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. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Several drivers on here use Escapees for an address in a no-tax state.
     
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  3. viper822004

    viper822004 Medium Load Member

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    I recommend FedEx Ground. They accept certain schools so you might want to find that info. You can start driving in teams and then later switch over to solo driving plus the pay is good with many contractors.
     
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  4. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    There is no difference between going to a private CDL-A school or doing company sponsored training. Drivers have done both and been ok. You have the right mondframe in terms of getting your foot in the door by any means necessary. Don't focus on reviews of these companies because you write your own story in trucking. Anyone that gives you a yes, go for it. The first year is all about learning and getting your feet wet. Then being in California, more opportunities will open for you as you gain experience.
     
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  5. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    The best advice is to hit the streets and put in all the applications you can. At some point, somebody is going to call you!
     
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  6. AceC

    AceC Bobtail Member

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    Do I need to limit my search to companies that have terminals in my general area? I’ve contacted a few companies through there online website but some of them don’t have terminals in my area, not even in the same state even. So I’m not sure if I’ll even here back from them but like I said before I’d be willing to spend a majority of my time on the road for the first year to see what it is like so no need to really keep my home base if that makes it easier to get hired.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Terminal or company doesn't have to be in the area you live in. You only have to be in the hiring area.
    Most OTR companies hire in 48 states, so any driver living in one of the 48 states is also in the hiring area.
     
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  8. Lav-25

    Lav-25 Medium Load Member

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    that a good idea . As long as you have a valid address on your license . I.E , used my brothers address on my license in cali , but lived in the truck for two years . Had no issues.
     
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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Disagree, it is very forgiving, this is why we have crap drivers in trucks.

    To the OP, I would seriously think about entering right now, it is a carrier's employment market, so just because you have a license, does not mean there is a job there for you.
     
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  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    It depends on how often you commute to the terminal. You will burn home-time commuting to/from your home to where your truck is parked. If you come home only every 2 months, then maybe a 75 mile one-way drive is not terrible. If you are home daily then 2-3 hours of driving from off-duty to home is eating into your 10 hour break.

    You have to decide what type of job, from what company, located where, for how much money, if you park at home (not necessarily good), etc., etc.

    Most newbies consider ONLY Cents Per Mile and then leave the industry 3-6 months after they start working. Your results are proportional to your research.
     
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  11. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    @AceC --

    The overall freight market has contracted rather markedly since the peak of COVID....but freight capacity has not matched that; thus, there are currently too many trucks (& drivers) chasing too little freight.

    That is the general situation you will be facing if you enter the market over the next year, anyway...

    To turn the tables on the above -- you need to somehow stand out from the other candidates applying for CDL jobs...in this "tight" labor market.

    Suggestions, as food for thought:
    • Graduate from a really good CDL school. Company-sponsored training (provided by/from a carrier) puts you at their mercy; they can kick you to the curb whenever they like/with no apparent good reason -- but you would still be on the hook for the cost of their training. This cost is...in many cases....several thousand dollars. Company-sponsored training is also rather accelerated; imagine drinking iced tea -- but from a fire hose. :confused:
    • Before applying for CDL jobs -- get ALL the relevant CDL endorsements: tanker, doubles/triples, & hazmat (especially hazmat). BONUS POINTS: if you go ahead & get a TWIC card. All these endorsements/credentials make you stand out more from other applicants who don't have them, & shows prospective employers that you mean business.
    • The regulatory environment in California towards trucking is messy, & it's getting worse. You will be a more attractive job candidate -- if you were in a more "friendly" location for trucking. Before getting a CDL -- consider relocation. Much better areas: Nevada, or maybe Tennessee (i.e., the eastern half). STAY OUT OF: Florida, or Maine.
    Basically, to be successful -- first set yourself up for success (the above will go a LONG WAY towards that goal).

    -- L
     
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