Received my CDL but have not used it. It has been 1.5 years.

Hello, I posted here a long time ago, before receiving my CDL asking for company recommendations. You all were nice enough to help me then and I did, in fact, get my CDL. However, soon after I had to deal with health issues for both of my parents as such I was unable to work. Even prior to that, my own heath issues have led to a spotty, at best, work history. Now I would like to make use of my CDL, but am unsure what to do.

I have been reviewing the pre-trip, the CDL manual from the DMV, and taking practice tests to refresh myself, but I am still worried I have forgotten everything. This spurred on by my inability to refresh myself on the basics of actually driving a truck.

I have a couple of questions: what knowledge and abilities would I be expected to demonstrate during an interview? How would a company perceive my lack of driving and work in general?

Any other tips given my situation would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

When I got my CDL -- I had been out of the "normal" working world for several years, as a caregiver.

Thus -- I knew applying for a CDL job with NO previous CDL experience -- would be a real challenge.

Fast forward, to the bottom line -- at that time, no one else would hire me, except Schneider.

Here are the (other) carriers I remember applying to:

• TMC
• Swift
• Knight
• Werner
• McElroy Truck Lines

Note also -- back during this time, the industry was not in its current recession -- & there was no glut of drivers...like now.

Based on the info you provided earlier...this response assumes you finished your earlier efforts to acquire the relevant CDL endorsements: tanker, hazmat & doubles/triples.

If you did not finish -- go back, & get those -- before applying anywhere.


Note also....that almost all the advice given to you in your earlier thread....still applies today:

Starting Company for New CDL Holder

It's likely, however, that some carriers listed there have since stopped hiring rookies -- & now want (at least) 3 - 6 months experience, instead.

Even in the current freight recession, opportunities still exist -- if one knows where to look.

-- L

 

As I write this...it looks like the following carriers are trying to find help in your area....for which you would qualify (on paper, at least):

• Werner Enterprises
• Roehl Transport
• McLane
• Schneider

Apply on-line to the above (assuming you have your CDL endorsements) with a complete application.

Then wait about a week (or maybe a bit longer) -- & then phone in to their recruiting dept. Just say, "I was phoning to check on the status of my application"...or something close to that.

~~~~~~

Don't worry about:

• Your CDL somehow going "stale"....becuz you didn't graduate last week...or last month.
• Being able to drive a big rig smoothly & confidently -- you don't really & truly learn how to drive a big rig until you first go to work for a starter/beginner fleet -- THAT’S when & where you actually learn how to drive. CDL school only gets you a legal CDL -- nothing more.

-- L

 

Thank you very much for the advice, and for taking the extra time to check on my old post. In fact, I did get the endorsements I had previously mentioned. It is nice to hear someone was in a position somewhat similar to mine and was able to make it work (discounting the industry recession element).

Also, thanks for doing the research on nearby companies! I will apply to each of the ones you have mentioned *fingers crossed*.

Another question, if I may ask, is there a point in me re-memorizing the pre-trip inspection I was taught? I only ask because I have a vague memory of someone telling me that a company will have an different pre-trip practice and what I was learning was solely for the exam.

 

For now -- lay off on the pre-trip practice & memorization.

Your first CDL job will teach you the way they want things done.

Unless you already have a bad driving record...&/or something of a criminal history -- avoid applying for CDL jobs with:

• Western Express
• Pam Transport
• CRST
• TransAm
• C R England
• May Transport (aka, "no pay May")
• ANY "1099" pay-based carrier
• ANY lease or lease-purchase program; learn to drive a big rig, first
• ANY team driving job
• ANY job/account that has you delivering to ANY of the so-called "dollar" stores (Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc) -- instead, apply for/accept offers involving the big-box retailers: Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Walmart...or even Bass Pro Shops. STAY AWAY FROM TINY/CRAMPED DOCK AREAS!!!

-- L

 

Fredericksburg, Virginia

 

With your work history, most companies won't hire you. The market is flooded with drivers that have an excellent work history and their applications go to the top of the pile.
Western Express might hire you though.
Western Express
Before any phone calls, submit the short app. on this page:
Submit this app, then Monday or Tuesday, call and say, "I'm checking on my driving job application."
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We know that drivers are the backbone of our country’s success. At Western Express, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, starting your journey with a new CDL-A, or returning after some time away, we have something for you. Explore a range of options to match your driving goals—including flatbed, dry van, regional, over the road, team, and one of the industry’s best Lease-To-Own programs.

 

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Company's want job experience, we'll any job that's actually worth doing, they want at least a year, and the better positions want 2 plus years. I know day and ross will hire rookies. But they still require you to demonstrate that you know how to back, do a proper pre trip, and drive safely. I had to take 3 years of because I got injured on the job at my last company had a head injury and was told I would have to go 3 years. without driving. in that time I remembered everything but I retain information very well. And my memory is above average. good luck. the experience is the most important thing in this industry. having a cdl us a min requirement.