Going back out...any advice

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by cdubnvegas, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. cdubnvegas

    cdubnvegas Bobtail Member

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    Jan 13, 2015
    Las Vegas, NV
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    Been off the road since 2010. Heading back out and doing it with a company whose name does not add up to their governed speeds(3 guesses who that is and first two don't count). Checked in to some others and they all want me to go do a refresher one on my dime, the other wanted me to pay for lodging. Last time I tried to get back on the road it was with the CR, left them right after my first series of training because I was not about to be bullied in to taking a lease and they did nothing to help me with the fact that my "trainer" was a total douche even though I was putting no less than 550 every day on his books, and the only way I could avoid another two months with a potential ahole was to go lease. Anyway. Anyone know of any places that will do refreshers? Covenant said yes but wanted to send me to flippin Tennessee. I am a desert rat(VEGAS BABY), and it gets cold back that way. I wanted to go with them because my neighbor just left to go do her training and first time otr. So unless one of you fine gentlemen have any other recommendations I am off to SWIFT for the next 6months at the least.
     
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  3. sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

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    Good luck with Swift lol...
     
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  4. cdubnvegas

    cdubnvegas Bobtail Member

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    Jan 13, 2015
    Las Vegas, NV
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    Trust me I don't need advice on SWIFT, I am well aware of their reputation on the road, the internet, as well as from friends who have dealt with them. The problem is I need to get back out their somehow and I refuse to come out of pocket yet again. Mind you I have had my CDL since 2006 drove for CRST and then spent most of my time driving locally until the construction market crashed here in Vegas. So I am not exactly what one would call a rookie. It is just the vast majority of my experience is in a day cab, and there just isn't that much work for someone who has not been in a tractor for 4 years. So I have to "get my feet wet" before I can dive in the deep end of the pool again.
     
  5. cdubnvegas

    cdubnvegas Bobtail Member

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    Jan 13, 2015
    Las Vegas, NV
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    and if you are wondering why I only put a year of experience; it is because I don't count my time in a day cab...I may sound biased but that just is not trucking to me, even though it can be a bit more stressful(traffic wise) than long hauling.
     
  6. imup4it

    imup4it Light Load Member

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    Looks like your carring on just fine in your own thread
     
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  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Lots of companies have refresher with no out-of pocket expense to you.

    Celadon - probably go to Laredo Texas for refresher.
    Pride Transport
    Freymiller
    National Carriers
    Western Express - have to go to Nashville, TN

    Construction market should revive for awhile in Las Vegas with the two new multi-billion dollar resort/casinos soon to be built.
    Won't help me though, I quit drinking,gambling,smoking, and working on quitting womanizing.
    I live in Seven Hills; a stones throw from the strip.
     
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  8. Redtwin

    Redtwin Road Train Member

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    Did Swift say how long you would have to be with a trainer?. Since it appears some trainers need students to top up their income (especially with leased trucks) it would worry me if it was entirely down to the trainer's discretion.

    For that reason alone I would want to pay for my refresher.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I think Knight has refresher and a drop yard in Las Vegas.


    KLLM Transport has refresher course.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2015
  10. streetglider

    streetglider Medium Load Member

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    Yea can't get a word in edge wise lmao. Gonna do just fine going solo. Always will have someone to talk to.
     
  11. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    There are companies that will count local experience as experience. I was a local driver from 2006 to 2011 and had no problem getting on with an OTR outfit. You just have to look around the web and check out their requirements. Some will say they require 2 years OTR, and others will say they just require 2 years DRIVING experience. I wish I could list them, but the one who took me is based here in PA and wouldn't help you out there in Nevada.

    The point of my post is that, if YOU are comfortable going back out without any refresher training, there are some companies around that will hire and send you out based on your CDL A experience, not whether you were local or OTR.
     
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