Greetings all, I'm a newbie to the forum and could use some good advice. Thanks in advance. I'm a 57 year old recently divorced guy here in NW Florida. Wanted a career change so I got my CDL w/hazmat a year ago at a local school. Paid for it myself. I have no tickets, no accidents and a perfectly clean criminal record. I have no obligations and dont mind OTR and being gone long periods. Problem is, shortly after obtaining my CDL, I had a serious back issue. I ended up having surgery in June and I believe my back can handle the driving job. It's construction work that hurts, but I seem to do okay with driving. I am currently receiving SSA disability but really want to get off it and get back to work. I know there is a lot of bad said about them, but Werner has stated that my back surgery would not be an issue with them, nor would there be a problem with the fact that it's been a year since I acquired my CDL. Question: am I forced to go with Werner or do any of you know of other companies that might suit my situation as well as allow for my previous back issues combined with the year gap between obtaining my CDL and signing up with a company? Thanks again everyone!
Well as for Werner they change there rules on a daily basic,lol.You first would have to get medical records from your doctor stating your clear to drive and you would have to pass a DOT phys,also most companies that take newbies required you to take a refreasher program if it been over 90 days since trucking school,most mega carriers have that 90 days rule.You can try smaller companies but don't be shock to hear that you have to go back to school.
Does your medical card mention your back on it anywhere? If not, are you supposed to mention it on your employment applications if, like you said, it doesn't seem to affect your driving?
May not be best advice but like the army...don't ask don't tell. If they don't get specific don't tell. As for the time lapse unless you get lucky you'll have to have a refresher.
I've been on a training truck with werner for two weeks now. Its not that bad. My trainer is a lil crazy but who isn't. I'm getting to drive around 9-10 hrs a day when the truck is rolling. Disbatch doesn't seem to organized. I too got my cdl's a year ago, werner didn't mind and didn't make me take a refresher course. You'll be refreshed on the road with your trainer. Good luck
