handle flatbed.

    It seems like there are a lot of posts about new grads running into problems finding a job due to lack of experience. I’d rather train at a local school but don’t like the idea of being unable to find a job after graduation. I’m working PT at the moment but don’t think I would have the patience to spend a lengthy time job searching after spending a few grand on CDL school.

    Would company sponsored training with a mega be the best option for me? Are they even taking on new students at this time or is it going to be difficult to find a company that will take me on? I don’t see this as a long career path for me if it works out, maybe 5-10 years of being able to bank some savings and live rent free.

    Many thanks and would appreciate anyone might have for me.
     
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  3. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Find the job THEN decide how to get your CDL. The job is the goal, not the CDL. Anyone with a pulse can get a CDL. School doesn't train you for more than passing the state road test.

    The trucking company you want to work for has certain schools they accept or that meet their insurance company requirements. Some trucking companies have their own school. If you want to work for THAT company, go to their school.

    PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. Find the company you want to work for & then go to the school that makes sense. If you do it the other way there are numerous problems you can have.

    You wouldn't pay for a wedding package & then just pick a random woman to marry on the way to the wedding. You would shop carefully for the woman & get the wedding package that makes sense for you & her.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I did, several times, and it worked out just fine!
     
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2024
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Jobs for new grads has tightened up some, but still plenty of jobs available.
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Check out these two companies for company sponsored cdl school. They're both good starter companies.
    ~
    CDL Training | Stevens Transport
    Stevens Transport offers a 100% company-sponsored CDL training program with no out-of-pocket costs. Learn from experienced instructors at the Stevens Driving Academy or …
    ~
    Swift Refrigerated – Sign On for the Trucking Career of …
    Large Retail Customer Base. OTR, Regional and Dedicated Lanes. Academy Opportunities – Earn your CDL in as little as 4 weeks. Reefer Terminal Network. Top Of The Line Equipment. Positions Available Immediately! …
     
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  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    May Trucking Company is a good starter company also. Hires from private cdl schools and has tuition reimbursement back to the driver.
    This is a very popular company and has a waiting list for orientation. Best advice I can give is to apply the day you start cdl school.
    May Trucking Company – Performance. Reliability. Leadership.
    May Trucking Company is a family-owned business that offers various trucking services across the United States since 1945. Whether you prefer shorter or longer hauls, …
    ~
    Our Trucks – May Trucking Company
    [​IMG]
     
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  8. AceC

    AceC Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the post. yes, I agree that’s the smart way to go about it. However, I don’t know enough about the industry to know which megas to stay away from and which ones will be good to start with. It seems that I would just be lucky to find one willing to take me in with no experience if I decide to pay for the CDL training myself.

    Do I talk with a recruiter over the phone to find out if they are taking on new hires with no experience?

    I would probably take on a reputable mega company that will pay for the training and also doesn’t have a long contract commitment (a year seems doable for me but anything like 2 years might not work).

    I’d rather drive solo and not teams but don’t know if that is the norm for someone just starting out. Is it the norm jn the industry to start someone out on easy routes rather than have them drive at night or on the backroads?
     
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You can drive solo after the training period with a trainer.
    ~
    I wouldn't talk to a recruiter first, submit the short app off the websites and you will be contacted. If you're not contacted in a few days, then follow up with a phone call.
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    The 3 companies I recommended are refrigerated companies. These are the reasons I recommend them.
    First, you're in San Diego.
    Second, during a depression/recession people everywhere need food and medicine. Refrigerated trucking companies haul food and medicine.
     
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  11. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

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    In the current market, this is exactly what will happen to you if you get your CDL out of pocket.

    tscottme hit the nail on the head.

    Personally, I'd recommend researching tanker companies, but I'm a militant, long time tanker yanker.

    Some tanker companies will hire new grads, but you MUST have gone to one of their "approved schools".

    See if any are hiring near you.

    Food grade tanker work is relatively easy physically but requires strict attention to detail.

    One solid year of food grade tanker work will open better opportunities.

    If there's a corn syrup plant, take note of the trucks going there. Same if there's a processed food plant near you. Get some names off the doors and make some phone calls.
    Good luck!
     
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