New Guy with CDL but No School, What Jobs Can I Get?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Stormtrooper, Jan 24, 2012.

  1. Stormtrooper

    Stormtrooper Bobtail Member

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    Jan 24, 2012
    Odessa, Texas
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    Hey, I'm about to take the driving portion of my CDL test, and I'm trying to decide what the best path for me to take would be. I'm currently driving my father's OTR Pete with a flatbed trailer, but I've also been helping him with his jobs with a winch truck.

    Now, without any accredited training school, and about 2000 miles experience driving so far, what kind of jobs would I be able to get? I really want to do OTR freight but I'm not sure how to get started. I have my hazmat, double/triple, and tanker endorsements.

    I know I could probably get a decent job in the oilfield, but I've seen my father working in it all my life and I'm not sure I want to do that, besides, the oilfield has its ups and downs, and I want something at least a little more stable. I'm single with no family and wouldn't mind being on the road most of the time.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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  4. CaptPeabody

    CaptPeabody Light Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2012
    Fredonia, KY
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    I'm betting there ain't many LTL gigs in Odessa.
     
    CenutryClass Thanks this.
  5. Stormtrooper

    Stormtrooper Bobtail Member

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    Jan 24, 2012
    Odessa, Texas
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    There are, but they all require a minimum of one year experience
     
  6. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    In Odessa? Maybe not. Near Odessa? Probably. There are satellite terminals all over the place to reach sparsely populated areas that we service (speaking for my company only here).

    Plus, theres always trash jobs and other options.
     
  7. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    So apply anyway. Whats it gonna hurt?
     
  8. sevenmph

    sevenmph Road Train Member

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    Pinellas county Florida
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    Stormtrooper, there are lots of posts on here about companies. Do as much research as possible, including talking to current drivers of companies you may be interested in. Try to make a list of questions for recruiters to make good comparisons. I have only worked for two companies. My current one which you need 2 yrs exp for, and PAM Transport which I would not recommend at all.

    Also there is a section here titled Welcome Wagon. Stop in there and introduce yourself. There are some good people here, and some other people too
     
  9. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    And a fellow Indy resident whos a Notre Dame fan has to be good people!:biggrin_25514:
     
  10. Stormtrooper

    Stormtrooper Bobtail Member

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    Jan 24, 2012
    Odessa, Texas
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    Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll do some research and see what I can do.
     
  11. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    Most companies won't hire you unless you went through an accredited school. Its pretty much an industry standard now due to insurance companies.

    If you have your own truck you will still have some difficulties but since you are paying your own insurance it maybe overlooked. While on that subject your insurance is going to be very expensive.

    The trucking industry is flooded with newbies right now due to the current economy allowing companies to be very picky as to who they hire. If I were in your shoes I would back up a couple steps and go through an accredited school. Sometimes short cuts can be expensive.
     
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