Hey Y'all, Got my CDL in 2002 at a truck driving school, and did some driving in 2002 to 2007 on and off. Work history has gaps. some can be verified some most likely cant. I would like to get back out on the road, but, not really sure how to go about it. have filled out apps and made calls but most all contacts want "recent" experience. I am willing to go the "student" route but I don't really need the school. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. P.S. Great Forum! mitch
I was in the same boat. I had not driven for anybody in 13 years. I found a guy in the neighbor town. I went in in person and talked to the guy and he sent me out to drive with one of the guys. I got the job. They don't deal with the dac, never asked for a reference and just a hand shake sealed the deal. I almost went with Central to get my foot back in the door. They startd me out at 40cpm and a 2013 truck and trailer. I am still in the honey moon phase, but things are going great and I am loving it. I got 10,000mls the first month. A couple local days and several days/ nights at home. Go beat the bushes out there.
Similar situation to mine. Drove OTR as a company driver and L/O back in the nineties. No one would hire me due to the lack of recent experience claiming insurance was the problem. I went with Swift, who offered a refresher course in lieu of their school in Millington. Basically, 3 days orientation and 240 hrs with a trainer. I've been pleasantly surprised by the experience so far. Yea, the pay is low, but increases quickly and there are plenty of miles to be had. You could get a year there and then go wherever you want.
Most mega-carriers are going to make you take a refresher course and or go back out with a trainer for a bit. If you are trying to avoid all of this you may want to look into a small, mom and pop company.
