First time driver looking for advice

I’m in NJ and also just got my CDL. Living in the greater metropolitan area, there’s a TON of companies.

I already interviewed with a few LTL carriers, namely XPO and Estes. They offered trainee positions so I jumped on them. Haven’t heard back- they either chose others, or just take a VERY long time with their interview process. Those are the type of jobs that’ll get you home daily.

Ive had my CDL for a month now. I may just end up doing a few months for a mega just to get the experience and start generating an income again ( been out of work nearly 9 months now - unemployment benefits are likely exhausted now or soon - but because I was collecting a decent amount, and DOL paid for my CDL school, I wasn’t “rushing” back to work either )

From everything I keep seeing, once you get over 3, 6, 12 months experience- your options begin to open up more.

 

Why not go with Estes or XPO?

 

@MikeM1968
How close are you to Elizabeth?

 

Did Estes offer box truck or tractor-trailer?

 

Lily Transportation is a decent reefer company, but picky with new cdl school grads.
I'll Private Message a contact there.
Home - Lily Transportation

 

I’m in Northwest NJ now - used to live closer to that side though. Very familiar with the area.

Interviewed only- then? I don’t know

Estes did an interview and had me return to go get a full DOT physical and drug test- then? RADIO SILENCE. I called a few times, but don’t want to seem like an obsessive jerk. I think they had a few openings. This was a driver trainee position. Apparently the only way you’re starting with some companies without experience ( even if you hold a CDL ) - you have to apply for a driver / delivery trainee position.

XPO and Estes expect newbie’s to do like 25%-50% dock work / loading & unloading. This seems pretty standard for the big top 20 financials LTL - P& D ( pickup and delivery ) carriers ( Estes, Yellow, ABF, XPO, etc ). - maybe NOT Yellow right now though- but mostly those types of carriers. This doesn’t phase me because I’m coming from a background of warehouse / distribution - ( previous job of 10 years as a warehouse supervisor ) so I definitely have plenty of that kind of experience.

XPO did an interview and sent me out to do a pickup with a trainer as my road test. Apparently I did okay on my road test, but they hired someone else. They only had one opening.

 

Oh, yeah, that's the "dock-to-driver" program. Pretty popular since you're on hourly pay the whole time.

 

@MikeM1968
Dot Transportation has a facility in Elizabeth and hires new cdl school grads.
Might be too far to drive for the local position, but Dot also has regional positions.
Truck Driving Jobs | Dot Transportation, Inc.
Elizabeth
454 York Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07114
Home DC: Bear, DE