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Questions about getting started

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Kansas68, Jan 17, 2013.

  1. Jan 17, 2013 #1
    Kansas68

    Kansas68 Bobtail Member

    4
    1
    Jan 16, 2013
    0
    First of all, I would like to introduce myself and thank you for this opportunity. I am a retired Paramedic/Firefighter in my mid 40's from Kansas. I've been pondering an OTR career for awhile now, and with my kids grown and aching for a career change, I have made the decision to pursue a driving career. Trust me, I know what you are thinking lol!! My heart tells me it is time for change..and change is good more often than not. I currently have a CDL-B and will be upgrading/testing for my CDL-A within the coming weeks. I had originally planned on pursuing some form of company-paid training, however since I already had my CDL-B, I was able to find a local community college which offers the CDL-A training. I am curious as to what options are available for newly licensed (CDL-A) drivers as far as being a company driver. No offense to those of you, but Iam NOT AT ALL interested in leasing or O/O fresh out of the chute. I live in Central Kansas (Wichita metro) and would like to find a reputable carrier that will be a good fit as far as my experience, location, home time, ability to take the tractor home, etc. etc. etc. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much and stay safe out there!!
     
    Kansas68, Jan 17, 2013
    Kansas68, Jan 17, 2013
    #1
    goblue Thanks this.
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  3. Jan 17, 2013 #2
    pokerhound67

    pokerhound67 Heavy Load Member

    801
    665
    Oct 30, 2012
    0
    good answer on not leasing (period, never mind right away) or going o/o right away. if thats your goal, 6 months to a year as company driver gives you an opportunity to see if you like and can handle it, and also research what is involved with being an o/o. i can tell you that millis has good reputation. conway truckload treated me well. usa truck treated me well also, but that was my 1st gig, so my experience is quite a few years old. there are quite a few companies with good rep's...many posts here can give you direction as to good/bad companies. 2 companies id not consider under ANY circumstances are crengland and crst. WAY too many bad reviews. 50 to 1 is a conservative ratio of bad to good that ive read.
     
    pokerhound67, Jan 17, 2013
    pokerhound67, Jan 17, 2013
    #2
  4. Jan 17, 2013 #3
    SpyderRyder

    SpyderRyder Medium Load Member

    341
    66
    Aug 29, 2011
    Rice, Texas
    0
    Go to roadgorilla.com and put your app in there. One app, many companies - see how many responses you get. It would be nice if you can settle on a company that has a terminal close to your home. Make a list of the things you are looking for and what is important to you then start talking to recruiters and if you have a truck stop nearby, spend some time talking to drivers. You have age, maturity, and probably a strong work ethic so that will be a plus when a company considers you. Good luck.
     
    SpyderRyder, Jan 17, 2013
    SpyderRyder, Jan 17, 2013
    #3
  5. Jan 17, 2013 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,960
    170,885
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    You will have 100's of job opportunities. Don't limit yourself to just the companies recruiting from the CDL school. For more job opportunities, get all the endorsements, including tanker, passport, TWIC.
     
    Chinatown, Jan 17, 2013
    Chinatown, Jan 17, 2013
    #4
  7. Jan 17, 2013 #5
    Driver of the year

    Driver of the year Medium Load Member

    442
    249
    Sep 28, 2012
    Tampa FL
    0
    Very good points, Werner, CR England Schneider, Stevens these BIG Companies donate equiptment and Money to most Schools and they try to sell you as a student these mega Companies. I would do a good research on lots of companies.
     
    Driver of the year, Jan 17, 2013
    Driver of the year, Jan 17, 2013
    #5
  8. Jan 18, 2013 #6
    WideSkyND

    WideSkyND Light Load Member

    211
    47
    Apr 16, 2012
    0
    Especially procure that freakin TWIC Card, I have same in hand, refineries are moving towards to it eventually.
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2013
    WideSkyND, Jan 18, 2013
    WideSkyND, Jan 18, 2013
    #6
  9. Jan 18, 2013 #7
    Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

    6,354
    3,178
    Jan 28, 2011
    Arlington Heights, IL
    0
    oooooooooops

    Nevermind. My bad.
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2013
    Pmracing, Jan 18, 2013
    Pmracing, Jan 18, 2013
    #7
  10. Jan 21, 2013 #8
    Kansas68

    Kansas68 Bobtail Member

    4
    1
    Jan 16, 2013
    0
    In researching the many companies, I am curious as to how to begin training if I already have CDL-A in hand but with no experience. Will these companies hire inexperienced drivers without having to go through their schools? Also, I am looking for companies that would allow me to take the tractor home if at all possible. I currently reside in central Kansas so I wasn't sure if that would be a pro or not. Thanks much and stay safe out there!!!
     
    Kansas68, Jan 21, 2013
    Kansas68, Jan 21, 2013
    #8
  11. Jan 21, 2013 #9
    WideSkyND

    WideSkyND Light Load Member

    211
    47
    Apr 16, 2012
    0
    have to be more definitive on where or how obtained cdl, background if clean. How physically capable you are, etc..what do youwant to do and is Kansas a fixture point or are you mobile for right gig.
    as a quick answer, if all clean background, trained through a school and recent, surprised they didnt have a go at referring to some one out there. Know there is some oil exploration somewheres in Kansas? so there is that, dig around a bit,
     
    WideSkyND, Jan 21, 2013
    WideSkyND, Jan 21, 2013
    #9
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