local driver to OTR

Just a curious question I have. Got my Class A with all endorsements and TWIC last November. Been driving for almost 10 months in a Class B truck. Thinking of making a move to OTR to get some Class A experience to make more money in the long run. My school would charge $800 for me to take a refresher course in a big rig. Any companies offer a refresher without a great deal of obligation like a year that newbies have to fulfill? I know Central and FFE offer one. Anyone else honor an outside refresher or provide a refresher without being a slave for 12 months? Im on the west coast and do not have many job options...shouldve stayed in Baltimore.

 

Look at pride transport, interstate distributors..Look at the transport section of craigslist for your area.

 

tried pride actually. im out of their hiring area and i browse cl daily-slim pickens

 

What about gordon, capital freight?lines I think. Im just throwing out the ones I've seen running 80 and 5

 

Thanks or the heads up. I think im still lacking experience/out of hiring area for those companies.

 

Do what I did. Look for the companies that have class A and class B Equipment. Be the go to guy. I don't care what i drive during the week. I still earn over 68k after my first year. 6th year in doing both. My area I've made more in class B work. But i don't care straight truck to hauling aviation trailer


Edit: Local driver and never really completed otr training

Over the years be surprised to know. how awesome it is to do both. a lot of drivers will only do 1. think 1 class of license and not do the other. Flexible for the same pay is the negotiation $ !



Do class B work and when they stick you in a Class A just do it ! No refresher, yeah its weird, just do it at your pace. after all, you did earn a class A. prove it to yourself.

 

try watkins shepard trucking




American Trucker

 

good call. was thinking of a few construction and beverage companies as well after this year is up. or...moving to texas for the oilfields. AT: Watkins- Shep denied me as well based on location.

 

I see your location as Monterey, anything available in Salinas? I was stationed at Ft. ORD for 4 years and remember all the Produce being shipped out of there.

 

When I went from My B I just paid $250 for a local to teach me how to do a Pre trip and do some backing for practice.
I then paid a local CDL school for a driving test and was certified for under $500.
I drove a lot of various size trucks etc for awhile.
Then Since I had a break the VA was nice enough to pay for me to go to a school in Oregon as a refresher.
I start work on Thurs driving Super Bees and S Trains ;p
There are ways other then school to get a CDL.