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Re-entering the Industry

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by hlaird, Dec 31, 2008.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Dec 31, 2008 #1
    hlaird

    hlaird Light Load Member

    175
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    Nov 16, 2007
    Memphis, TN
    0
    Hey, I've heard that once an experienced driver leaves the truck for awhile he reverts back to an "inexperienced" driver even if he still has his CDL. I was wondering if anyone knew how long that was? I'm trying to go to college but was thinking about driving during the summer after 9 months off. I also might have to take summer school but maybe try to go back to the truck after I graduate to pay off school debt fast. If I did that I would end up taking almost 2 years off. Could I get hired easily or would I basically have to go back to CDL school again even though I have my license? Thanks.
     
    hlaird, Dec 31, 2008
    hlaird, Dec 31, 2008
    #1
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  3. Dec 31, 2008 #2
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

    18,951
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    Apr 4, 2007
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    Depends on the length of the driving time and the amount of off time. It will also depend on the company and the work you did in the mean time.
     
    Roadmedic, Dec 31, 2008
    Roadmedic, Dec 31, 2008
    #2
  4. Dec 31, 2008 #3
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Jul 22, 2008
    Owensboro , KY
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    It's the insurance companies that cause the problems and require retraining . I'm sure the company itself will not consider you inexperienced .
     
    RickG, Dec 31, 2008
    RickG, Dec 31, 2008
    #3
  5. Dec 31, 2008 #4
    IronRydr

    IronRydr Light Load Member

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    Dec 1, 2008
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    Even if you do have to go back for some training, you can likely get by with a shorter 'refresher' course rather than having to go back and start at square one again.
     
    IronRydr, Dec 31, 2008
    IronRydr, Dec 31, 2008
    #4
  7. Dec 31, 2008 #5
    Kabar

    Kabar Road Train Member

    1,041
    395
    Nov 5, 2008
    Pell City Al
    0
    Regaurdless of how much driving time you have. if you are out of OTR for more then 3 yrs. You will find it really hard to get hired. Some companies won't even talk with you if you haven't been driving for a year or more. The other problem you will find is a company that will hire you knowing you will only be there for 3 months. They are looking for long term.

    I would sudgest (sp) that if you want to drive while getting a degree you do it on-line. Otherwhise, go get a job at wally world.
     
    Kabar, Dec 31, 2008
    Kabar, Dec 31, 2008
    #5
  8. Dec 31, 2008 #6
    Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

    16,583
    12,232
    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
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    How long have you been out of the seat? That will make a difference. More than three years will be a problem. If it's been less than that, they may want to send you out with a trainer for a couple of weeks.

    As far as the schooling, if you could do online courses from an acredited school, that would be an option to consider.
     
    Lilbit, Dec 31, 2008
    Lilbit, Dec 31, 2008
    #6
  9. Jan 1, 2009 #7
    Peepaw

    Peepaw Light Load Member

    64
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    Oct 9, 2008
    Warner Robins, Ga
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    That's what I've been told.
     
    Peepaw, Jan 1, 2009
    Peepaw, Jan 1, 2009
    #7
  10. Jan 4, 2009 #8
    hlaird

    hlaird Light Load Member

    175
    10
    Nov 16, 2007
    Memphis, TN
    0
    Ok, thanks. I'd be out for at most a 1 year and 9 months.

    When I start school I'll have a year and half solo experience.

    Yea, I know it's an insurance issue. I just don't want to have to go through school again to drive.

    The thing of it is is I want to finish my bachelor's because I feel like I've already done half I might as well finish and I would feel good to have a bachelors. No one really knows what the job market is going to be 2 years from now so I'd like to keep driving as a back-up option in case there's no jobs or I want to pay off school debt fast. I don't know how much debt I'll have right now.

    Thanks for the information guys.
     
    hlaird, Jan 4, 2009
    hlaird, Jan 4, 2009
    #8
  11. Jan 4, 2009 #9
    Scott101

    Scott101 Medium Load Member

    607
    407
    Nov 30, 2008
    NorCal
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    Sounds like a good plan. During economic downturn the best investment you can make is an investment in yourself.
     
    Scott101, Jan 4, 2009
    Scott101, Jan 4, 2009
    #9
  12. Jan 7, 2009 #10
    Lostreb

    Lostreb Bobtail Member

    16
    3
    Jan 1, 2009
    Winnemucca, NV
    0
    I've been out of the seat for about 17 years and after a LOT of searching, I have found a recruiter with one company that is going to try to get me back in as a "B" seat driver. Good luck with your schooling.
     
    Lostreb, Jan 7, 2009
    Lostreb, Jan 7, 2009
    #10
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