Question for some of you experienced guys

I just went through this process. Its a 54 day average. I pestered the ST Louis office daily, but again, 54 days.

But if that is too long, I understand. I feel the same way sometimes, bills have to get paid, and you have to do what you have to do.

 

Agreed Abrams. I am looking for something long-term as well, and I also know it will be difficult the first year or so. But like anything worth having, it takes dedication, and the will to push through the rough times to get to the pay-off. Sounds like you have the right attitude going in, just as I do. We have to start somewhere right? lol

 

How bad do you want it. I hung around a terminal till they put me to work. I knew more about trucks by then than the drivers. Took 6 weeks. I was the yard boy. Move this trailer, go get that Tractor. Get in with the head Mechanic. Keep your truck spotless, Youll be fine.

 

Abrams send me a message and we can talk i am also in dallas and can give you some help

 

Contact some companies that have heavy haul & ask which CDL schools they recognize & graduates they accept.

System Transport
ATS
Watkin & Shepard (flatbed div. w/some heavyhaul)

Some of these have tuition reimbursement program.

 

Cover the unemployment with a notorized letter from a relative or neighbor saying you were unemployed & looking for work. Ask any company you are interested in if the letter will suffice.

 

Abrams can't stress enough that you have a substantially higher chance of success at the smaller companies! Yes it is harder to get hired on, which is the reason most newbies go with these mega-carriers, but trust me its well worth the effort! Don't worry about getting hired on with Swift and CRST. I guarantee you are already hired! As long as you are breathing and aren't incarcerated you will have a job with them!

Hey man, if you are interested in driving low boy then aim toward that. There are so many different avenues in the industry besides just hauling regular freight for these companies wanting to keep their seats warm. Think outside the box! Craigslist often has some really good gigs posted on there from time to time. The good companies are harder to find because their turnover rate is lower and their drivers are happy working for them. Don't you find it strange that these mega-carriers have to spend millions of dollars in advertising to get YOU to work for THEM?!

There are some companies out there that are large and aren't quite mega-carriers. Companies like Central Refrigerated, Crete, Celadon, MCT, etc.... are all great larger companies but are a little more selective in their hiring.

Take your time and do your home work. It is very possible to find a good long lasting, non-newbie carrier career from the get-go. Your main concern in a company is their dispatchers. You want a company that isn't too large because their dispatchers will be responsible for too many drivers making you just a number. You want to be able to establish a more personal working relationship with your dispatcher. This isn't really possible at the mega-carriers. Your dispatcher is going to be your sole key in your success. If you can have a relationship in which you scratch each others backs then you will both be making the big $$$! The more you make the more they make and vice versa. Keep that in mind while company hunting.

Good luck man...