New Trucking School grad, here is my experience

I was a Class B HAZMAT driver for 5 years. I live in Los Angeles. I got laid off just after Thanksgiving. Finding a job in Los Angeles is tough! I thought with all of my (bobtail) tanker/hazmat experience getting my Class A was a "shoe in" to a great new job!

Well, trucking school was a snap, the tests and training all came to me very easily. I passed my CA CDL test on January 2nd. WOO-HOO! I thought that the companys would be beating my door down! No way. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

I needed experience to get a Class A job, couldn't get anything. My only option was OTR. I have two small kids and a wife in her intership for her Master's degree. I have to stay in LA. Finding a entry level Class A trucking job is ALMOST impossible!

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

I went to many interviews and filled out tons of online applications. Nothing. I posted my resume on a commonly known job websites and combed all avenues.

Reading the posts here got me very discouraged! A lot of negative posts about trucking and jobs and the entire industry etc. I was about to give up!

Finally, I got a call from a "headhunter" or "recruiter" for a hazardous waste company near LA. The saw my resume on the job website and wanted to interview me! I didn't get my hopes up because of my new Class A license.

Well after passing the drug test and the road test- I HAVE A JOB! I will be driving a combination of Class A and B trucks all over the greater Los Angeles area!

People, IT IS POSSIBLE! I found the needle in a haystack! I get my experience driving a tractor trailer at the same time I get to stay home and help the wife out with the kids and sleep in my own house every night!

I just wanted to let you fellow drivers know that you have to keep on trying. Never give up! You will eventually find the job you want! I just got home from my first day of work since November. I am tired and it feels good!