Returning to OTR, looking for options

Hello.
I'm not new to driving, but I wouldn't classify myself as experienced either.
I'm just testing the waters before jumping back in the pool at this point.

I received my Class A in late 2011 through C1 in Indianapolis, then drove
For P.A.M. Transport, but took a 3 year extended vacation in europe with
my wife once my contractual obligations were met.
Now, due to an impending divorce, I would like to get behind the wheel again.
I will return to the states in October, so I plan on contacting recruiters an September. I'm mainly seeking opinions on companies that would suit me
Best so I can better sort through my options.

According to my DAC, I have a satisfactory work record with PAM,
but with a "review required before rehiring" likely due to a couple of
non reportable incidents. Otherwise, my report is clean.
My CDL is clean and I have a current medical card, but I let my Hazmat lapse
When I recently renewed my license because I didn't think I would need it. Oops. I don't forsee any issues getting another though.
I also have a clean criminal record and possess a valid passport.

I may or may not require refresher training, but I feel that it would be best for
me to do it anyway. Company provided training is good. I would prefer that it
Not be tied to a contract, but I will not ignore the option.

I am willing to relocate and require little home time.

I have visible arm tattoos and plan on getting more, so any company that
dissaproves of that is not an option.

I hate teaming. Some drivers claim as little as 4 hours of sleep per day,
but I am not one of those. It's hard enough for me to sleep in a moving
truck without team mates raging at half the vehicles on the road and
jamming to rap music. I operate best when I am well rested and do not
wish to leave it to chance.

I like being cold. I am good to about 20F while sleeping, but in summer, I will
idle unless an APU is available.

I have no issue with E Logs, but would prefer Qualcom.

Company subsidised health insurance with available dental and vision
is a plus.

That's all I can think of for now.

Thanks for your time.

 

What were the accidents ?

 

Very first load I clipped a curb with the landing gear while attempting to navigate an overcrowded parking lot at a pilot in Texas. Bent it just enough to jam it in
the retracted position.

Second was at a customer in Florida.
Sign was unclear about truck entrance along with dense vegetation that obscured view.
Ended up in narrow employee parking lot with sharp
90 degree turn leading to docks.
I avoided contact with vehicles, but rubbed top edge of
trailer against large tree. No damage to either, but customer was not impressed.

 

You should be able to get hired anywhere, just ask one of the thousand recruiters with ads all over the place. Those little incidents you listed are nothing.
Where will you live when you come back? If you're in the plains or Tennessee area, let me know........maybe I can get a big bonus off of you.

 

Haha...
Wife took the guys money in Europe then took his house.

Poor guy.

Funny though.

 

Conway truckload would hire you in a second with that passport.

Place is bad for making money but great for seeing the Continent.

Prob have to go out with a trainer and start from the bottom of the scale.

You sound like a great tractor supply guy. If you like Texas and like short runs with plenty of in between time that's for you!!!
Some of the yard spots are kinda tight depending on your fellow drivers dropping abilities.

Stores are cake walks and super easy to spot.

2000 miles guaranteed pay whether you run it or not with one day off.

You must live in Texas ( or say that you are looking to move there). I knew guys that lived in Kansas on that account.

 

I'm in a similar situation. Went to C1 in Fort Wayne and was also placed with PAM. I drove with PAM for 2 years and 6 Months for MCT(with Wood Trucking in Wauseon, OH). Also, did 6 months of Cargo Van Expediting for Tri - State.

Took a break to try college and got a 2 year degree in computers that hasn't gotten me anywhere(everyone wants experience and expensive certifications). Worked some odd jobs since then including a few months with Performance Trucking out of Seymour, WI until crazy employees at their wood mill were pressuring me to run an illegal load. The wood mill was a pain in the ### anyway since it was built in a swamp and trucks wasted log time getting stuck in the mud.

I'm reluctant to go back to OTR because I get irritated dealing with the shortage of parking. I've seen ads for relocating to places like Gas City, IN that sound like dedicated or line haul work. Just wondered if anyone had info on that kind of work. In the meantime, I have interviewed for FedEx Driver Apprentice for City Driver that would be a good deal if I get it, just exploring other options in case they don't call me back.

As for training, I started with PAM and my whole trucking career has been with Automatics. I guess some companies are willing to train people to drive their manuals while others don't want to deal with manual training.

 

I didn't think there was a distinction between a major
and minor incident. Even though they aren't listed on
the DAC I feel that it would be best to be upfront about
them rather than try to explain myself once the new
company checks on my driving history.
I'm not too worried about it though since people much
worse off then I am seem to do alright.

For now, I think I may end up in Indiana if that matters.

I really like Texas. I'm not sure i'd like to spend all of my time there though.

I've heard decent things about Conway, but they may
want some recent experience. I think you're right about
having to start from the bottom again.
I shouldn't have much getting back into the groove of
things, but starting out with a trainer wouldn't be a bad
Thing.

The passport seems like a mixed bag.
It could present more opportunities to me, but I
wouldn't want to become a glorified shuttle that spends
most of the time waiting at the border unless the pay
can offset that.

 

You'd go up and cover at the Waverley nebraska when they are short.

Loads out of the Waco tsc go over to Arizona and Tennessee but the majority are indeed just Texas.

Drop and hook pickup (95% chance it isnt overweight) go to store wait for unload in morning or take breaks in the dock.

I preferred the latter so I could drive nights and deliver last minute. Easier getting around at night.

At worst they could make you go thru crowder for a week long refresher then stick you in a trainer truck for 7500 miles. All of it paid of course. Sucky pay. But what you expect for standing around.

 

The goal you should shoot for if u go Conway is a finisher job.

Get a year in without losing hour safety bonus then you can have someone else do all the driving while you sleep and get paid your current CPM + another 10 cents.

Quite ridiculous what they pay the pro nappers. I'd imagine that pay decreasing now with automated trans.