New grad...still looking for first job

Thanks TTR Nation! I have researched this site for well over a year and last month finally worked everything out to get into school. Been graduated 2 weeks now and still looking for that glorious OTR opportunity.

I have all endorsements except HAZMAT...which is in the works. Have a fingerprint appointment and awaiting on passport renewal (Canada perhaps?). Two months ago I was dead set on flatbed and I'm still very interested. Since I won't have access to a gym, I need some physicality in my life. However, tanker is also intriguing as well as reefer units that have strong OTR miles. Talked with a recruiter today mentioning avg of 1400 mile trips (is this for real?). At this point I'll take whatever I can get...to a point. Some companies really rubbed me the wrong way when they showed up at school to recruit. I also had the experience of the members here on my side to wade through some of the BS. Other companies seemed like a good fit for me. I'm still working that out and have one very promising lead and the other....well, it's a job. My inexperienced opinion of course.

I served in the Navy as a hospital corpsman with the Marines and found I liked medicine a lot. So much so, I decided to pursue Nursing and graduated with my RN. Funny thing though, it really doesn't appeal to me. I experienced going to the same hospital and being stuck there, ravaged by the doldrums of the day going home to sleep and back at it. The pay just isn't worth being so miserable...to me. I'm looking for adventure, autonomy, travel...much like the constant military deployments albeit without all the death and destruction.

So, here I am. About to embark on a journey I'm sure will be difficult and aggravating at times. I still cannot help but feel it just won't 'feel' like such a job for me. I guess we'll all see what I have to say in a year or two! I definitely intend to participate in this site as a way to pay if forward to those who'll come after me, the immense knowledge and the shear enjoyment of it all. Plus, I don't feel as if I'm going it alone. I really appreciate the effort of everyone here to share their experiences good and bad.

Can't wait to learn even more and I am open to any and all advice/suggestions...lookin' at you Chinatown!

I must say...I'm extremely optimistic (perhaps naive?) that the brother/sisterhood of the trucking community is alive and well as evidenced by the camaraderie I feel on this site. Thanks again and happy truckin'

 

Congrats on getting your CDL...

IMO start with either flats or tanker... Reefer is a pain in the rear if you ask me...

Good luck man

 

Haha...I take it you've been there. Thanks for your input. That was my gut instinct. Just visualized myself long-hauling the miles away and forgot about grocery warehouses, slaughterhouses, and reefer cleanings. Momentary lapse of reason...shout out for the Moody Blues

 

Go otr tanker now then run fuel in a few years when you start missing sleeping in your own bed at night.

 

^^^^^That sounds like a great plan! I may have to look into schneider and prime for new grad opportunities.

 

The more I think about it, the more I want to stick with my first instinct which is flatbed.

Update...looks like I can't afford to be too picky as I'm having issues with my driving history and already been denied by many companies. According to FMCSR I meet requirements but told insurance says no.

Somewhere I've heard or read that "self-insured" companies have more discretion or something?? I have been offered by Decker out of Fort Dodge, IA but the amount of negative information I've seen makes me more than a little hesitant but it's experience. A different company has been trying to get their insurance to okay me for almost 3 weeks now. They have not denied me...yet. Saying this is the lengthy part. This is a top notch company where I think I'd be a good fit and excited to go to. Feel lucky to still be in consideration at this point but trying to be realistic here as even the traditional starter companies are denying me.

 

You served as a corpsman and want to drive a truck with all the jobs available in the medical industry? I think you're insane, nothing personal, Jmho.

 

Here's some "call us a year from now" companies: Melton, Keim, Schneider, Maverick, TMC, Halvor.

I currently have apps in to Roehl and Pam as well. Yet to apply to Werner or CR England yet but need experience and want OTR experience.

 

How can I argue with that? I've hit a point in my life where I want more physical work while I'm still able. I guess I'm letting my intuition lead me instead of being pragmatic all the time. It's a job I can be proud of and feel good at the end of the day. Medicine/nursing on the other hand has become so emotionally draining to me that it seems it's killing my spirit. Nothing like the feeling of hard day's work. Plus, I think OTR will fit my personality/preference. I want to see new places and meet new people. I think it better balances the work, misery, enjoyment, and money aspects...for me.

 

When I graduated last year. I couldn't find any company willing to let a new graduate drive tankers. So if someone knows a tanker company out there willing to hire a rookie..please let me know. Schneider perhaps if you live in Texas but nothing out West.

I've considered flatbed too. I suppose Roehl is a good choice but they want you to sign a contract for 75k miles or you pay back training costs.