Question for some of you experienced guys

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Abrams, Jan 22, 2013.

  1. Abrams

    Abrams Light Load Member

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    I Applied last week with Swift, and just finished applying for CRST about 30 minutes ago. Swift had me fill out some online stuff for their background investigators and told me it takes up to 2 weeks before I can move on in the process. CRST emailed an automated response that I will be contacted by a recruiter soon. My goal is to get into the flatbed division wherever I end up. I worked a long time ago with a lowboy driver loading the trailer, chaining, running pilot for him and he showed me a lot. Eventually I would like to get into heavy haul.

    My question is how long does it really take to hear back from these guys?

    A little bit about me I am a 41 year old rookie, never had a CDL. (I have pulled a lowboy around the yard and a water tanker) I am a 16 year Army Vet just wanting to get on the road.

    Any other places you guys would suggest?
     
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  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    I would apply to Roehl and even prime. crst is van only to company drivers. you have to be a lease o/o to run flatbed or crst malone. heck i would even check to see if tmc hires in your area. or you could apply to system transport they have a school in spokane and have lots of heavy haul and rgn's
     
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  4. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    or i would apply for maverick but idk if they hire out of dallas.? im guessing thats big D lol
     
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  5. Elendil

    Elendil Heavy Load Member

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    Avoid company sponsored training at all costs. Look at private schools or community colleges. There is no reason to lock yourself in to a company that will underpay you. If you are unhappy there as most new drivers seem to be, you will not be able to move on without having financial responsibility for your training. Getting your schooling on your own eliminate tht issue and you are free to go where you wish.

    There are many more options than going to one of the mega training companies.
     
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  6. Abrams

    Abrams Light Load Member

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    I contacted Maverick, they require the CDL already
     
  7. Abrams

    Abrams Light Load Member

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    I am looking into my Community College as well, just not sure when their next class starts
     
  8. Boomer 1

    Boomer 1 Medium Load Member

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    Millis just opened a new school near Dallas, most all of us have been happy there.
     
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  9. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    i would of liked to have gotten my cdl on my own but went through central refrigerated to get it and it was a good course but like others said it is a pain having that financial obligation.
     
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  10. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    This industry works like this, you get out what you put in. If you lay back and only contact a few companies then you'll wait along time. If you go after the job with zeal and goals you'll be better off than before. You've got to remember that these CDL schools are spitting drivers out all over and they apply on line and take what they can get. Be a little different so you'll stand out.
     
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  11. Abrams

    Abrams Light Load Member

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    When you say be a little different, what do you mean? I have zero experience. When I was helping with our lowboy driver that was back in 94 so I can't even really bring that up. So far I have applications in with Swift, CRST, and Stevens (Stevens turned me down due to me not being able to prove a year of employment history) I will take any solid advice to heart.
     
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