Recent grad looking for suggestions

I understand you are frustrated.

Here is how it went for me: I got my CDL permit in March of 2012. I drove with my boss until January of this year, then did a 3 day course to pass the test. I have worked for my current company here in Alaska for 5 years. It took time to build the trust up, but I did and I've been driving ever since I got my license. Not to mention all the other experience I now have (Loader, excavator, cutting torch, end dump, flat bed, etc.)

The point I'm making here is that you arent a truck driver, and neither am I totally. YET. That's the key word. The schools dont teach you to drive, they teach you to pass the test and that's it.

If I were in your situation I'd apply at every place that owns a big truck, whether or not you drive. Just remind them constantly you have your CDL and by God one day they'll get into a pinch and need you to drive. That's your in, that's what I did.

Be willing to do anything, everything, and then some more to make someone trust you to drive their rig. You aren't a truck driver. YET.

 

Hell go find an old timer O/O and tell him you'll run as a team for free or something! Your not making money now, and you'll get verifiable experience. What's the difference? Old timers love teaching younger guys. My boss is 76 years of age, taught me how to drive and double clutch correctly. Just throwing ideas out there man, take them as they come.

 

Somethings gotta happen and quick like! You are really running out of time if not out already! Most companies want you in orientation right after you graduate and you have already let a month pass you by. Most companies are going to make you take refresher course now and that is very costly!

Stay away from the mega-carriers! There should be plenty of good smaller carriers in your area to choose from. Try checking Craigslist everyday and also here is another site that will help:

http://www.truckdrivercentral.com/truckingcompanies.html

Good luck....

 

lol your going to lose out on money! trucking industry can bit you because you cant find a job? ####, hate to see you out on the road and not get your way!! Man up!

 

Many companies wont respond you need to call and keep calling the recruiters. Things change new openings happen daily so keep calling them until the out right say they will not hire you for whatever reason, then call them a couple days later to make sure!!! Get with local and regional companies too. Did you try Werner or Swift they tend not to be too picky. Get your experience then move on. you don't want to job hop but 1 or 2 changes is expected in this industry.

 

Did werner, Transam, Swift, Stevens or Falcon out right told you no? If not keep calling them daily they will usually take someone with stuff on their record. You need to be persistent they get a lot of apps so they don't call you, you need to call them and call them and call them. Just don't lease from them.

 

Rons1985, I would be calling Swift, Schneider, JB Hunt and there are a few others out there that take fresh grads. Oh Central Refrigerated also but then again you are still deal with Swift with this company also. Don't give up and the others are right, get on that phone and bug the #### out of them to show them you want to be there. Good luck.

 

Ron there are a lot off applicants but trucking as a whole has a herendous turn over rate. There is plenty of jobs just keep calling. Go to a truck stop and check out all the different companies and start applying and calling. Since schools make students put in so many applications they just ignore them until you call them. Keep at it you Will find something. Some won't hire you if you don't live near one of their shipping lanes. So check a truck stop near you to het some idea of who is doing a lot there.