Is to much work history a bad thing?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jerome5alive, Apr 9, 2016.

  1. Jerome5alive

    Jerome5alive Bobtail Member

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    I must admit, my life has been a bit hard since I left the army 6 years ago, I have made some poor decisions. The thing that worries me is my work history, I have had to much unstable work history, I have had to many jobs since I left the military 6 years ago and being that I served 10 years means nothing. Just how bad is this in the trucking industry? I have my class A permit, should I continue to try and get my full CDL ?
     
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  3. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    Starter companies won't care, a lot of companies have over 100% turnover every year. Have you used your GI yet?
     
  4. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    As long as they're non driving jobs I don't think it's a big deal.
    Lazy recruiter might not want to hire you since he might have to do a ton of checking.
    They usually want 10yr work history.

    Just try not to do that too often once you have your CDL.
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yes, get the CDL and get to work.
    Some "Boy Scout" companies won't hire you due to your work history, ie. Maverick and Prime and Averitt Express.
    What are you looking for; private CDL school or trucking company school.
     
    w.h.o, roadmap65 and Starboyjim Thank this.
  6. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

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    Well actually I've had 5 companies in the past 5 years.

    I kinda like the quick high paying temp work market as to the consistent long term company. No trouble finding work.

    Drivings different than say sales.

    Really I'm a fool for not job hopping to sign on bonuses and temps sooner.

    Its my niche you'll find yours if you choose.
     
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  7. Canned Spam

    Canned Spam Road Train Member

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    5 jobs in 5 years isn't that bad
     
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  8. truckbuddha

    truckbuddha Medium Load Member

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    I have to agree! The DOT requires a 10 yr work history and listing any big gaps in employment. But I would say, you shouldn't have a thing to worry about. And now, Like Central Refridgerated and so many others, hiring Vets is a big item.

    You should do fine, I am sure you'll be amazed at the opportunities that are waiting for you in trucking.
     
  9. Wicked Wizard

    Wicked Wizard Heavy Load Member

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    J.B. Hunt has a new military program that trains new drivers to get their CDL. I think it is sponsered through the government. Give them a try.
     
  10. MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    First, thank you for your service to this country.

    Second, it does mean something. As mentioned above many companies are actively trying to recruit former military. If you were successful in the military you stand a good chance of being successful in the trucking industry.

    Good Luck and Stay Safe,
    MD
     
  11. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Most carriers prefer hiring drivers with no more than 3 jobs in the last 2 years. However, it isn't written in concrete. Each carrier makes their own policies concerning hiring. In my situation, I would rarely hire anyone with more than 3 jobs in the last couple of years. I once spoke with a driver who said that he had over 20 jobs during the last 2 years. Needless to say, that was the end of our conversation. If this is something you want to do, then I would say go for it. It is important to not move around a lot once you start driving. The better carriers won't hire those who move around too much. It costs a lot of money to recruit and go through the orientation process so we look at past history. If we see someone who moves around too much, then we can assume they will not hang around long and we then need to decide whether it will be worth the expense to hire a particular driver. If you do get into the business, make a point of staying with a carrier for at least a year before making a change. The longer you stay with a carrier the better it will be for you and the more options you will have when it comes to changing carriers.
     
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