Havn't worked in 3 years, can I get hired?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by VA CDL Holder, Jul 6, 2012.

  1. VA CDL Holder

    VA CDL Holder Medium Load Member

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    I've been out of the USA and overseas for close to three years now. I'm living on my savings and havn't worked by my own choice. Prior to this I did have solid employment with the same employer for sixteen years, non trucking. I've been looking at all of the big carriers and they want to know about any gaps in employment. I'm getting the feeling that they expect everyone to be working all the time, but I didn't need the income so I didn't work. I realize that most people live paycheck to paycheck, but I've been good with my money over the years.

    My big reason for wanting to come back is because of the boredom. Life really becomes a bore without a job and I now know that retirement is just not for me on a permanent basis. I have had a CDL for a long time, but I have no verifiable experience that will matter.

    So the question is:

    Is it that big of a deal that I havn't worked in three years to the mega carriers? I know I'll have to start from the ground up, but I'm thinking of working for nine months, taking three months off, into perpetuity, for any company that would hire me. My intent is to make some money and not totally drain my reserves. It would also be nice to have a three month vacation every year.

    Thanks for the replies.
     
  2. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    You might check out Schneider, they advertise your scenario but I'm not sure if they're interested in entry level with employment gaps. Talk to a recruiter.
     
  3. VA CDL Holder

    VA CDL Holder Medium Load Member

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    I plan on coming back to the USA in Feb. of next year. I have been reluctant to contact a recruiter from overseas because I don't think they'll "waste time" entertaining me while I'm still over here and with seven months until I make the trip. My plan was to contact a recruiter as soon as I'm back in Virginia and get my medical current with the DMV.
     
  4. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    You could still contact a recruiter and inquire about their policy pertaining to your situation and interests, then you could plan accordingly.
     
  5. TheRoadWarrior

    TheRoadWarrior rocking-n-rollin again

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    Had a 30 yr vet of the road friend of mine who got hurt and was off for three years. No one would touch him even with a full doctors release. This man has safety awards, no points or suspensions and over 2 million miles and they shot him down 14 times I know of. But these companies will hire a stone cold rookie out of school. He came out with me for a week and had not lost his touch at all so see how it goes and hope you get it all straight
     
  6. VA CDL Holder

    VA CDL Holder Medium Load Member

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    My personal opinion on my situation is this:

    What's the big deal if I've been blessed, through my own hard work and planning, to NOT HAVE TO work for the last three years. Are they only looking for indentured servants or slaves to the system? For Christ's sake, why work when you don't need to? I worked for the postal service for a solid sixteen years, took a buy out and resigned. Living over here in the tropics, being bored and now I'm ready to get back on the the "rat wheel" and run a little more to cure my boredom and get a taste of what I left behind.

    I don't know, maybe they only want people who have no other recourse in life, the mega carriers that is.
     
  7. bluerider

    bluerider Light Load Member

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    While you were overseas, the US got taken over by bureaucrats. It used to be they just worked for the Government, now they're everywhere and they hate people like you. Welcome back!
     
    Roetaw and GMCTtrucks Thank this.
  8. GMCTtrucks

    GMCTtrucks Bobtail Member

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    you will be totally fine with your situation with the majority of mega-carriers
     
  9. cpttuttle

    cpttuttle Medium Load Member

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    no he won't!i've benn off less than a year due to health,and crete wanted me to go out with a trainer!!!i have over 15 years exp.same with a couple of others.
     
  10. GMCTtrucks

    GMCTtrucks Bobtail Member

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    Sorry I was talking in terms of being hireable