Started Applying Yesterday

Little background. I’m in Chicago area. 34 year old male. Air Force Vet.

Currently have 2 weeks ( 80 hours) done, and 2 weeks of CDL school left to complete. School is going well.

Planning on Tanker and Triples right away. No auto restricted. Will start working on hazmat and Twic, most likely after I begin employment. Have my passport already.

I put in my first two applications yesterday. 1 for a job I actually want and the other was to see what happens. Both were mega carriers. The big orange one I am hoping to hear back from. The other one ryhmed with BR Mengland. I shall keep an open mind, especially in current market conditions.

A problem- my work history for the past 3 years. I told big orange I was retired. Which is fairly accurate. I haven’t had a job since I got out of active duty during covid. Spent time traveling traveling, mining gold, driving Uber a little bit. What would you put on the application if you were in my situation? I anticipate it could be an issue. So far I haven’t heard back.

For those that have read my previous post, I am still interested in changing my license to a tax free state, before beginning employment. If I do change my license it would be to South Dakota, because it can be done quickly and cheaply.

I have started thinking it may be better to wait on changing my license. As suggested by some helpful member’s here. Perhaps anyone can share their thoughts on if it’s a good/bad/neither idea.

I did check on jobs around a few zip codes for big orange. It does seem the jobs in my area are paying significantly higher than all the jobs in tax free areas. I hadn’t considered that before. Could just be the timing, I never checked before.

Overall I think the lifestyle will suit me well. I’m prepared to basically live in a truck for a long time. Probably will try to marry someone who wants to do the same. I’ve got no real roots holding me anywhere currently, so I’m excited to learn and explore what’s out there.

I’m most likely going to be Flat-bedding. If not, then probably tanking. I understand I need experience so I’ll start wherever I have to. The only thing I definitely don’t want to do is consistently work nights. I would have no problem unloading trailers or strapping loads.


I started looking in the oil field posts recently, there might be some other things I need to learn!

The goal for the first 36 months is. Zero accidents. Zero tickets. And 250,000 miles.

Any advice is welcome!

 

Oh I meant endorsements for triples and tanker

 

I’m fairly confident I will be licensed quickly.

the reason for not wanting to pay taxes to my state is I feel they spend the money inappropriately and extravagantly.

zero accidents for 3 years and only a little over 80,000 miles a year?

 

Only applied with the 2 mega carriers so far.
I’ve never been to Vegas. Might be time for a visit!