Little experience / Needing advice on where to go next...

Good Afternoon, Drivers:

As you will see from further information that I'll provide in this post, I "should be" easily placeable... even though I am a "new" driver. I've had experiences with both CRST (NO COMMENT!) and USA Truck in the past three months since obtaining my CDL-A (GA).

<Warning- my sob story next paragraph! Skip if you don't have any tissues.>

I did complete a three week driver training program with USA Truck... but they would not "test" or "upgrade" me immediately afterward since they wanted two more weeks as a "trainee" to "LEARN" team driving. They originally (June 16th) promised me credit for over 2,500 miles behind the wheel (over 5,000 total over two weeks!) in team driving with CRST, but purposefully did NOT communicate with me during that last week of regular training (to end August 1st) to "inform me" of their reinstated requirement. By the end of my 3rd training week, on July 31st, they had WASTED over two weeks of my time parking me in motel rooms because they couldn't find a "non-smoking" trainer... finally bussing me to Ohio (on July 3rd!) to wait ANOTHER four days before getting me started. In total, they took 6.5 weeks to give me what they promised would be 3.5 weeks (including orientation)... THEN told me I would have to spend two MORE weeks as a team driving trainee! Given my previous OTR experience as a "team driver", what exactly was I supposed to learn?? I was (and AM) READY for ANY driving or written test last Friday (August 1st)... and had made home time and celebration plans for such. I suppose their training department had other "rules" (insurance based?) that "voided" their commitment to me... but they sure did kick me off my trainer's truck (after a 12 hour driving route, and just prior to sleep time at 2pm on July 31st) in a HEARTBEAT and cause me a 16 hour trip back home. if they had they let me stay on-board with my trainer just ONE more day (my FINAL overnight shift), the trip home would have taken about 6 hours. What a shame... I actually really LIKED their company, and I'd recommend it to other new drivers if they are the type that don't mind getting "jerked around" by a poorly managed training department. In retrospect, I suppose that both the company AND I had too much "invested" in our relationship to walk away from each other... yet another "lesson" learned the hard way for both of us.

<End of wah, wah, wah zone!>

After having "wasted" last week hoping for an opportunity with JB Hunt (they want 2 more months of "experience"), here I sit hoping that one of YOU folks might recognize my "value"... and might put me in touch with a contact that can get me behind the wheel as quickly as possible. The contact should be a hiring authority, or training department person that can give me a fast-tracked, guaranteed path to employment reasonably quickly... with pay. Do NOT put me in contact with a "recruiter"... their job is to "move bodies" and, based upon my training and driving experience to date, anything other than some type of "modified" training program would be an utter WASTE of my time and a company's money. I'm ready to COMMIT, and make money for both of us.

If you are still reading this, then thanks very much for considering my situation. I'll bullet my "value" points below, and will complete any "applications" you need after we communicate with each other regarding the "opportunity". Thanks again, in advance, for any offers of help or advice. Be safe... and be well!! -Railroad Mike-

• Completely clean CDL-A (Interstate), originally issued by Iowa 20May14 then transferred to Georgia 05June14... no restrictions, and I have passed THREE physical examinations in the past three months (ridiculous!!) for THREE duplicated medical "cards". Drug free, and do NOT drink alcohol.

• Completed TSA fingerprinting requirement for HazMat, and will pass the endorsement exam immediately upon notification of "clearance"... in the next month, I expect.

• Will provide signed evaluation sheets for three week training program recently completed... as well as trainer contact information, if needed.

• Never been arrested, and no accidents in lifetime. Last ticket over 5 years ago... less than 9mph over in a 45 zone (speed trap!).

• Excellent heath, and ability/desire to assist in loading/unloading at customer drop locations. Dry van preferred, but reefer or flatbed OK... sleeper berth tractors only.

• Irregular "home time" is totally OK... I am 5+ years divorced, adult children, and no "ties" to home (Union County, GA) requiring my "regular" presence. Long road trips preferred... anywhere, and challenging terrain preferred. Specific "routes" OK if "rotated" regularly... and night driving isn't a problem for me- although the "view" is always the same and gets boring after a while. >

• I am easy going, polite, non-complaining and a "young" 51 years old. I require "respect", and am respectful to others. My "triggers" are being lied to, arrogance and disrespectful, ugly-acting people. I have no political party affiliation, am not racist and generally keep my opinions to myself unless asked. I ask lots of questions, and am just as comfortable chatting as I am with personal, alone and quiet time. With a "considerate" co-driver, team is OK... as is solo.

• There are no skeletons in my closet... I simply want to DRIVE, but have had two bad-luck experiences. They say that the "third time is a charm", right? Please contact me with "serious" offers or suggestions that permit me to earn money for BOTH of us. I promise AT LEAST one year's commitment for the opportunity... but plan to work for many years to come and would value a long-term relationship.

Test me, evaluate me, USE me... I will NOT disappoint!