So, here we go. Could use your advice.

HEY BRR! Welcome to the forum and thank you so much for you service!

I'm not trying to discourage you here, just kind of "forewarn you." Your spotty employment record may be a hindrance to you getting hired. Most of these companies look for a steady work record. HOWEVER, you may be able to explain your way around that.

There is a tremendous amount of information on this forum that will benefit you. Take your time and look around. And remember that everyone here is posting what THEIR experience is. That does not mean it will be the same for YOU.

Good luck!

 

Thank You for your service !!!!!!

Welcome Aboard !!!!!

And Good Luck !!

 

Think you for your service, some companies will hire you for OTR. You just have to look around. Good luck!

 

tanks have a slightly better turning radius than a T/T...

 

When I started out, I had a very unstable work history. I was in and out of college a lot working odd jobs in between. It was always a massive chore filling out those applications. I got on pretty easily, but the economy was better then. I think you'll be able to get something though.

I would spend a lot of time here going through the forums, old ones to, archives. You will learn a ton.

When you see I have 8 years experience, that wasn't accumulated all at once. I've been back and forth in this industry a lot also.

 

CDS is a good school ( I live about 5 miles from there). I've done a review of them that is posted in the driving school section. I used the same VA path, etc.

You will have some recruiters come to the school from different companies, including some small ones that bring their rigs. Look over the rig carefully... see that cracked air hose, balding tires? That's the bosses rig. How do you think he treats the employee rigs? When choosing a company, I always try to look over the equipment.

That said, with the spotty work history you may have some trouble landing the better companies. Please choose carefully. GTI, Swift, CFI all have a good relationship with the school. I went Swift and did fairly well. Personally, I think Gordon (GTI) would be the best company. They are western 11 states, so lot's of loads to get you home when you want it. Now if you want west coast, there is one called TWT that does a ton of I-5 reefer work. They have a sister company called Systems that is flatbed with a wider reach. GTI, Systems and TWT have pretty good reps.

If there's anything I can do to help, pop me a PM (if you can).

Pal

 

Another thing you have going for yourself BRR, is your age. 28 is just about perfect for entry into a LOT of different opportunities, including trucking. You are old enough to have matured, but young enough that you shouldn't be a worker's comp liability.

 

Most companies will not except military driving as experience. However, most will look at you favorable because of the military due to the fact that you know what discipline is. But on the other hand be careful of the drivers that might be just a little jealous because the boss might favor you. It happens. It's just a little note you've might want to be aware of.

If you explain that your work history is due to school you might come out ok on that. But if I were you I'd look for a job the old fashion way and go face to face.