Please help!!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by pt919, May 24, 2014.

  1. pt919

    pt919 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 30, 2008
    Bay Area, CA
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    I think you guys misunderstand me. The reason I choose to go OTR is because I have no trucking experience (at all). No locals around here will hire me. All I see on the jobs posting around here (Bay Area, CA) is at least 6 mo - 1 or 2 years experience.
     
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  3. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    ABF is hiring in Oakland...they will train you. There are a few LTL companies that will along with beverage companies.

    You got to think outside the box and don't let the "6mo - 1-2 years experience" stop you from at least applying. Also go to the locations and TALK to the terminal manager.
     
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    pt919, I agree with 77smartin, it's totally a drivers market, make no mistake, they need you. Go in and talk to these people, physically, not emails. Explain your situation, a lot of us have been in your shoes, and take advantage of the experience on this site, you won't make it OTR. If you could see a show of hands, how many drivers screwed up their family life, you'd be amazed, I'd be the 1st to raise my hand.
     
  5. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    [QUOTE="semi" retired;4036707]Go in and talk to these people, physically, not emails.[/QUOTE]

    This is a great piece of advise for anyone.

    If you are looking at particular companies with terminals close to home, then by all means go in and talk with them face to face. Look around at the equipment, talk to the drivers, and if they have an on site recruiter then go talk directly with them. Nothing will show more gumption than getting in and seeing them eye to eye.

    This is exactly what I did. Talking with the local folks is much more informative than talking to a recruiter at headquarters.
     
    "semi" retired Thanks this.
  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Hi Lepton, I read somewhere a company(not trucking) was taking applications, HR received over 200 emails, and was so overwhelmed, they didn't look at any of them, and ended up hiring the people that actually came in.And that's true, talk to the drivers, as the company will give you a rosy picture, where the drivers will give you the straight poop.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  7. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    Chicago, IL
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    As a driver with a year experience, I've had offers from companies that claim to need two years experience. When I had less than six months experience.... I got offers from companies that required one and up. Go to employers with confidence. Give them the impression they can trust you with a $100k + tractor trailer.
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2014
  8. pt919

    pt919 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 30, 2008
    Bay Area, CA
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    Great, thank you 77smartin, I just finished applying there. Do you or anyone know how long I have to wait for the ABF recruiter to contact me? Thanks
     
  9. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Yukon, OK
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    My rule of thumb is that if a recruiter doesn't call you within the week you apply, then they aren't likely interested.
     
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