I'm worried I won't get this job on a technicality

Ok, so heres the situation:
I got my class A CDL October 2009. I took a driving class at my local community college before I got it. I been driving a 42' tractor/trailer for my father's farm hauling grain off and on since then. I found an ad on craigslist from a guy looking for a team driver. So I called him, we talked and we hit it off. We were both in Navy and had a few stories to share. I'm really excited because I've never crossed state borders trucking and this guy will be there to teach me the ways of a truck driver. Anyway he gave me the number to the HR guy from fedex. I call and set up an appointment and I go in the next day. When I show up he has me fill out an application, gives me a few safety books that I sign that I received. He explains that the first guy is a owner contracted to fedex and I need to fill certain requirements. Ok no problem I thought. They wanted a year OTR experience or 6 months plus driving school. Well I barely haev 6 months experience and I took a driving class. They tell me they will need a copy of the certificate. I didn't receive a certificate, but I don't say anything cuz I figured I will just go to my school and get one. They also have me do a drug test that day, no problem there.

Ok heres where it goes south. I go to my college and ask about the certificate. They tell me I didn't complete the class, because I went to the DMV in my fathers truck instead of the school's. She continues and tells me she will tell fedex that I passed the class with a 92%, but the last week I went and got my class A early in my own truck, so I could drive in time for harvest. I got my CDL, why can't they just give me the certification?

I've read some of the previous threads here before writing this and understand a lot of companies have these experience requirements because of insurance.

Now I'm scared I'm not gonna get this job due to a technicality. I'm so worried. Do you guys have any info on what will likely happen? It really seems the contractor already chose me, cuz not only did he pull the ad from craiglist the day I filed the application, but they also drug tested me. Any other place I've worked, they drug test you once they decide to hire you. Am I right? Or is this normal for truck driving applications?

Am I screwed?

 

If the school calls, and you can drive a truck, you should be OK with them.

It would be better if the school could fax something showing your attendance and grades along with the call. Surely they will understand you using your own truck to get your license. After you talk to the school, talk to FedEx and tell them the story.

 

Trucking companies indeed dance to the tune of their insurers, and those people rarely stray from operating by the book. Especially when there's potential liability.

I hate to say it, but yeah, this job probably won't happen.

You can try to get FedEx's risk management people to talk to the college, but I doubt they'll bite.

If you still want to drive---there will be more opportunities---definitely find out what getting your certification squared away will require, and bite the bullet.

 

God I really hope so. I need this job baad. I spent my last 10 dollars on the gas to go there to file. I still need to borrow money to take the doubles endorsement test that I know I will pass. No one likes to have to borrow money. And I still need money to get a short card. Which reminds me of another question. I had to take a physical and drug test at this occupational clinic in order to take the driving class. Is that related to a short card?

If this don't work out, I'm clueless on getting a trucking job then. I've been filling out application online the past month, even on ones asking for 2 years experience. I haven't been getting any bites at all. /whine

 

All you can do is try. If they do balk, tell them you really want to work there, and what will it take to make things right. Don't get discouraged until they say absloutely not. Until then you always have a shot, even if it takes bugging them.

 

I guess it wouldn't hurt to beg. Thank you guys for your posts. I'm going to try to stop worrying so much.

There's always Curry trucking in Decatur, Illinois. They are always hiring newbs. But I'm trying to avoid because my driving instructor even warned us to stay away from them cuz they treat and work you like dogs. Might be the only way to get OTR experience tho...

 

You might look at maverick. They have a yard in madison Il. They do not even require a school as long as you have a CDL. They also hire newbies.

 

Thanks for the tip!! I wanted to ask where else I could apply but was afraid I'd get the "google is your friend"

 

Your welcome! I drove for them for a couple years. They are a good co.

 

I thought maybe you could have a letter made on the schools letter head stating exactly what the lady at the school said, that you completed the course with a 92%. In many cases it isnt how pretty the certificate is as much as having a hard copy to put into a file in case something comes up. I would try it in a heart beat. Then, if there is an issue have the lady call Fedex.