Does the hiring ever stop.

You would be surprised at the companies that hire new CDL grads, yet their website says experience required. They might not hire you at the time you apply, but then again they might. Many companies bend their own hiring criteria. It only takes a few minutes to do online applications, so apply while you're on a break or at home. Sooner or later you'll hit. I worked for a company that "required" 3 years tanker experience, but saw several new CDL grads hired.