currently have cdl class a with hazmat but local only exp

Okay first of all this is done cya smartphone so please excuse any mistakes.

Okay so I currently have class a with hazmat since 2009 but had normal cdl class a since 2004. I have been actually driving locally for the part three years in Mississippi for the company hauling chemicals seed and fertilizer. I am tired of the low pay but enjoy driving and being out going to place to place. I started calling trucking companies looking about getting hired with one of them. Many said that because I did not gothrough a trucking school to get my cdl that they would not be able to hire me. How I obtained mine was going to the place studying the book and taking the test all on my own and all paid for out of my pocket. What I do Not understand is if I have the cdl class a it should not matter how I got it as long as its legal. And with hazmat you know federal had to do a background check.

When I found a company that would hire me they were saying I would have to take their schooling so their insurance could cover me. Or get hired and do a road test if I don't pass it would have to go to their school also. Personally I think if they wanted to they would fail me intentionally just to get me to do their schooling and pay for it.


Does anyone have any advice what to do? Central refrigeration said that with my local only experience that they would start me off at the two or three year pay mark. But unable to really get it in writing yet. I don't mind going to do a test to prove I know what I know then doing their trainer deal. But just seems like its bs at some points. All the schooling is is how to drive and get your cdls. Which I already have.


My current job has me driving local in Mississippi heading to Arkansas sometimes during the year or into southern Mississippi. Over the road they said was driving at least five states.

 

What I don't get is taking a refresher course when I'm leaving one driving job to another.