New CDL holder with some confusion?

Ok, like the headline says, I'm a new CDL A holder, tested out January 11th, passed first try from a 160 hour, accredited school that I paid for myself. My question/ confusion is on the FMCSA 10 year employment history crap.
I've been throwing out apps since I passed my test, but I've noticed something lately that I don't know the answer too, maybe someone here can elaborate on. Some places I've applied online, straight up require a solid 10 year employment history. Other's, Schnieder for example, ask for a 3 year history, unless you were employed as a commercial driver previously, then they want a 10 year history. Are companies interpreting the laws wrong, or is it up to each individual company how they do it?
I'm in Bakersfield, CA., Have My class A, clean driving record, no criminal history at all, can pass any drug test they want to give me on a moments notice, but have a couple gaps in employment history due to a layoff from a railroad, I was a Locomotive engineer/Conductor, and family issues I had to deal with. Am I unhireable because of that?
My homeland security background check is in progress right now ( fingerprinted last friday ) for hazmat, and will be getting tanker, doubles/triples endoresments all at once when hazmat clears. This area is heavy in oilfield, Agriculture, and dairy, so the endorsements will help, and I can start going in to companies personally and applying, so that may help, but all of the online stuff so far has been a mixed bag, and frustrating when savings are running out!

 

Thanks @Chinatown! I've been holding off on applying some places locally until I get the endorsements, and it took almost 4 weeks for the DMV to send my hard copy liscense, DMV said I had to wait until I got the hard copy to add any endorsements, then they will take it again and send me a new one.

 

That's how i understood it too, but it seems most companies have run amok with interpreting it! I'm a normal guy, hard worker, with a clean record and thought this " driver shortage" would make me golden for a truck driving job, but not so much so far.

 

Thank you Chinatown! I was really looking at Leavitts, still am, but they do have a year contract for their training program of over 5k. Freymiller used to be here in Bakersfield years ago until commiefornia regulations ran them out, lol. I'm trying to hold out for a tanker or flatbed job as long as the savings last, but will definitely do OTR for a year and pay my dues if necassary.

 

Something I forgot to mention, That orange box that pops up on here? I did it once before starting CDL school and my phone and email were blowing up, I did it again a couple of days ago, after getting my CDL on my own, crickett's lol. Maybe these mega companies really do want you locked into a contract for a year?