Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Help or Advise

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by speed_man13, Jan 11, 2009.

  1. Jan 11, 2009 #1
    speed_man13

    speed_man13 Light Load Member

    50
    2
    Jan 27, 2007
    0
    I got my Class A CDL back in March of 08, but since being 20, no one would even blink an eye me. I went to Baker College Truck Driving School, which was a 20 week course (very thorough). I am now 4 weeks from turning 21 and am getting quite antsy to get out on the road. My shifting and all was great (perfect attendance and all A's) through the entire course and all. I had to cut grass all summer and in October I got layed off and wasnt able to find a job since. I cannot collect unemployment either being a seasonal job and all, so now I am really looking for help. I am currently looking at KLLM, Werner, Blueline Express, US Xpress and Swift as my starter company. What can I do that would help me out in anyway and/or if anyone out there is from Michigan and could maybe steer me in a good direction. I am willing to move whereever since I have nothing tying me down here and just really want to get going. But with the economy, I am unsure if now is the best time; anyways, I am getting into within the next month cause the bills dont stop for sure. PLEASE, I need help and advice. Also, Munrkr, you contacted me a while back and I apologize that didnt get back but I didnt have the minimum replies or whatever to PM you. I am getting close tho.
     
    speed_man13, Jan 11, 2009
    speed_man13, Jan 11, 2009
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Jan 11, 2009 #2
    rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,061
    7,055
    Jul 15, 2007
    TEXAS
    0
    You have a few things going against you right now. Your only 20, you have to be 21 to drive across state lines per FMSCA. Second, most OTR companies require you to be at least 23. Don't know why, but I'm thinking it has to do with insurance. Third, you have been out the truck since obtaining your CDL's with no experience and most companies want 3-6months(except maybe the training companies). Thus requiring you to be retrained before they might consider you. Fourth, its a tight market for drivers right now. Even the experienced drivers are having a hard time finding work.

    Having said all of this. I would keeping trying and looking for a driving job. You might have to find something local. Like Sysco or Sygma, they hire drivers from school. Also look at driving for a gravel or concrete company. Remember; Persistences meets Resistances. Good luck on your search.
     
    rookietrucker, Jan 11, 2009
    rookietrucker, Jan 11, 2009
    #2
    1pissedoffdriver, Lilbit, speed_man13 and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. Jan 11, 2009 #3
    munrkr

    munrkr Medium Load Member

    375
    27
    Dec 14, 2006
    0
    Welcome back speedman! I wondered what happened to you. Sorry to hear your predicament. I'd have to echo what's already been said by others unfortunately. This economy is terrible and getting worse, especially around here in Michigan. If you can't find a job driving OTR, and I doubt you will, I'd hammer away at class B jobs. Delivering propane, bus, Furniture stores, taxi, bucket truck, construction/contractor (though they're hurting too). I'm interviewing for a company that handles lottery terminals Monday. Company truck, hourly pay, cell, the whole nine... The only thing I wouldn't like is being on call, but certainly desirable overall. Also, try to parlay your education at Baker in another direction. I know they have placement services. Maybe something like dispatch or distribution...? I'd say ups and fedex, but I'm sure you already thought of that, as have I without success. Keep your chin up and cast as wide a net as possible. Get on that Michigan talent bank website if you haven't already and check it daily! Also brick & mortar employment office as they have some postings not on the web. Also the Census Bureau is hiring temps! I scored 26 out of 28 and am getting interviewed. Hope this helps. It's always been a jungle out there. :biggrin_2553::biggrin_25519::biggrin_25515:
     
    munrkr, Jan 11, 2009
    munrkr, Jan 11, 2009
    #3
  5. Jan 11, 2009 #4
    speed_man13

    speed_man13 Light Load Member

    50
    2
    Jan 27, 2007
    0
    Thats some good info thanks! I am now looking a moving company since they have some openings for drivers and such (and for this economy, probably be boomin). I also have another question. Is it possible to join a guy that has experience and possibly do team driving or wont that work. Like me go through training at Schneider where they are hiring team drivers and then join another guy as a team? Would that work out at all or not? good to hear from you munrkr.
     
    speed_man13, Jan 11, 2009
    speed_man13, Jan 11, 2009
    #4
  7. Jan 11, 2009 #5
    Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

    16,583
    12,232
    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
    0
    Schneider isn't doing training anymore. The are hiring experienced drivers only.
     
    Lilbit, Jan 11, 2009
    Lilbit, Jan 11, 2009
    #5
  8. Jan 11, 2009 #6
    BoostedTeg

    BoostedTeg Road Train Member

    1,793
    3,189
    Jun 2, 2008
    Boise ID
    0
    most OTR companies require you to be at least 23. Don't know why, but I'm thinking it has to do with insurance.

    But when you go to the web site of the all the mega carriers it say that that the minimum age required is 21 is that a joke or what. can a 21 year old actually be behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler cuz im only 2 months away and i already have a class a cdl. Sorry didnt mean to thread jack
     
    BoostedTeg, Jan 11, 2009
    BoostedTeg, Jan 11, 2009
    #6
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.