Not Enough Recent Experience - The Solution

All I can say is WTF!!!! You just have to love how these companies will take a rookie on over an exp driver that was off the road for a few years.

Some guys get off the road for family,sickness other personal problems or in my case wanted to join the military. Does this make us bad people for being off the road ????

We are still drivers and we still have experience...... We should be the first ones hired over the rookies.

 

Hey Southern Star do you know of any places on the internet where I could post one of those ads? I've been off the road for two years, I don't know yet if there are any companies that will hire me, but in case none of them do, I'm going to need a way to get some recent experience.

 

Well, I gotta a question, and thought I would revive an old thread rather than start a new one.

I just got back from Western Express orientation. On the last day of load securement training, I got pulled aside and was told that Western Express could not offer me a job because I don't have enough recent verifiable experience in the last three years to even be hired on as a student.

Now, I just made the jump outta dry van and into flatbed, and I can tell you already that I am not interested in going back to box. I could go back and take a refresher course, but I would rather earn money than spend it if possible. During orientation, I did the road test and impressed the road tester with my driving. Ran it smooth, shifted just as easy as I always try to, did both up and down shifting, watched my turns, all the stuff we do everyday. Backed the trailer (53' spread stepdeck), and kept it as smootha and easy as I could. Safety staff was impressed with my attitude, both personally and professionally. Insurance was what tripped me up.

So now I'm looking for another opportunity. I have no problem with going through training, or doing whatever else needs done. I do have CSA points on my license due to a DOT inspection from March of this year, but I don't know how many. If anybody knows where I can go to find out, I'd appreciate it. I've passed the Alabama Coil Certification test, and am attempting to get ahold of my certificate. I've also applied for a TWIC card.

Canuck, if you read this, I have already called your guy down in Smithton and talked with him. He's sending me an application in the mail, so we shall see where that goes. Thanks, Hoss. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

hey good job--on the app---when i talked to him--seemed like a great guy--myself i would love to be decking--but i am to old and whimpy--well to whimpy anyways
the only other places i talked to were rush and a guy in cleveland--both were van---the cleveland one was a 1099--and didnt look like enough $$$$$$

did my test drive today--all went good--kinda stupid but when i went to put the truck away--my backing with no trailer was a bit funky--but all went well

did you look at ast for flatbedding?----

 

Ain't looked at AST yet. Did talk with Bob Wilson, and also talked to Ronald Gross Jr. (different outfit, also pulls covered wagon). Gave both of them the full story on my background and experience, I ain't holding nuffin back. I figure, they know what's up going in, no surprises down the road. Stay honest and truthful is my philosophy. If they know what they are getting into going in, then they can say no up front, and not spend any money in physicals and whiz quizes just to say no later, ya?

As far as backing bobtail, I have the same problem. Get so used to backing a trailer, I always turn the wheel the wrong way the first time backing a bobtail. Makes me look like I never even saw a big truck before!

 

i have been known to get back in the yard after a long time out--jump into the 1/2 ton put it r3everse and almost go forward into the fence--its kinda like wtf that should be reverse

 

Whoopsie! Yeah, can be fun getting into your POV after a few weeks in a real vehicle. I jump into my Jimmy and am like WTF!?! Too danged small! Gonna git me a big truck to drive around town as a grocery getter, I am. Bark them Jakes and watch lil ol' ladies jump outta my way at the Giant Eagle, boy howdy!

 

seems like 1/2 the people around here have the big dodge dually with pretty much straight pipes--i look expecting a pete or w-9 and its just billybob with the 3/4 ton

 

There was one ol guy up in your area used to have an old Ford super cab with a full bed, running dually's and straight pipes. Enough chicken lights on it to light up the night sky. Wonder whatever happened to him? Used to see him up at the Mallwart on upper Peach in Erie every now and again.

 

I went through the same thing a few years ago. If anyone is in the Ft. Worth area and is willing to work their butts off for a while I can point you toward a company that is very good about hiring old people, ex-cons, no recent experience, etc. They're a good little company but driving is only a small part of the job. It's a fuel company doing on-site fueling at frac sites. Lots of hours, they do pay overtime. Hot as hell and cold as hell. But...you are a truck driver and can get renewed while making good,albeit, hard earned money. Need at least a class B CDL with tanker and hazmat to drive the bobtail tankers. Class A drivers drive bobtails and transports when needed.

Company is: Texas Pride Fuels, Springtown, TX. Easy to find their number. They usually are hiring because they have a pretty good turnover. It's a hard job. Not for wimps.