Propbably a stupid newbie question

Some ltl companies will hire you and put you in a straight truck until you gain some experience. Great way to get in, you likely wont need any otr experience in the ltl world

 

Hi mark, the reason for that, is most of the trucking jobs being offered now are OTR. Not many local jobs come up, as the drivers usually stay with their jobs, and OTR has a HUGE turnover . I'd suggest beverage hauling or food service, but be prepared to bust your hump with those jobs.

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4129120]Hi mark, the reason for that, is most of the trucking jobs being offered now are OTR. Not many local jobs come up, as the drivers usually stay with their jobs, and OTR has a HUGE turnover . I'd suggest beverage hauling or food service, but be prepared to bust your hump with those jobs.[/QUOTE]That is horrible advice. Respect beverage / food guys and awesome at their job. you make it seem the food/beverage is bottom of the local jobs super easy to get.
I don't care if you have 35 years of service. Anyone can pickup a local job no matter how much experience. Plenty of us in this section are examples and didn't care.

Local jobs are always hiring, Just have to pound some pavement. Talk with drivers and do some simple research.

 

Ok, I'm not sure what part of my post is "bad" advice, and I'm headed out today for some driving of my own, so I won't be able to respond to any more of your replies for a spell, but I never said beverage /food service was the bottom. In my area, I can only go by what is on CL, as it gives a fair representation of what's available, and out of 150 job postings, 3/4 of them were OTR company or OTR O/O openings. Of the 1/4 remaining, 3/4 of THOSE jobs were non-trucking driving jobs, leaving a half a handful of P&D or food service/beverage hauling. And I know, inexperienced food service/beverage hauling, you are a drivers helper for a while, until you actually get to drive yourself.
It's frustrating that someone with 7 years of experience won't listen to someone with 35 years of experience. I never like to brag, but have truly "done it all"( guess I am bragging a little there). Have a decent day, Shaggy.

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4129192]Ok, I'm not sure what part of my post is "bad" advice, and I'm headed out today for some driving of my own, so I won't be able to respond to any more of your replies for a spell, but I never said beverage /food service was the bottom. In my area, I can only go by what is on CL, as it gives a fair representation of what's available, and out of 150 job postings, 3/4 of them were OTR company or OTR O/O openings. Of the 1/4 remaining, 3/4 of THOSE jobs were non-trucking driving jobs, leaving a half a handful of P&D or food service/beverage hauling. And I know, inexperienced food service/beverage hauling, you are a drivers helper for a while, until you actually get to drive yourself.
It's frustrating that someone with 7 years of experience won't listen to someone with 35 years of experience. I never like to brag, but have truly "done it all"( guess I am bragging a little there). Have a decent day, Shaggy.[/QUOTE] So why suggest beverage/food service? just to be drivers helper at first. Should have mentioned that before. OP wants to know how to get a local driving job,l

You haven't done it all. Who the heck says that?!

 

Cold call companies self promotion, social engineering, very important. When you meet for a job you have to go in with the attitude this is already my job this is just a formality. Some people dont like it but most respond well. I have never not been offered a job i went in to look at. Didnt always take the job but always got offered. You have to sell yourself local guys want friendly relaxed drivers its more hectic to run local and you are the face and voice that the local costomer sees. Skills can be learned attitude not so much.

 

Many guys start out as dockworkers, drive the yard dog for a few months, learn how to back, take a company truck and trailer and get their CDL for 200 bucks. Start doing a few peddles here and there to get their feet wet. Next thing you know they are making 55+ cents per mile running linehaul and the guy at Swift still making less than 40 being home once a month.

This industry can be a lot better if you play your cards right.

 

Thanks Oi! I am very willing to start at whatever point I need to as long as I can make a living wage.

 

No such thing as a stupid question. Where are you located? I can help by knowing who is around you and who will hire. I've been LOcal for three years since I started and never spent a day sleeping in a truck. Never wanted too

 

Thanks ACH. I am in the Dallas area (plano to be exact). I personally wouldn't mind doing OTR in a few years but my obligations right now require me to be at home at night (or day if it is a night job).