Overcoming work history gaps / getting foot in the door in 2018

While it is true that I only stay and drive for 3 or sometimes only 4 months, I don't request home time and my performance is exemplary. As long as the truck is not in the shop, and that's asking a lot, I can exceed 10K a month and get a nice safety bonus to boot. I always tell everyone that there is more to life than working like a horse to make someone else rich and fat.

I was loyal to Knight by going back to them, at my own expense, at least 4 times and this is how they show their gratitude to a productive driver, but whatever. They are a publicly traded company and only care about money and cheap meat in the seat. Why hire me when they can get someone else cheaper, especially with this runaway inflation? I get it, but all of that cheapness has a way of coming home to roost. The last time I walked the yard in Phoenix, which was at the end of November 2020, there were like 10 reefer trailer that were "orange tagged" or out of service. So there are problems with hiring inexperienced or not enough experience drivers. I had to laugh when walking into the drivers lounge one day I looked to my left and saw a docked reefer trailer with the landing gear swept back 45 degrees to the rear and hooked to a tractor to keep it from contacting the pavement. Keep hiring rookies who make rookie mistakes!

As for me, I'll be driving for someone, but never again for them. Oh sure, I'll troll them and apply, just to see if they change their stance, but I'll never show up for an orientation. The main dilemma I have is all of this clothing I got for free that says "Knight Refrigerated" or "Knight Transportation" on it. Bonfire it all or give it to the locals here in the Philippines!

 

lol.....I have some trucking company shirts, hats, jackets in China. Gave them away and the people love them.
One shirt has an American flag over each shirt pocket.
My father-in-law wears these hats and told me if anyone doesn't like it then f### em"

 

Over here the locals want to drive the big trucks and live the Kings life too! All of the Knight shirts have www.driveknight.com on them and the locals searched it out. As you know, Filipinos have contacts all over the world. I tell them that trucking school is a way out for them if they are a US citizen.

 

They don't have to be a US Citizen, just need a work permit once they get here.

 

Even to drive for Uber, one has to have a valid US drivers license for at least one year to be eligible. One the other hand, in the eyes of a mega trucking company cheap labor is the name of the game. I'm wondering how they can even verify someone's back ground info if they just got off the boat? Anything to circumvent and beat down the native population of the USA, who doesn't want to work for chump change though.

 

Yesterday The guy Keri is seeing and I drove over to the Langley AFB Commissary to look around some. While we were in there I came across a good friend a now-retired MCPO who retired out of the 7th about 15 years ago. I can use my Veterans ID Card to enter Langley AFB or Ft Eustis, but don't have access to anything that requires DEERS access. The funny part about all this was what happened just before we left here. Keri was wanting to go. I straight up told her to stay at home until the doctor clears her to be up and about. Then she turned on the other guy and started asking him do you know what to do if dad starts having seizures? He said, yes, call 911. Keri said, NO! then they went back and forth. As we were driving he looked over at me and said Keri gets a bit intense when it comes to you. I said well, she has witnessed some of my worse seizures and they can be life-threatening. Before we left Keri printed these steps off from this website we have saved in bookmarks. Handled it to him and said until you can memorize these steps never be alone with him without it.

I spent close to $200 there yesterday, but they had some great prices on hamburger meat and chicken.

 

For me, I couldn’t live with myself lying to an employer; even if I never got caught.

And then, between hireright (DAC) verifications with employers, references, and a very deep background check, the chances of not being caught are about nil as well.

And THEN you really are out, because you have now proven to lack integrity.

So—not judging, just saying that I won’t be doing this and strongly advise readers to be honest as well.

 

T

This kind of thing is my concern as well.
Having a worse stain than felonies, DUI’s etc. in an employer’s eyes. Mine is health related as well—so red alert for insurance companies.

However there are nearly 900K carriers in the US. SOMEONE will take us.

Persistence pays.

 

Home - CFI
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She Drives CFI
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CFI has their own cdl training in Missouri. Meals & lodging are provided.

 

There is no doubt that some carrier will take us on as drivers, it's just a question of how long it takes to get hired and on the road, living in the truck and all in my case. Everyday that I'm not living in the truck, it's costing me money for lodging, Uber, etc.

Also, the hiring standards are probably not as high as they are at Knight, which is a publicly traded company who has shareholders to answer to. I remember being told at an orientation in Phoenix, AZ, not so many years ago, that Knight only hires the best, even our janitors are the best!

Whatever though, half the country cannot even pass a pre employment drug test, or so I've heard!