New Driver From Minnesota

Just wondering, where did you land after your cdl school?

 

Disregard the last message from me, I just now read the answer in the thread.

 

Can you tell me why you like Werner? What other top choices for a total newby like me.
Thanks
Frank

 

frankreno, click on the truckers trucking forum on the top left of this page and go to the motor carrier questions on the next page, click on trucking company DAC reports. You can check all the threads written about drivers experiences with the different companies. When I've researched them, Werner does not rate very well (in my opinion). You can make up your own mind after you've read them. Best to be informed.

 

Schools are there to get you a CDL. Getting a job is up to you. If you relay on schools or recruiters you're going to get the jobs where the companies have high turn-over rates. And having hign-turn over rates mean there's a problem. A good company does not need to advertise for drivers.

What I recommend is getting a list of companies in your area and get out and see them face to face. I've found a somewhat decent list by searching using "fleet directory" but you can just search by looking for trucking companies in your area. Just be careful and don't search for trucking jobs because you'll be right where the schools get their lists. Get as many list as you can and then weed through the lists for the companies that fit your plan. Don't let experience drive you away from that company. You never know and they might just need a driver at that time and give you a shot. I've seen it happen at my company and we have some of the most stringent requirements around.

Have a resume if you can and fill out as many applications you can get. Be prepared to do alot of driving and talking. It's not easy but I do believe this should be your first line of attack for seeking a job. If you still can not find work then you'll have to decide which of the companies that advertise is best for you and go after them. At least if you go at it this way you'll be looking at the top and working down. If you let a recruiter find you work then you're working from the bottom.

You'll also have to develop top notch interviewing skills. If you find a company you really like let them know you're ready to do what it takes to get hired on. Like in my business of gasoline hauling the top companies most likely will not take a driver without experience but if they like you they will know a company that will hire you so you go there for a year or two then move to the top.

If the company tells you they only accept applications on-line then you might want to ask for their web site. It still would be advantages if you could talk with the safety person or anyone that is in the psotion that hires people. The better they know you the better chance you have. Also, if you're working at a company to move up be sure to keep your application updated at the company you're trying to get on with. It's a dog eat dog world out there and you've got to do things different than the majority.

 

Please, keep us updated as to how you do over there.