Heartland Express can’t be serious?

You're hirable, just haven't applied to the right company yet. All companies will give you a road test and then decide if you need some refresher or not. Usually, they just put you with a trainer for a few trips to get you back up to date.
Are you still in Boise?
I checked Dot Transportation, www.drivefordot.com but it's 159 miles away in Burley.
Wait, I did some more checking, there's a terminal in Caldwell. Caldwell has two openings for CDL-A drivers.
Good outfit and will probably hire you.
Online Application Form - Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI) (driverapponline.com)
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You love the open road. You'd rather see spectacular sunrises through your windshield than work in an office. As a professional Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI) Class A CDL driver, you can receive the respect you deserve while living your dream. You'll pick up product from Dot Foods suppliers and transport product to our customers and distribution centers.
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Pay: Starting pay up to $90K depending on experience and job type.

 

Don't say anything about having problems with your last trainer or badmouth any past company you worked for.
If you do, a new company probably won't hire you.
Force yourself to have a positive attitude.
DOT is a good company and will probably work with you.

 

Winco Foods hires cdl-a drivers.

 

Landair
2,500-2,800 MILES PER WEEK Expect consistent mileage week after week. Our strong stable of regular customers will ensure you good miles and good pay.

 

Truck Driver Recruiter - Forward Air Driver Opportunities Nationwide (driveforwardair.com)

 

Plenty more to try.

 

Well.....the issue is that for some companies, they want you to have recent tractor trailer experience. If you have been driving straight trucks or completely out of the game for that long, they will have you go through their version of a refresher. Heartland is treating you like a brand new driver, as companies that do refreshers might have you do 2 weeks tops. Then judging by your post, I conclude that you have 1 year OTR or tractor trailer experience. Honestly, I can see why a company would be hesitant about putting you out on the road with your experience being so far back. That being said, there are companies that hire you without making you go through a refresher. Since you're in Idaho, did you try Giltner or Doug Andrus?

 

Kold Trans hires drivers in your situation. You'll have to hit the road with a trainer though, to get you back up to speed.
Kold Trans Refrigerated Transportation & Logistics Trucking …

 

Did you read the post?

 

I missed that part about having a Class A.

So no, he doesn't need any schooling. His only issue is getting Class A experience, and he's probably not going to find a mega that will work with him not going through their BS of indentured servitude, as that is their primary business model.

I will go back to my original point where he should try pulling dump trailers locally for a year to obtain the necessary experience for most companies.