New to industry, lack of previous employment problem

Top 25% of OTR drivers at the Ocala terminal average $1700 weekly. Drivers can earn trip pay based on a calculation of dispatched miles that ranges from $.43 to $.58 cpm depending on route and verifiable experience. Home monthly.

-- OR --

Top 25% of OTR drivers at the Ocala terminal average $1700 weekly. Drivers can earn trip pay based on a calculation of dispatched miles that ranges from $.43 to $.58 cpm depending on route and verifiable experience. Home monthly.

Those are (as of the time of this post) current, valid links -- not made up.

Both are positions that take rookies (or so each says).

The first one is based out of Lakeland; the second one is based out of Tampa.

So....at the very least....you know they are hiring NEW drivers near your area.



-- L

 

Swift Transportation -- OTR truck driver -- Ocala, FL

No previous experience required.

-- L

 

Here's a plan "B" -- another carrier that hires/trains rookies out of your area of FL....the Forum has seen others start out & be successful with them:

Windy Hill Foliage -- OTR truck driver -- Plant City, FL

-- L

 

I encountered a similar situation as my father passed years back due to Parkinson's disease. You know parental care taking is a real issue now days. Folks just live longer. Swift had no issues with my 10 month gap and hired me on in their dry van OTR fleet.. I'm sure it's not different for rookies. As long as your record is relatively clear, they'll most likely hire you. All the Best

 

Plan "C" -- here's another carrier that has seen some positive posts here on the Forum; hires & trains rookies; will also help you find a nearby CDL school:

OTR truck driver -- Werner Enterprises -- Lakeland, FL -- training available

Here's the job this link is most likely referring to:

Werner -- paid training -- 48-state OTR -- out 3 weeks +/- , 3 days back home

-- L

 

Other suggestions:

• Once you finally get on board with a "starter" carrier -- do your absolute best to stay there AT LEAST ONE YEAR. Even longer...will make you look even better, to subsequent employers.
• Avoid any CDL job or account that will consistently have you delivering to ANY of the so-called "dollar" stores: Dollar General, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, etc. Those are NOT good gigs for beginners!!!
• When you get your CDL -- also get that hazmat endorsement. Bonus points -- if you also get: tanker & doubles-triples endorsements. Those endorsements are door-openers....& money makers!

-- L

 

Yes but no.

the propose of the regulations are to confirm that there was no hidden accidents or incidents of the applicant while driving a commercial vehicle under fmcsa safety rules and regulations.

the applicant can make a statement of fact as the official document to cover the employment gap, and if the driver is new to driving commercially, there is no real need to cover either 3 years and the additional 7 years of employment because the applicant never had a cdl.

There are exceptions but that’s for foreign drivers.

the document also does not have to be verified, that is only for safety related employment under us dot/fmcsa regs per 391.21

 

You can't do OTR until age 21 (Feds) and companies typically will not hire drivers under age 23 for OTR. You will likely be staying in-state for years and years. This isn't something that can be overcome with a sassy attitude and determination. You can get your CDL, but your job prospects are quite limited.