How long can you stay out of trucking to keep your experience recent?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Gtrucking, Mar 24, 2023.

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  1. Gtrucking

    Gtrucking Light Load Member

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    Hello i started driving end of 2014 so i have about 6-7 years clean experience i took a break from trucking end of 2021 how long can i stay out of trucking without having issues getting into any company i want to? Thank you
     
    Gtrucking, Mar 24, 2023
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  2. NH Guy

    NH Guy Medium Load Member

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    I think 12 months out of the previous 36 is pretty common
     
    NH Guy, Mar 24, 2023
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  3. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    lual, Mar 24, 2023
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  4. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    Depends, it’s all a racket to keep drivers forced into the game / system. You’ll never convince me once someone has driven a big rig for years, in many cases decades, because they take a year off they suddenly forget how to drive. Yeah they might be a little rusty but as soon as I get back in the truck take a few turns and make one delivery, they’re basically right back where they left off. Now if you’ve only got a year experience and then you take a year off that’s different. But it’s designed to keep truckers locked into the system. They don’t want us working a year and then taking a year off and maybe enjoying our lives. Lol
     
    Lennythedriver, Mar 24, 2023
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    Crude Truckin', Space Truckin, silverspur and 8 others Thank this.
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Depends on the company. Some companies such as Abilene Motor Express take drivers that haven't driven in 20 years.
    You've only been off the road for 2 years, so many companies will hire you, expecially since you live in North Carolina.
     
    Chinatown, Mar 24, 2023
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  6. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    I would agree with the above...it all depends on the carrier in question.

    Some are pretty laid back about it....others--if you've been out of the cab for 6 months or more--forget it.

    Suggestion: if a carrier gives you the cold shoulder for being out like you have--then consider it a blessing in disguise.

    You probably don't want to work for a "sweat shop" mentality like that, anyway. :mad:

    -- Lual
     
    lual, Mar 24, 2023
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  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I was off for 7 years and my old company took me back. I did talk to some other companies and they wanted me to go with a trainer for from 30 days to 6 months. Not.
    First time behind the wheel of a truck in 7 years is when I took my road test. Ground a couple gears but didn't hit anything. It all comes back pretty fast.
     
    kemosabi49, Mar 24, 2023
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  8. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    I’ve taken 4 1/2 years off so far and I feel sharp enough. I drove a whole 300 something miles last year. Mainly to exercise the truck ….lol
     
    Cat sdp, Mar 24, 2023
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  9. Gtrucking

    Gtrucking Light Load Member

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    Thank you fellas for all your replys!!! After reading all the answers i can keep enjoying for now until i am ready to get back in it
     
    Gtrucking, Mar 25, 2023
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    Just passing by Thanks this.
  10. NH Guy

    NH Guy Medium Load Member

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    If you are worried about it maybe you can find a company that needs something part time?
     
    NH Guy, Mar 25, 2023
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    Just passing by Thanks this.
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