The 'recent driving experience' question.

It's the companies and you wouldn't want to work for the ones that enforce this policy anyway . Find a smaller regional or local carrier .

 

The companies know that there's plenty more drivers to choose from so the don't have to be picky. I go with Rick, find a smaller company that knows when they have a good driver.

 

Even the smaller, more regional companies are having to go this way in a lot of cases, citing insurance rules. I had one company try really hard to bring me aboard, as they're way short on drivers and desperately needed to get some trucks rolling, but the insurance company wouldn't allow them to hire me until I got a few 'recent' months in.

 

You are less likely to get lost in the system or be just another number to a smaller company...

 

My company has always required 3yrs exp. I got lucky when they hired me, I only had 6 mos. exp., but they also require at least a year of local driving so you have the knowledge of the city. I got lucky on that, I had been doing pizza delivery all over the City for 10+ yrs and knew it better than the dispatcher did.

Our insurance company now required 3 yrs exp., no exceptions, and the company requires at least 1 yr local exp. and the ability to read a map. They are even now giving the new hires a written test to show they can read a map and now the local streets.

 

This is a problem I have run into in looking to go back to OTR. I have no recent experience which has snuffed me out of nearly every company Ive applied with. Im having to go to a big box carrier and even ride with a trainer for 200 hours. It really sucks, but they are giving me a job. The rules of life changed when we had our firstborn six months ago. *sigh*
Granted I only have a year and change of driving t/t and 8 months OTR under my belt. Companies like US Express wouldnt even hire me because I havent driven recently and they only require six months OTR.

 

Have you looked at maverick? They do not require recent. You will have to roll with a trainer, but you can get cut loose fairly quick if you pick up on it decent.

 

maverick told me ive been with too many companies(3). They didnt care as to why. I literally couldnt live off of what USA Truck paid me, Prime didnt get me home not once in the 4 months I was with them, and Falcon gave away my truck along with all of my belongings when I was being hospitalized. They still said NO. "Stay with a company for a year to prove yourself" is what they said. Wish I was born 20 years earlier