New Grad, 1st Job Search, Application Frenzy

@Coover
Thank you for contributing! I am thankful for it.

While I’d rather not do OTR (I own my dream house & love the secluded location in this area that’s otherwise a $&@“hole) I can see where the training is handy. If I can avoid it, I will. If I can’t, I’m determined to get what I want despite the means. I see what you mean about it not training for what local entails.

Local and OTR are two different beasts entirely. Ultimately I want local. Even if it’s 16 hour days. I hate camping out and like the bathtub.

I respect OTR drivers. You guys get everything I buy to the stores. Without you I have nothing. It’s just not something I could do long term as a career/lifestyle. I can do it short term 1-2 years to be home with a local gig even a few hours a day. I never was a fan of camping. I’d rather be a local overworked zombie.

I would love to hold out for a small company - I’d really like that, I had a small business for years, I support them. If I can’t, I can’t, I’m really going to try to find the unicorn of a small business that will handle an ignorant new person like me. I realize I’m a complete liability with zero experience. I probably wouldn’t hire me.

Saying that, I’m not opposed to OTR or regional - if it gets me what I’d like and it’s a smaller company. I hate the idea of using a company as a stepping stone but that seems to be the norm, from what I read. I could reasonably commit a year and uncomfortably 2.

Thanks again for weighing in.

 

I’ll grab a newspaper tonight (prob my neighbors, haha, they’ve had a few sitting in the drive the last few days) and check that out.

Something in my town or state would be excellent. I’m more after benefits and 401k or pension than I am for pay. State work would rock, as long as the checks clear.

I’m not technically in city limits, and I believe my city requires living there to get a job. I’m not willing to move, I love my house a lot. I’ll double check. I did apply for independent trash haulers locally.

Your other suggestions are also brilliant and added to my list.

Thank you zillions! I really appreciate your time.

 

Thank you!!!!
I’ve inquired with every recruiter about riders and pets (I have an old grandpa French bulldog who would love to retire his days in the passenger seat). I cross out those who don’t allow it. It’s critical my son can ride w me, a luxury if grandpa dog can come (he can stay with ex if it’s not allowed, I’d never throw him out for a job).

I do also question about tuition reimbursement- a good reminder for myself and anyone reading! If it’s available, I want it. If not, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

I’ve listened to ‘Santa Monica’ and other road trip songs since forever. I do feel it’s the career for me. It’s the right fit.

I also play songs on repeat for hours. I don’t care what job I do. It’s happening. Lol.

I’ll try to explain and make any but probably no sense ——-

I’m not opposed to driving OTR short term to achieve a local job. See, when I was a kid, I’d respond ‘truck driver’ or ‘astronaut’ (same diff right?) when people asked me what I’d do when I grow up.
I have a degree of wanderlust that’s satisfied with exotic vacations and that’s curious about OTR short term. I’m more interested in a flower garden or painting walls these days.

OTR is the epitome of truckdriving to Class D holders. Lol.
Local is a job that is still truck driving and providing a living.
I know it’s two different things and one can compliment the other.
It’s simply that I’m older now, love my house and it’s creature comforts.
I’d happily do OTR to get local, and achieve a childhood dream, but it’s not for me long term.

I completely agree that OTR would prepare me for local. I’m hoping a local company will take a chance tho.

I’m okay with Class B jobs, straight trucks. Getting the Class A was a bucket list thing. I’ve always wanted to do it.

Getting a trucking job is also a post divorce thing - benefits and retirement - something that’s a bit harder with self employment.

Sorry @RedRover if my OTR vs local stance is convoluted. I appreciate your opinion. I’d have been way into OTR in my 20’s. I’m kinda more settled in my 40’s.

 

@RedRover - thank you again!
I’m approved and offered orientation with Maverick. I had an instructor in school who retired with them and highly recommended. Thus they were one of my first apps.

I’m way into the idea of flatbed if I do OTR or p&d locally. I want the exercise. I was a modest bodybuilder (not a crazy chick into steroids) but got more into truffles during my divorce. I would love an active job. I still have the strength and would be good at it. A regimented workout plan!

Maverick has a local yard near me (-25m) and seems to offer great pay and benefits. They’re in my top 3 for away from home jobs.

 

Thanks!

Maverick, McElroy & Melton have been way cool about me + flatbed = ❤️. I’ve not heard anything discriminatory from them, to the contrary they seem excited about a woman going for it.

Melton sent me training videos in anticipation of orientation - the hardest thing they require is lifting a 90# tarp which isn’t a big deal for me.

Definitely lookingt into flatbed if I do go OTR. Go heavy or go home, as the bros at the gym used to say. Haha.

I really just worry I’m jinxng myself by talking to so many companies and being given the go ahead. Omg.

 

@motocross25 - thank you again!!!! You’ve been an invaluable resource in a short time.

Maverick has already offered me employment. Naturally they want to offer a recently retarded CDL grad like me training and regional - but promised more local opportunities in the near future (which I’m taking with a grain of salt - all of these people are making everything a brilliant offer).
I have been interested in them for awhile and they are at the top of my list. Especially being that there’s a yard so close to home and one of my instructors highly recommended.
All of these great proposals are screwing me up. I have to pick one.
Their trucks and logo are pretty. My instructor recommended. I could exercise. Is that a good enough reason? Lol.
I’m going to keep exploring a few days, esp w the info you offered for local.