Returning to the road again?

Howdy all.
I've been a long time reader of this board since getting my CDL in 2005. I'm trying not to make this sound like a resume, but I am 53 years old, no accidents, tickets, DUI’s, criminal record. I have maintained my CDL, cost too much money and time to get.

I only have about 6 months experience and haven't driven a truck since September 2007. The only reason I got off the road in 2007 were teenagers living at home and doing what teenagers do........ Thanks to the United States Army, that problem is solved.

Economic circumstances have me looking real hard at driving again. Most of you may say I'd be better off working local at Walmart, but you haven't seen my paychecks. I know I am looking at a refresher and don't know which way to go on this one.

I have only found one company that sponsors refreshers (CRST) and they also require a contract. I was really hoping to stay away from the major carriers, but that may be impossible.

While my driving record is completely clean, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 and took 18 months off work for surgery and healing. Clean bill of health now, but the time off (three year work history) is another negative to most companies. Even looking for local jobs, I might as well have been in prison for the way employers looked at the work history. I've been working for the local Walmart meat department since September 2009, so physical labor is not a problem.

Looking for ideas to get back on the road. I know most of you will say stay where your at and the economy is too shakey to take the chance, but Walmart is driving me nuts. 8.75 an hour and co-workers that really could care less is taking it's toll.

 

Just to clarify my original post. I was trying to say that companies seem to equate an extended period of un-employment with time served in prison. I have not......nor will I ever........do jail time.

In fact, I'm sure if you did time in prison, the gubernet would certainly have a program to get you back into the work force.

However, take an extended leave and your up the creek without a paddle.

 

What the heck......Just submitted my add on Craigs list.
That may be a mistake

 

jtrnr
Thanks. with a little luck I'll be able to pull a rabbit out of the hat......

The Craigs list idea was probably foolish, but I needed a good laugh to keep my sanity.............. got about a dozen spam e-mails in about eight hours following my posting.

 

The Rabbits still hiding in the hate Crazy.

I have submitted applications to Prime, Werner, FFE and CRST the last couple days. Didn't really want to do the contract refresher, but it may be the only option. I read on another post where Prime only accepts students straight from driver school or graduates of their own school so that one may have been a waste of time. I'm going to give the applications a couple days and then start making phone calls.

I got off the road because of teen-agers at home and a wife that works 12 hour days. Not a good combination. I miss the road, what little experience I had, but I will also miss sleeping in my own bed.

 

What a kick in the pants.........Called Werner today only to hear I was "not selected"........No reason given, just "no". Can't even get hired by Werner. I must really be on somebodies blacklist. I've pulled my DAC and there is nothing negative on it. Can't figure this one out.

Anyway, back to the phones and applications. Not giving up yet.