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Is OTR required to gain experience?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Jun 5, 2025 #1
    MrAwesomeNoodles

    MrAwesomeNoodles Bobtail Member

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    I'm retiring from the Army, 20 years of service, I have a lot of experience driving large military vehicles. I recently got my CDL. I also have hazmat, tanker, doubles triples endorsements. No commercial driving experience yet. I'm wondering if I should even try getting a home daily job or is it not even worth it to try? Is there much of a chance anyone would hire me for a local job without experience? I live in Clarksville Tennessee.
     
    MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025
    MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025
    #1
    nextgentrucker Thanks this.
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  3. Jun 5, 2025 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Sure, local will hire you, if there's any jobs available.
    You might like communicating with:
    @Nahbrown & @econnor65 both retired military.
    `
    I'm from Greenbrier, but been gone awhile, so kinda lost track of local work around that area.
     
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    #2
    MrAwesomeNoodles Thanks this.
  4. Jun 5, 2025 #3
    UnderdogVigilante

    UnderdogVigilante Light Load Member

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    Most local companies will not consider hiring a newbie. They want experienced drivers and it's more or less recommended to do OTR. I have spoken to evvery.local.company on my area and they all said the same. They want drivers with OTR experience.
     
    UnderdogVigilante, Jun 5, 2025
    UnderdogVigilante, Jun 5, 2025
    #3
    MrAwesomeNoodles Thanks this.
  5. Jun 5, 2025 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Be sure to list your military experience as driving big trucks. Some companies accept that as experience from military veterans.
     
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    #4
    wulfman75, Nahbrown, MrAwesomeNoodles and 1 other person Thank this.
  7. Jun 5, 2025 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    #5
    MrAwesomeNoodles Thanks this.
  8. Jun 5, 2025 #6
    JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    Believe both ABF and FedEx Freight have apprenticeship programs. With the current Freight market, not sure if they are currently offering positions...


    Something to look into though.
     
    JonJon78, Jun 5, 2025
    JonJon78, Jun 5, 2025
    #6
    MrAwesomeNoodles Thanks this.
  9. Jun 5, 2025 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    #7
  10. Jun 5, 2025 #8
    MrAwesomeNoodles

    MrAwesomeNoodles Bobtail Member

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    I'm hopeful but also trying to be realistic. Thank you for the response.
     
    MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025
    MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025
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    MSWS Thanks this.
  11. Jun 5, 2025 #9
    MrAwesomeNoodles

    MrAwesomeNoodles Bobtail Member

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    I figured this was the case. Most every job listing I see requires some experience. I figure I could try anyway but don't want to waste a ton of time doing so. I appreciate your insight, thank you.
     
    MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025
    MrAwesomeNoodles, Jun 5, 2025
    #9
  12. Jun 5, 2025 #10
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    76,305
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    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    Chinatown, Jun 5, 2025
    #10
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