Question on "Recent Experience" when completing an driving application

I drove for 8 years and than "voluntarily" went into another career. I haven't driven for a company now for about 5 years. But during the previous 5 years I occasionally drove with my best friend who is an owner operator. I didn't get paid for this since it was just on occasion here and there over the previous 5 years. I can't prove/verify it with tax records since I didn't get paid. If they want to verbally verify employment the owner operator can verify that I drove occasionally with him. Does that count as experience and cover the "Recent Experience" requirement many insurance companies want now a days? I didn't put it down on my last application but after talking to another driver was told it might have worked. It's too late for that job now as they filled the position already, but I wanted to know your thoughts if I should put it on there or not as I put in new applications with other companies moving forward.

-Thanks for the feedback
Trucker Joe

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate it a lot. So paying my dues OTR for a while until I get considered/accepted on by a local company might be my best bet. I really want to be home every night but I'm sure I'll get there eventually once again. This was a real surprise to me being out of driving now for 5 years.

Thanks,
-Trucker Joe

 

I like simple! That makes sense. Thanks
-Trucker Joe

 

Thanks man,

As far as the tax records. The last company I worked for in 2008 went out of business. There is no one there that they can call since the phones are out of service and I don't have any other contacts/numbers. They told me in that case they would probably need tax records to verify employment. But I have all my tax records to verify employment if ever needed so that won't be any problem. Normally they told me they would just call to get a verbal verification or fax the company over an employment verification form to complete and fax back to them.

I submitted the application before reading these forums and didn't even know about the "recent experience" rule. Otherwise I would have put down the casual driving I did with my best friend/owner operator. I've been feeling down the last few days because the job I thought I had was right near my home, paid very well, and was all local work. It was my dream driving job. But I realize everything happens for a reason. I changed my resume now to include 13 years driving experience verses 8 years. And have the previous 5 years as voluntary work with my best friend/owner operator. This way maybe I won't lose any future opportunities with this or other companies.

Maybe it wouldn't have mattered one way or the other. But in the back of my mind I am thinking it would have made the difference. They flat out told me "We want you for this position" I guess ultimately you never really know until it runs through the insurance. I would hate to get a job and a week latter be told I don't have the job...I guess they have their reasons for running it through their insurance after completing the new hire paperwork and driving test. But it seems odd to me

Thanks Again
-Trucker Joe