past driver, interested in driving again, need refresher

I'd check with your nearby CDL school and see if they offer refresher courses. They may want to take a check ride with you to see "where you're at", and if all goes well they may offer to let you pay to take an abbreviated course and get you through the CDL license test process. If you can get that lined out, then start calling around to Prime, Decker, May, Mountain River, Hardy Bros, etc (depends on where you live) and see if they could offer an abbreviated trainee program assuming you show you can back and navigate better than your trainer, you'll be released to solo sooner.

Is reefer where your preferred style of trucking?

Point is, nobody [reputable] will take you and start you solo without first spending time in their apprentice program. But after a quick 6 months there, hopefully some other doors will be open to you if you're not happy where you started.

PS: You'll also need to get up to speed on the new HOS rules.

 

@Chinatown

 

Apparently lots of people do because there's hundreds enrolling every day. But if that's what you gotta do, you find a way to do it.

But a 1 or 2 week refresher course won't cost that much altogether (if they offer it)

 

Until he gets here, I recall that Western Express has a refresher course, and the DUI's probably wouldn't be an issue with them; although as old as they are I don't think you'd have much problem most places. Titan Transfer, whom I don't know much about, also has refresher courses. There are many other that don't come to mind atm, so ... it's on you from here on out, @Chinatown !!

 

Transam and Navajo?

 

Transam will badger him senseless trying to get him to sign a fleece agreement and will probably give him garbage runs trying to convince him "the miles and money gets better when you're a lease trucker"

 

Stevens Transport might take you.
I recommend doing some online applications and follow in a few days with a phone call. Don't call first. This way when you call you can say, "I'm checking on my job application." The trucking company can then pull it up on their computer, and the interview starts!
Some of the drivers already gave some good ideas such as Western Express, etc.
I'd also apply with Abilene Motor Express; they hired a driver that had been off the road 20 yrs.
Apply with those 3 in addition to the others that are mentioned.
Stevens Transport
Western Express
Abilene Motor Express

 

If I recall correctly you have to have a valid Med Card to hold the CDL in AZ. You would probably need to go to the full school again since you have been out too long.

Overview

Arizona requires all CDL drivers, including those in the military, to keep a current Medical Examiner Certificate on file with MVD. The Medical Examiner Certificate is to be renewed every 24 months or sooner, as determined by the medical examiner or by regulation. Failure to maintain a current certificate on file with MVD will result in the suspension and revocation of your CDL.