Question for drivers concerning "new" driver

It's not so much the qualification, anyone with a CDL can drive. However the big problem is surviving your first year in a actual tractor trailer work OTR which builds the experience necessary for a better fleet to risk hiring you.

A refresher might help, but again you are no experience. Expect to be treated as a student in need of training. You will get it. The secret is to build your savings, however little and to absolutely never hit anything or do anything you can and will be written up for.

I can go on, but that is just a start. Going back 5 years? Companies go back 7 sometimes 10.

 

call different companies & ask. We'll just be guessing.

 

If you're in the hiring area, Freymiller will probably hire you. This is one of the best reefer outfits around these day.
Here's some more that hire drivers with a long gap in driving. Don't go by what's on their website because they bend their own hiring rules.
Do the online applications then follow with a phone call and say, "I'm checking on my application."
Freymiller
Transport America
Abilene Motor Express
May Trucking Company
Titan Transfer
Magnum Ltd.
Celadon
Navajo Express
Western Express - as a last choice

 

Jones Bros. Trucking in Missoula has their own cdl school, so they might hire you and put you with a trainer for a couple weeks.
Same with Jim Palmer Trucking in Missoula..Their trucks are set up right for driver comfort.

 

In order to be considered "experienced" most (if not all) companies word their "Requirements" as such: 'Must have 1 year verifiable driving experience in the past 3 years'.

If your driving experience five years ago is verifiable, a company MAY settle for a 'refresher' or at the very least put you with a trainer and feel you out. If it can not be verified and/or they don't like the fact that you didn't cross state lines or run a log book...they may deem you as needing school.

As @tscottme said, it really is a guessing game for us, because no two companies think alike.

 

Did you maintain your Med Cert or self certify with your state during this time? If not your CDL A may have been downgraded. Contact your local DMV or go online to verify with your state.

 

Most of the hiring requirements these days are driven by the Insurance companies. You will go through a school(refresher/160 hrs) whether it is the companies school or a private one; regardless of the current status of your license.

 

ummm, ya