How hirable will I be?

Hi,


I'm thinking about starting cdl school in the next month or so and am wondering if it's possible to get a general idea of how "hirable" I will be? I'm going to write a long intial post so people don't ask me a lot of questions about my expectations or status.


I'm 30 years old. No prior experience with trucking or anything related.
No wife, no kids- just parents and who live locally. I live in WA state near Seattle. I'm a fairly independent person and can handle being by myself most of the time.

Driving record: 2 dismissed speeding tickets in 2009 and 1 speeding ticket in July 2010 for 11mph over that I had to pay. I had an accident when I was 19 but that's off my record now. No duis, felonies, or any other crimes.

School: I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology.

Employment: Worked for 4.5 years at a desk job until Oct 09, then one month of voluntary unemployment, then a couple months doing some canvassing work which I got fired from for not meeting the quota (canvassing is knocking on doors and asking for money), then 10 month desk job that was temporary and I'm finishing it up now. So, I guess that's 3 jobs in 5 years. I'm on good terms with those companies- even the one I got fired from.

Like I said, I'm researching some local cdl schools. I'm not too interested in the comm college route because I'd rather get going sooner rather than later. I'm also trying to avoid company run schools.

Again, the info I'm hoping to get is how "hirealbe" do you feel I would be? I know different companies have different requirements and such- feel free to let me know if you think some would hire me and some wouldn't. Of course, this is all dependent on me passing my cdl. I'm not sure how important class standing is in that but if that's a factor, I'd apprciate knowing that.

I've read thru a lot of posts about the horror stories of trucking life. I get it's not all glitter and good times. No need to reply with posts about everything that's wrong with the industry as I've already read thru a lot of those posts.

As a bonus, I'd also appreciate peope's 2 cents on pros and cons of various local trucking schools and smaller or local companies (seattle, WA. eg, Gordon) IF you have personal experience with them. No need for the "I heard from somebody that company X is (insert adjective here)". I've browsed thru the good company/ bad company forums a bit. I do fully expect to do OTR driving after graduating- which is fine.

Thanks for your knowledge! I know this was a long post but I'm hoping you find it useful in providing as specific and accurate info as is possible.

 

thanks for the replies. I'm suprised about the comment about Gordon trucking not hiring WA residents. I haven't spoken to Gordon but I have spoken to some local schools who say that Gordon sends representatives for recruiting to the schools. I'll give them a call next week and see what they have to say.

Thanks again

 

Hey AXE,

How did you like Trans Union? When did you go there? I'm considering their program.