Have CDL but no Experience

You are in the same catagory as someone who has been out of trucking for a few years. Most companies other than your really small outfits will require you to attend a driving school as a refresher. If you do not want to go that rout look in the phone book for a local concrete company with dump trucks. You can start that way and work your way into OTR with a local company. I would not worry to much about a DAC report right now. The DAC keeps up with who you have worked for and your driving record. The DAC keeps records for three years, so if you quit trucking for a while your DAC will show a BIG empty space. The report contains your professional driving history including accidents/incidents, MVR record, drug/alcohol test history, plus criminal history. Approximately 90% of all U.S. long haul commercial carriers use the DAC Report for pre-employment screening.

 

I'm finishing up school with a guy in a similar position. He retired from the Marines after 23yrs and drove trucks during and before joining the military. The problem was he didn't have a CDL, he had a Chauffeur license. So he had to do the school thing. Anyhow, he didn't have any issues locating a job after school with some smaller local companies. You may check out companies like Swift or Warner who has a training program. They also reimburse you for school in some cases should you have to take it. Now I don't know about your school, but mine has refresher courses. I think it's only about 2-3 days. So You may not even have to do the full 3-4 wks.

Good luck and thanks for your service!

 

This is like saying..."I have a scalpel, but no surgical experience. Other than using one to cut open a bag of peanuts."

lol

 

since you do have a CDL, try some of the local LTL companies..maybe they can put you as a dock/yardman for a while, or have you do "bulk" deliveries till you gain some time behind the wheel....

if not, then maybe a local school for a short course in driving, usually about 3 to 4 weeks...you would not require a permit, so you can use the time normally for classroom in the yard instead practicing.

if this is not an option, then probably Werner, Swift, CRST, TMC, Maverick to new but a few that might hire you on...

good luck, inform us as to what you decide,

 

Unfortunately T-bone it is the insurance companies that make the rules. So it may behoove you to look into the smaller mom and pop companies that have slack insurance. I know the feeling though, you could probably teach some trainers a thing or two about driving. Those are the rules we have to live by in this pussified, soccer-mom world! Thank you for your service and good luck to you. Just holler if you need anything.

 

T-Bone,

Thank You for your service !!

Now, there are thousands of veterans doing the same thing as you are.

Some attend a driving school.

Some just buy their own truck and jump right into it, alot of them at Landstar.

Or find a smaller company willing to work with, get you up to speed.

Look around this site, search the web, talk with other vets.

You'll find what you're looking for.

Good Luck !!!!!