New CDL grad looking to go straight into pulling tankers

Thanks for the ideas guys. Just an update here. I had originally planned to just apply to every decent tanker outfit out there, what I'm finding though is you have to agree to the companies qualifications before you even begin the application. There is usually something to the effect of, you need to meet the minimum qualifications in order to proceed, or by just not clicking the agreement box you cant proceed to the application, or you get a canned email response saying you do not meet their needs right now but your application will be filed for a year. Some specifically state if there's any false things on your application, it is grounds for immediate termination. So if you click the box or give a digital signature, you are automatically lying.

I'm also finding that my current location is problematic for getting hired. I didn't think it would be a big deal being that I'm looking for otr work, maybe its because I also lack experience..? Anyways..


I contacted Schneider, they wont put me into their bulk division unless I move to Pennsylvania, Houston, TX., or Wisconsin. I don't know anyone in those areas I could borrow an address from and I'm not interested in moving to any of those places. They were interested in getting me into the dry van side of things. Not really interested in that though unless I cant get in somewhere else

Gazelle rejected me because of lack of experience. They want two years

Quality Carriers hasn't gotten back to me yet. Its actually some affiliate of QA called Winsome apparently, they are the only affiliate listed in California

James J Williams says I have to move to Washington to work in their tanker division. The recruiter did say she could get me out to TWT or System Transport's orientation. I am considering System Transport (flatbed), have no desire to do reefer work though.

A&R Logistics hasn't gotten back to me yet

Coastal Transport began their application but its a mail in form so I've not completed it entirely yet

Holland Enterprises contacted me, I was holding out for a tanker or flatbed job so I've not told them one thing or another yet, need to get back to them soon though

Con-way Truckload contacted me and is interested. Been holding out for tanks but will be looking into these guys more if something doesn't happen fast

Crete/ Schaffer rejected me, I forgot the reason, I think it was my location or they wanted a year experience

Melton contacted me and wants me to head to their orientation. Again, holding out for tanker work, but giving them some serious consideration if I cant get into tanks

Air Liquide wants a minimum of two years experience, I filled out their application anyway

Indian River Transport has the application like I described above where you have to agree that you meet the minimum qualifications before even filling out their application or you risk termination. Wanted to get your guys take on this before I do it. I'd hate to get shipped out to orientation somewhere and get rejected for lying on the application.

I just applied at CTL Transport so I expect a couple days before hearing from them

Groendyke has no jobs available anywhere in California or Phoenix, AZ or Vegas they tell me

ODFL I'm planning to apply to but I have to go into the terminal in person for an application as far as I can tell. I'm in need of a otr gig though, not local city work/ home daily stuff, so I don't know if this is going to work out anyway. I'll apply just to say I did though

I applied at Prime, put on the application I was interested in the tanker division. Prime contacted me yesterday, I missed their call, but got an email saying they want me to go to orientation. Then today I get another email saying that they cant proceed with my application unless I contact them by the end of the day. I called once at 1pm and left recruiter a message and also sent a reply email with some general questions, and again I called at around 4:30pm. I left a voice mail again, no response though so I'm guessing that bridge is burned. I'll try again on Monday to contact them just for the hell of it.

wsyrob: I applied at Superior anyway as I wasn't sure if they would be a possibility or not and they have a lot of good feedback. They were right up towards the top of my list. I was considering moving to Arizona as they had the Parker and Benson yards listed on their website, and I have a buddy a little over an hour away from Stockton that I could probably get a small camper or something to park on his property for a couple months till I get going. I don't know what a carry transit terminal is though. Does Superior have otr positions available for new drivers though?

 

I did speak with the Schneider recruiter. I emailed two different people, and was able to speak to one on the phone. Neither identified themselves as being bulk division recruiters, though they both were pretty firm on the not hiring out of California area thing.

I don't have a camper yet, but if it would lead me to getting a solid job I'd probably look into getting one as it would be easy enough to move around place to place until I could relocate. Just a big risk for me financially. I don't really want to go to Texas, really, no further east than Arizona. Might just have to see what happens though. I appreciate the ideas though, thank you. I'll look into the Escapees RV club and see what is involved with something like that.