Old Experience Equals No Experience

Your going need to take a refresher program.Most companies wouldn't even you give you a brake.Only thing to do is drive for an o/o who may willing to give you a brake.I had the same problem.

 

I drove on and off since 1991 or 92 (never can remember).
I was OTR for a few months then local for several years. Then I went to College and messed with that for a while.
Next back to driving.
Finally went OTR again several years ago. None of my local counts as anything for pay or hiring.
But they do want you, they want you badly. Just they have to get it past insurance.
They know that you have experience and they know that you cannot prove it, since it is not OTR. They will not count it or pay you for it. And you do not get trainee pay at the end.
I mentioned Heartland to the poster because I am working for them at the moment. I also was not sure of the requirements. Thus I did not know that they needed 1 year in the last 3. Though I knew it was a possibility.
So not good for him, but maybe for someone else on the board.
Not many company's do refreshers for free. I paid over 2 grand for one.

 

I'm in the same situation, been out since the mid-90's. I have owned two trucks, had my CDL for 35 years with PTX, nearly 5 years without a violation and never had an alcohol or drug related anything.

I have found a refresher course for about $1300 and at least two companies, I don't want to work for, that will hire me. I also found out if I want to purchase and get my authority, I can get insurance although it is about 15-20% higher.

I know insurance plays a big part, but I believe the mega-companies make lots of money on training and that is the main reason why it's this way. I have poured over this forum and read of a number of drivers in our situation finding something. So I know we can, it's just not as easy as it is for a student. This is ridiculous.

I live near Prime, so in desperation (I later realized I wasn't that desperate) I called. They were ready to put me through their school until they found out I had a CDL. Then they said it was for people without a CDL. It seems to me these companies specialize in finding clueless, desperate people to prey on.

Sorry about the rant.

Oooops, my bad - I didn't realize it was May 2010. I just saw May.

 

Me too ~ have been out too long. And you, with 38 years and others with significantly more than I had are being treated as if you know nothing. It is amazing and distressing to me (not to mention scary) that companies and insurance would rather have someone under the wheel with 4-6 weeks "schooling" than someone with years of experience. Have they not taken a moment to review their own statistics? Go figure....
Anyway, with me, I've enrolled (reluctantly) in Sage School in Lexington, SC and of course am doing very well, especially when compared with folks who don't know what an air compressor is or does, nor what leaf springs, alternators, etc. have to do with driving!! And air brake systems - don't even get me started...
I'm just hoping and praying I can find someone to hire me that isn't a BF. While I will do what I have to do, I really hate the idea of having to "pay my dues" all over again - I already paid 'em and paid 'em WELL.
Enough trucker whining for now - just wanted to throw my two pennies worth in here.
Good luck in your collective job searches, may you find someone to drive for who appreciates your experience and knowledge.

 

same thing happens to me. the sign said the are hiring but what i found was that the federal government have a scholarschip for newbies nowonder why they are taking new drivers and its only to take advantage of the scholarship it is somthing that everyone in the company knows but nobody its going to tell you . still looking for a driving job, this world sucks

 

Congratulations Wisemagic! I'm glad I revived this thread so we could hear about your success. I have read about several drivers that have come back without re-training.

CCCowgirl is sounds like you are on track to your goals. After a couple of months on this forum, I am finding there are a few companies and fleet owners that still appreciate old school experience.

Jvar4001, don't give up. Try a different approach. Be positive and don't let them know you are desperate. If your approach isn't working, stop and think about ways to make a better impression. Portray confidence but don't be ####y. You have to sell yourself. We are always in a competition for the job we are applying for. Your best bet will be a face to face with someone.

 

Member back when the owner said "Take #7 and call me when you get unloaded."
I still work # the old school company.

 

thank you bigjohn54 im going to keep looking around this trucking world sucks i cannot even pay my student loans.

 

At least I'm not the only one in this situation. I only have 4 years OTR with 3 off and things are starting to look hopeless. I know deep down that I could still run circles around a lot of the drivers out there but I can't get a job to save my life. At least 15 big companies have turned me down on the last 3 months.

I can't risk quitting my job and traveling for a CDL refresher course in the hopes that I might get a job.

What makes this even worse is that as long as the new company doesn't care that I stay in the truck for a few months straight while I get set up I WILL move anywhere in the country and could be on my way there in the time it takes to put in a 2 weeks notice. I'm the most flexible driver i know.