Getting into Driving after nearly 5 years off the road

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Shotgun94, Apr 30, 2025 at 12:28 AM.

  1. Shotgun94

    Shotgun94 Medium Load Member

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    Hello, it has been awhile since I posted in the forum but I have been away from driving for close to 5 years now. I still have my CDL. I have a clean driving record. I was driving flatbed before I got out of driving. I'm looking for possible trucking companies that would hire me that can do a retrain option. Anyone know of any companies around the Valley area in Texas? Or possible oilfield jobs?
    I am looking to relocate to Texas from Georgia. Now I did see they have KLLM that hires in GA with a guaranteed $1700 a week that offers refreshers. But of course I am looking to relocate so perhaps I could do that to get my experience level back again and save up money. Maybe @Chinatown you know anything out there?
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I was going to suggest KLLM refresher, but you already know about that one.
    '
    KLLM has several facilities in Texas.
     
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  4. Shotgun94

    Shotgun94 Medium Load Member

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    I called them. They said would be 9 day refresher followed by 6 weeks with a trainer at $812 a week. Then a 6th month contract @ .55cpm.
    I'm not trying to start back at square one again.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Just curious why you left in the first place ……:cool:
     
  7. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Unfortunately in the eyes of most insurance companies you are back at square one after 5 years away. Reputable companies will want experience in the last 2-3 years. For some reason they act like everyone forgets how to drive a truck after that 3 year mark.
     
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  8. RogerThat72

    RogerThat72 Road Train Member

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    ^hes right. Basically you’ll be starting allllllllllllll over. So find yourself a nice starting company that will hire without a refresher course. Crazy I know.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Student + Refresher - Western
    We’ve pioneered the industry’s first “REFRESHER” program for drivers with NO RECENT EXPERIENCE, including drivers who have a CDL but didn’t attend truck driving school.
     
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  10. Shotgun94

    Shotgun94 Medium Load Member

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    I called Melton truck lines, I used to drive for them. They said they need an 80 hour refresher course. Then if I get approved. But I don't see why not. So I might end up going about it the hard way. Just go with authority. But I'm going to still do some calling. Maybe talk to some people in person I can. That may be better. Maybe someone here can chime in with other recommendations.
     
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