Thinking of coming back

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Razzman70, Mar 24, 2026 at 9:57 AM.

  1. Razzman70

    Razzman70 Bobtail Member

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    About 3-4 years ago, I got on with Swift for 11 months. Ended up leaving due to a mix of a medical injury and a few other things that required more home time than I was able to get while doing trucking. Ended up getting a mechanic job back home, and bounced between a few places. Current gig is nice enough, but current tensions mean that Im looking for an out.

    I've kept my CDL, but would need to redo my fed med card and change my designation from inter to intra state. All my CDL driving has been dry vam and intermodal, but i have my endorsements for double/triple and tanker. I'd prefer a regional style account, but wouldn't mind OTR. Ultimately, I do have just a few requirements. First is rider policy. It would have to be a day 1 or near day 1 policy for my wife to be with me. Second is pay. I would realistically need to be bringing home about $1200-1300 a week minimum. None of this "Average drivers get this, but really nobody does". Third is PTO/Home time. Home for the weekend would be nice, but in the end it would come down to about 2 seperate weeks that I need to have off per year. I don't mind if its unpaid, just that I be able to take off those weeks.

    Are these realistic requirements coming back? Any recommendations for companies in the Midwest/Wisconsin area that could accommodate this?
     
    nextgentrucker Thanks this.
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  3. A Bug

    A Bug Heavy Load Member

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    Sevierville TN
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    You will need to start over with cdl training or a refresher at the very minimum. There might be a handful of companies that i will hire you with 11 months of experience from that long ago, but they will not have immediate rider policies and pay that much as a minimum each week. I drive for a company that a lot of the drivers here would never even consider, and not even my company would hire you just because of lack of experience.
     
  4. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    SW Georgia
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    Carriers with a known history of offering "refresher" prep include...but are certainly not limited to:
    • Frey Miller
    • Frozen Food Express (aka, "FFE")
    • KLLM (affectionately called, "kill 'em" :p)
    • Paschall Truck Lines (PTL)
    Note that FFE & KLLM are also "sister" carriers of each other. Would either one currently entertain the idea of hiring you now? I have no idea....:dontknow:

    You might also try:
    • Halvor Lines
    • Marten Transport
    Your biggest problem by far is your pay requirements. Driver pay is based (in part, at least) on one's experience level. Really good pay usually starts after 2 years of consistent driving experience.

    If you're really serious about it ---- > GET THAT HAZMAT ENDORSEMENT.

    Why?

    • All the better-paying fleets require it (yes, it's true -- including Walmart o_O).
    • You will never know ahead of time when you REALLY NEED IT
    • It will distinguish you (further) from other drivers looking for work who don't have it
    • MO' ENDORSEMENTS = MO' MONEY
    :Transportation cost :Transportation cost :Transportation cost

    -- L
     
    nextgentrucker Thanks this.
  5. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Rapid City, SD
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    Might talk to Magnum? Based in Fargo. Beautiful terminal in Minneapolis. I do warn you. Working reefer, I lived overtired.
    You might also look on Craigslist. I got my two best jobs on there with small companies. Need to be wise. Mostly look for them talking earnestly. It will show.
    Have you talked with Swift?
     
    bryan21384 Thanks this.
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Which town/city are you in or near?
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,751
    184,486
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,751
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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Craigslist is another good source of jobs.
     
  9. dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

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    adelanto,ca.
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    will swift rehire you? call and ask
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2026 at 3:15 PM
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