Howdy from a newbie

Just passed my road test and all endorsements. Now I'm looking for an OTR job for a company that takes no experience drivers and won't jack them around too much. Any suggestions?

 

thanks for the input bumpy. good advice!

 

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but I've been reading a lot of threads to get info. I decided to go with Roehl and got in contact. Still some info they want about past work. Roadmaster was supposed to send it to them but doesn't seem to have done so. I worked the last 27 years for myself with some second and third jobs along the way.
Just got to get it straightened out on Mon. then my physical then I'm on my way. Sure do hope I can make it as the quality of training I got doesn't appear to be anywhere near as complete or professional as some of the folks I've been reading. I really need the job.

 

Didn't get the job at Roehl. Applied to PAM Transport but they won't accept my proof of employment (I need to get some IRS stuff fixed so I can't send W-2/filing forms) I have been self-employed for 27 years.
I had a road test at Bill Hall, Jr. really nice company, good trucks, nice people but the tester said I needed more practice backing shorter trailers. I have been using 53' trailers no problem but theirs are gravel/aggregate back dumps and belly dumps and are about 27-33?ft. and are much more sensitive. He must have liked the rest of what I did because he said I could come in on Saturdays and practice. Really nice people like I said.
Anyway, while I'm working that out, I'm applying at Maverick, I read a lot of good things about them on the Forum and they seem to be interested in me so I'm sending all necessary apps and proofs ASAP.
Wish me luck. They want me to haul glass. Any tips out there?

 

Good luck to you. Are you in a school yet, or just looking around? If you aren't in one already't I'd say steer clear of the private ones like Roadmaster. Very expensive. There should be a program at a community college or trade school near you and that's probably your best bet.
Also, don't be in a hurry. Lots of places advertise that you can get your CDL-A in 4 weeks or less and maybe you can but you won't have the training time with an instructor to really make you a better driver. Remember, no matter what company you apply to their going to want to test you before they even train you in all the stuff you didn't get in school.
I don't know why the schools don't really thoroughly do the job, but they don't.
Anyway, good luck again and let me know how you're doing.

 

That's great! Get all the practice you can. Two things though, (1)all the schools I've heard of don't require much money down and the companies that hire you out of school will often pay for it all, also some companies have their own schools but beware!!! you could get stuck owing beau coup bucks if they don't keep you on long enough to pay the whole thing off (2) check this forum for info on any school/company you are considering. It'll save your life.