Recent CDL Grad NJ

The CDL job market -- especially for new CDL grads -- is actually pretty terrible right now.

Many carriers....that normally take new grads right out of school....now want 3 to 6 months experience.

Some want even more....or have switched to hiring teams only.

Your CDL school....if it's worth its salt....should be able to direct you to carriers that hire from that school (if any still do so).

Otherwise -- look for carriers that have a dedicated training program/period for rookies.

What endorsements do you have (if any)?

What type(s) of freight are of most interest?

-- L

 

If your personal driving record (& criminal history) is clean....& you can pass a drug screen....here are some carriers that you should avoid (they have poor reputations here on the Forum -- & usually for good reasons):

• C R England
• Western Express
• CRST
• TransAm
• Pam Transport

Join a carrier -- not a circus.

-- L

 

Flatbed freight mite be ok for you, if:

• Don't mind tarping freight -- in bad/cold/hot/humid weather conditions (including rain/sleet/snow)
• Enjoy lots of physical labor, & later seeing the results of your efforts
• Generally get along well with people in the construction/farming/mining fields
• Want to drive mostly during daylight hours, & deliver/pickup during regular business hours

Refrigeratored freight (aka, "reefer") might be ok for you, if:

• Can survive on irregular sleep patterns
• Don't mind/like LOTS of driving at night (in lieu of sleeping)
• Have a very thick skin -- & can tolerate copious amounts of rudeness/disrespect from shippers/receivers
• Like the idea of waiting for hours & hours -- parked at warehouse docks -- hoping/praying to be unloaded soon
• Like tight load schedules/delivery time windows

That leaves (basically) dry van freight...& tankers.

What's my point here?

Different strokes....for different folks.

What freight type(s) may indeed be a good "fit"....for someone else -- might not be a good fit for you (& vice-versa).

-- L

 

@Chinatown

 

Team or solo driving?