Schneider hired me....almost 2 years after I got my CDL. I respectfully submit -- a CDL does not somehow go "stale".... BUT -- I had a clean MVR/criminal history (& still do)....AND....the overall freight market was A LOT BETTER then, as well... -- L
Yeah, but Romy Schneider was on your application as a recommendation. Not all of us have that advantage with Schneider.
The schools do not teach you how to drive, they teach you how to pass the CDL tests. Once you have it, you will need to learn how to drive. It's no different if you got your CDL last week or last year.
Don't pay for a refresher course until you find the job that really fits you and they require the refresher course. NOBODY SHOULD GO TO CDL SCHOOL UNTIL THEY FIND THEIR FIRST JOB. If newbies would do this they wouldn't have these problems. CDL school is typically 3 weeks and the days are often 10 hours per day. There isn't enough time to research a first job while going to CDL school. It's the students job to find that first job, but TOO MANY students think it is the school's job.
Being in Orlando, it can be difficult to find somewhere but you're not so deep into Florida that you can't find work. Take whatever you can get so you can get some experience. If Western offers you a job, go for it. Experience is the most valuable thing in any line of work. If you go with Western, do the flatbed side. I think you'll have a greater chance at making money with their flatbed division versus their dry van side. Keep your head down, run the miles, do what's asked of you, and when you get some experience, you'll be able to see what else is available for you.