Starting out for rookies

well i am in illinois and went to school to get my cdl yet almost 1yr later and out $3,700 for school , i still haven't found anyone willing to give me that one chance to get into this career. i'm more than willing to go otr but to no avail , companies still want exp , even those that claim new grads welcome or they try to get you to lease b4 you even know anything - i'm not willing to go blindly into a lease without knowing what i'm in store for in the long run.

 

My opinion is that either you are not trying with enough different companies, or there is something in your past records preventing it. I don't know that it is your past record...I am just saying. I am a CDL grad as of the end of April. I had seven companies recruiting me and I am leaving in the morning to go with one of them.

Part of it also may be how long you have had your CDl without using it. Of course that is a catch 22 if no one would hire you during that year.

Not one recruiter has talked to me about leasing. I started applying to companies two weeks prior to going to school.

Good luck. Keep in mind that if you put in enough due diligence that you should hear something positive from a company.

 

Also, don't give up with 1 recruiter. If at first you don't succeed call another recruiter. I found that to work.

 

Bluman - Sometimes you need to just go out there and make something happen. Just start...it may not be what you consider to be the 'dream job'.....which don't exist anyway.
Just Start! Things tend to fall into place if you are in motion.
Good Fortune to you.

 

I'm all signed up and have paid for my CDL school. Went to DMV and got my Class A learners permit. That was entertaining with the 15 year old kid beside me. Not mine, just some youngster getting his learners. So anyway, getting tired of carpentry unemployment and digging the new adventure that awaits. All signs look toward plenty of driving options and the wife is getting used to the idea of me being away for a while. Should I start talking to recruiter's now or wait until after classes start. Werner, Schneider, TMC, and others visit the school every month. Should I wait and talk to them in person or cold call some companies. What about online applications?

 

First as a trainer let me say congrats. Now as a trainer also I say are you REALLY SURE?? Are you sure you want to come out on the road. I say this because I get a lot of new drivers your age that say "Yep I' been doing this or that for the last 20-30 years and now I want to go drive around the country and see the sights and get out of the house" Can you guess how many quit, fail, just plain say %^% this this is not what I expected. Also the miss's is sitting at home and wants YOU there! Please if your serious and have really thought this through GREAT Welcome! But if for any reason ANY AT ALL you have a doubt. Research and talk to truckers out here and get a first hand account as to what it is we do day in and day out. The good the bad the funny and the sad. The ugly and the down right beautifull things. It's best if If you get a pre hire and at least start talking to recruiters now. I work as I said a trainer and have some students on this forum (ya out there Scooter, Iron Ryder?) They can tell you there stories and tell you what to expect/ Good luck in the way you choose. Duke

 

I would have to agree with "the trainer". I've decided to be OTR myself and I can tell you it is tough. It's not all fun and games out here. It's psychically, stressful, emotional, frustrating and it does drain you. Also if you have a family it is 3 times as hard for them. You won't be home every week and your home time flies by quickly.

I myself only got out here to get the experience and hopeful after my yr I can find something close to home. Because I do enjoy my hobbies, etc that I haven't had time for. Since being on the road. To me this type of career is for someone who is single. As a family man it's tough.

Good luck and be sure you seriously look at this career at every aspect available to you. Also be sure YOU DO NOT LISTEN to a recruiter!! S/he will tell you only BS and lie to you.

 

I live in the bay area california and I got my class A permit and im looking for a company that will help me with the rest ive appliyed with c.r england and swift are these 2 companies good or should i get help from another company i have no exp also plz i need your help.

 

Iam a female driver I have been driving a little over 2 years I really enjoy it if your having a hard time finding a job try with the agricultural stuff like tomatoes that's where I first started they always hire begginers

 

Alright having trouble had a lead foot when I was 21, need a job bad, have CDL Class A graduated in June of this year. Driving record not that great, but not that bad either.

05 speeding over 10 less than 25
06 speeding over 10 less than 25
06 speeding over 10 less than 25
06 improper passing

Points suspension in May of 06 until October of 06

One accident that was my fault in Feb of 06, little fender bender, damage of 2500. No one was hurt, I have the Accident report.

The only ticket on Three year history is

09 speeding over 10 less than 15, 4 points, 2 points left over a year old.

That is it, one ticket in 5 years. So what is the problem? My insurance is like 65 a month. The points from the other fines no longer apply. So where can I go? Need help bad.

Have Haz Mat
Have Doubles/triples
Have Passport

Tell me where to go and who to talk to.