"Inexperienced Driver" Training?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by backupandpush, Jul 31, 2011.

  1. Jul 31, 2011 #1
    backupandpush

    backupandpush Light Load Member

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    Austin, Texas
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    For better or worse, I got my CDL through a local trucking company. He taught me what I needed to know pass the driving exam and not much more. Now I know I need to learn a whole lot more to be good OTR driver. Am I wasting my time applying for an "inexperienced driver" position? Or do I need to go through a lengthy classroom course to make it? I've been driving four wheelers for forty years, including gravel trucks, but no "big rig experience". I want to succeed on the first go around and based on my previous life experiences, I'm confident I can be a safe, capable OTR driver, but I also know there's a "learning curve" ahead and I don't want to waste my time or the time of the company that hires me. I appreciate any feedback sent me way. PS: I do find that I have a hugely different attitude about driving in general than I did before I got my CDL and that's a good thing!
     
    backupandpush, Jul 31, 2011
    backupandpush, Jul 31, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 31, 2011 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    No, you are not an "experienced" CMV driver, but you can still get a job, since you do have your CDL in hand.
     
    Allow Me., Jul 31, 2011
    Allow Me., Jul 31, 2011
    #2
  4. Jul 31, 2011 #3
    ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    The big OTR companys want to see a certificate from a driving school... however, you could very well find an opportunity at a smaller carrier in your area. You're going to have to burn some shoe leather to find it though.
     
    ironpony, Jul 31, 2011
    ironpony, Jul 31, 2011
    #3
  5. Jul 31, 2011 #4
    Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    Some OTR 'starter' companies (swift, stevens, werner, etc) will accept recent experience driving dumps, LTL or other CMV's in lieu of school. Talk to each and see.
    Then pick one and go for it. After completing one of those companies training programs (and they'll pay you...not a lot, but will pay you something while training), many other jobs will open up to you.
     
    Emulsified, Jul 31, 2011
    Emulsified, Jul 31, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 31, 2011 #5
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Hit up the cement (redi-mix) companies in your area, like Robertson's. They put you on and set you up in there training. Or even Greyhound has driver training.
     
    Powder Joints, Jul 31, 2011
    Powder Joints, Jul 31, 2011
    #5
  8. Jul 31, 2011 #6
    dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

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    Dallas, Texas
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    Don't be in a hurry to spend thousands of dollars on a driving school, you built your driving resume brick-by-brick. No driving school can teach students what you've already learned, and you've got common sense. (Driving schools CERTAINLY don't teach THAT).

    Can you sum up your background and experience and build on it? Like choosing a trucking company with slightly larger equipment that you're familiar with. Like.. construction materials, hot mix, oilfield supplies, the list is endless.

    Of course, the fast way in is to just pay the bucks and get a job after graduation. You can keep your independence if you stay out of that trap. Any company that trains you owns you 'till the debt is paid for their school. Few miseries compare to being owned and manipulated by a trucking company. With perseverence and some good decisions you'll have a solid resume that you built yourself, without help from a Mega-Carrier. Big trucking companies would like to think that they build people, but they don't- they just slap people around for fun and profit.

    I can't tell where you're located, but the oilfield is HOT right now. Good money, lots of work, good opportunities.. A good place to find an oilfield services company that uses equipment from straight trucks to tractor- trailers. Might be a great place to work your way up? That way you get to stay with one employer while you step up to higher levers of experience and equipment.

    Anyway, welcome- and it's nice to have you join us!
     
    dave26027, Jul 31, 2011
    dave26027, Jul 31, 2011
    #6
  9. Jul 31, 2011 #7
    backupandpush

    backupandpush Light Load Member

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    Jun 29, 2011
    Austin, Texas
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    I really appreciate everyone who took the time to reply to this thread. That's about what I thought. I'm in Austin and the trucker who helped me get my CDL suggested the oilfield to get started. I'm on board with the idea that being a slave to anyone or anything is detrimental to one's health and sanity so I'm not desperate enough to sell my soul. I do have a strong desire to go OTR and I have the support of my spouse. She's even willing to try the team route. This forum is a great thing and it's very helpful when others are willing to share their experiences and viewpoints. There's no substitution for real life experience, but nevertheless, when someone says, "this is what happened for me".......I can file that away and use it as a guide for making better decisions for myself. Thanks again!
     
    backupandpush, Jul 31, 2011
    backupandpush, Jul 31, 2011
    #7
    dave26027 Thanks this.
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