How soon to start applying

An equally important question: to what other carriers are you applying?

With that question in mind--let me save you some (potental) misery....

see post #18, in the following Forum thread--then think about it:

I need some advice please

-- Lual

 

My latest gig has been hauling fuel...so I have some good exposure to certain fleets...having talked to their drivers.

You can apply to Love's/Gemini Transport, if you like...but that is easily one of the most sought-after jobs of its kind in the industry.

There--you're competing against other drivers with years of fuel experience--and the safety records to go along with it.

Also...in the fuel world...we have a saying: "Fuel drivers don't have accidents--we have DISASTERS".

The point here being--get at least 2 years experience elsewhere, first--before you start applying for jobs that are hazmat tanker.

If you are interested in tanker duty--start off doing food-grade, first. Get your initial experience there, instead. Some easy examples (that hire rookie drivers):

• https://www.mdtransport.us/become-a-driver
• https://www.wdtmilk.com/

-- Lual

 

Others here on the Forum will likely disagree with me (& that's ok--that's partly what Forums are for)--but I never was a fan of counting my chickens before they hatched.

Thus--I didn't start applying for jobs until I had a CDL in my wallet.

-- Lual

 

You can start applying anytime you want.

Just understand that you’re getting a pre-hire that means squat. The carrier isn’t going to do any serious digging into your application until you have the actual license.

Was a complete waste of time for me when I went through the pre-hire crap.

 

Some drivers start applying on day one of cdl school.

 

Another option to consider is not formally applying right away but simply reaching out to them and asking what endorsements they prefer you have, what schools they like to hire from, Make it super clear to them that you are really interested in working for them and any advice they can give is appreciated. This if nothing else will put your name in their mind when you do apply closer or at graduation. There is a marketing term called "TOMA" which means Top Of Mind Awareness. Anything you can do to add a positive mental image is going to help you when you actually apply. Heck you could ask to do a ride along, take a current driver out to lunch and ask him/her about the hiring process, etc. Don't be afraid to think outside the box a bit. With all that said best of luck and please update here on how it goes.

 

If you're planning on going to a company that has their own school, basically any of the megas, don't waste your own money.

What trailer do you want to haul? If you do dry van you'll be doing yourself a disservice. Any idiot can do dry van, at the very least do reefer. Better yet do 6 months of flatbed and 6 of tanker. Many megas have both divisions.