Thinking about getting back out there....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by pgnd3r, May 4, 2017.

  1. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2011
    Messages:
    74,757
    Thanks Received:
    170,250
    Location:
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Something will hit eventually.
     
  2. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2013
    Messages:
    5,927
    Thanks Received:
    44,172
    Location:
    Dayton, OH
    0
    Oh, sure. I'm not worried!
     
  3. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2013
    Messages:
    5,927
    Thanks Received:
    44,172
    Location:
    Dayton, OH
    0
    Finally, after 19 rejections due to "no recent experience", a local fuel hauler hired me. I don't want to say who it is just yet, but the truck is a 10-speed, e-logs, but no driver cam or engine governor.
    During the road test, I was smiling so big I nearly swallowed my ears! It all just felt so right!
    I know that "work is work", and the shine will wear off a new job, but I'm glad to be back behind the wheel!
    Good luck to all other trucking job seekers!
     
  4. Jazz1

    Jazz1 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2012
    Messages:
    2,373
    Thanks Received:
    4,971
    Location:
    Thunder Bay On
    0
    19 companies missed the boat. I took a year and half off when I quit OTR and when I decided to get back to work on short haul no company asked why I had not been working recently. None issue
     
  5. born&raisedintheusa

    born&raisedintheusa Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2012
    Messages:
    4,321
    Thanks Received:
    4,541
    Location:
    Wichita, KS
    0
    Good luck to you! God bless you and your family!

    God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!

    OTR & LTL - over the mountains - through the woods - coast to coast - sea to shining sea

    [​IMG]
    The OTR & LTL truck drivers of America are positively the driving force of our economy.
     
    UturnGirl and homeskillet Thank this.
  6. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2010
    Messages:
    3,074
    Thanks Received:
    13,390
    Location:
    Texas
    0
    I made the same mistake. Drove for 11years then broke 3 ribs. I don't mean cracked 'em and wrapped 'em. I snapped them off. Ended up giving my Lease truck back and like an idiot gave up my CDL. Now here I am again. I'm licensed in Texas. Had to take written test and get a permit. Now I gotta rent a truck ($1000) and take drive test. That's scheduled for next month cuz there's a waiting list at the DMV. My old company would hire me back but I have 2 chihuahuas not just 1. Most companies allow only 1 pet. Anyway can't give up my lil trucker buddies. I've had them too long. Looks like I have 2 choices. Sign on with Crete and drive with a trainer for 6 to 8 weeks (Omg wait till she gets a load of my IBS. Ive got gas that can clear a stadium) or get a local job for 6 months and then get another lease truck from my old company. Decisions decisions.
    Anyway good luck to all who are coming back on the road. We c a n do it. I was dumb to give up my CDL and now I gotta pay my stupid tax.
     
    TaterWagon#62 and homeskillet Thank this.
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2011
    Messages:
    74,757
    Thanks Received:
    170,250
    Location:
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    First, I wouldn't mention having two pets. Many drivers have two pets in a truck, even when the policy is just one pet. This subject is discussed on here often. Let someone babysit your pets until you're assigned your own truck, then drop by the house and get them.
    Interstate Distributor does allow two pets though.
    FFE (Frozen Food Express) in Dallas has pet policy and also refresher course.
    Abilene Motor Express hires drivers with a long gap in driving and a pet policy.
    Navajo Express has pet policy and hires drivers with a long gap in driving.

    FFE can also help you get your cdl. @UturnGirl
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2017
    UturnGirl Thanks this.
  8. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2017
    Messages:
    6,298
    Thanks Received:
    53,294
    0
    I'm sure hoping for a report on how it's going?
    I'm another old guy. Got a few good prospects.
    One is gas hauling. He doesn't want to talk until I actually have my A. The teacher of the class I'm going to used to work there. The guy does call him up for a referral.
    Got a couple other good possibilities. Don't know?
    Then there is one special one. Doesn't pay that great. Not bad at all. But it's a small family company that does heavy hauling. Going to talk to him in person next week. It seems to be a special one. Very special. Get the more important things. If ya know what I mean. And heavy hauling is interesting as can be to me.
     
  9. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2010
    Messages:
    3,074
    Thanks Received:
    13,390
    Location:
    Texas
    0
    Ive thought about doing the "two headed dog" thing. After all, combined they only weigh 16#. It kinda feels like cheating though.
    Crete allows 2 pets. Same deposit as for one. Wouldn't you know it? If I had done this only 2 months earlier Crete would have hired me straight on? I was out exactly 3yrs and 1 month.
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2017
    Reason for edit: Left out important fact.
  10. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2010
    Messages:
    3,074
    Thanks Received:
    13,390
    Location:
    Texas
    0
    Hauling gas can be fun. You get to know your customers. It has a "One of the gang" atmosphere. It might be a good start for you. I wish you the very best.
     
    WesternPlains Thanks this.