Dreamer question - Old CDL, some experience long time ago, possible new hire?

Do you have a valid CDL now, or you need to get it before you start working. In my state, not NY/NJ, once my CDL didn't have a supporting DOT medical card or has been downgraded for 5 years and 1 day, it would require a new road test from the state to get my CDL again. I understand the endorsements I previously had on my CDL would still be valid. Check with your state. I understand local CDL dump truck jobs are likely available in most areas. To get hired at other trucking companies may require a Refresher course from a CDL school or possibly a ride-along period a company trainer. DO NOT just go pay for and take the first Refresher course you find. The future employer may have a specific refresher course in mind and not accept the course from other providers.

You likely can get a 1st job after being out of the industry. After 12 months at 1 employer you will have a lot less difficulty finding subsequent jobs. It's my impression you could work in the agriculture/CDL sector since a lot of ag operators operate under a CDL exemption. You are not beyond hope. You are in better shape for a job than the steady stream of newbies with no experience, DUIs, drug history, and felony convictions. It seems almost nobody but people with 1 or more SERIOUS black mark such as these even get a CDL anymore and those black marks hamper getting a CDL job. The industry is very slow right now. There is no truck driver shortage just a lot of dishonest journalism and PR campaigns wanting everyone to think there is one.

 

DI Trucking LLC

 

Bloomfield, NJ dump truck companies

 

1st, welcome aboard, you came to the right place. 2nd, usually, a dump truck operator has to do some physical work, but not a 53 foot van load of bricks on the floor. It's a bad time for a dump trucks, as most jobs are seasonal and end Nov. 1. Those jobs are really hard to get into, as the drivers rarely quit. I think you are more than qualified, but today "verbal" experience doesn't go far, and credible references might get you in the door, but a refresher course is mandatory for insurance regs, and not much leeway there. There was a time when you could walk into an outfit, tell the boss you were a "natural born lever puller" and after a short test drive, be trailer truckin' that very afternoon. Doesn't work that way anymore. Not to say come Spring, something. Your best bet there, is if you'd see an excavating job going on, walk up and ask. Couple years back, they were digging up our city street, I'm watching this guy go from the excavator, to the skid steer to the dump truck, I said, what, are you a 1 man show? He said, want a job? $25/hr. you can start right now. I said, no thanks. He said he can't find anyone to work. The only thing in winter is salt hauling and that doesn't pay much.
I say, forget the truck, and enjoy your retirement. Lots of cheap motorhomes, if you want to drive, go see the USA, but trucking has changed a lot, be aware of that.