Thinking of going back to trucking

x1Heavy · May 7, 2017

SoCalRed said: ↑

I want to thank everyone for your help and give an update that may help someone in a similar situation.
A little background. I drove trucks for about 12 years OTR and local work. Got off the truck for 10 years and decided to get a driving job again.
Many companies will not even consider you if you haven't driven in the last 3 years.
Companies that will hire people with 3 months "experience" told me that I need a refresher course to even consider me. Right, I'll splash $1400 just so I can apply for your low paying job.
I start emailing local companies explaining my situation and asking if they will consider me for the job.
After 3 weeks I got two offers. One for a transfer "dirt/aggregates" hauler. Transfers are a lot of work and this company was not paying much, but I definitely considered it just so I can get back into driving.
The next day I got a reply from a mail contractor. Was told if I can pass a driving test he'll hire me, also informed me that they don't have automatics. I assume all the 3 months "experience" drivers can't drive a stick.
After being told so many times that my experience is not worth anything I start doubting my self. Hey maybe they are right I forgot how to drive. BS drove that think just like I drive a car, ok grinded a few gears in the beginning when downshifting.
Hooked it up to a 53" trailer, drove around town and backed it up to a dock from the blind side (it was a day cab). Yes it was just like riding a bicycle you don't forget.
So I got the job, hauling mail at night and home every day. The easiest job I ever had. The trucks are old, but I don't mind, the pay is good.
If anyone ends up in the same situation just keep on trying. Your best bet will be small companies. Where you can speak directly to the person doing the hiring. Big companies will say no if you don't check one of their boxes.
Got a lot of good information on this forum.
Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

You never forget how to drive a semi. Put me into one today and I'll have it down, with a scratch or two along the way in the gears. The trailer will be in the dock to within a inch, no matter how long it is. It's the little 20 foot containers on 3 axles that drive me crrazy don'tcha know. And the worst the weather is as well as bigger the mountain, the better I get settled in.

Diesel Dave · May 7, 2017

SoCalRed said: ↑

I want to thank everyone for your help and give an update that may help someone in a similar situation.
A little background. I drove trucks for about 12 years OTR and local work. Got off the truck for 10 years and decided to get a driving job again.
Many companies will not even consider you if you haven't driven in the last 3 years.
Companies that will hire people with 3 months "experience" told me that I need a refresher course to even consider me. Right, I'll splash $1400 just so I can apply for your low paying job.
I start emailing local companies explaining my situation and asking if they will consider me for the job.
After 3 weeks I got two offers. One for a transfer "dirt/aggregates" hauler. Transfers are a lot of work and this company was not paying much, but I definitely considered it just so I can get back into driving.
The next day I got a reply from a mail contractor. Was told if I can pass a driving test he'll hire me, also informed me that they don't have automatics. I assume all the 3 months "experience" drivers can't drive a stick.
After being told so many times that my experience is not worth anything I start doubting my self. Hey maybe they are right I forgot how to drive. BS drove that think just like I drive a car, ok grinded a few gears in the beginning when downshifting.
Hooked it up to a 53" trailer, drove around town and backed it up to a dock from the blind side (it was a day cab). Yes it was just like riding a bicycle you don't forget.
So I got the job, hauling mail at night and home every day. The easiest job I ever had. The trucks are old, but I don't mind, the pay is good.
If anyone ends up in the same situation just keep on trying. Your best bet will be small companies. Where you can speak directly to the person doing the hiring. Big companies will say no if you don't check one of their boxes.
Got a lot of good information on this forum.
Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

Transfers/aggregate, hard work !!!! Really ? Wow, I learn something new everyday day. I thought skateboarding was more physical work, that's why I love it. I better think of going aggregate hauling for that hard work @SoCalRed claims to be.

Bakerman · May 7, 2017

Just drive around San Diego or get on the 5 between San Diego and LA and take down all the phone numbers you see on the back of trailers of companies that are hiring.

That's where they all advertise!

SoCalRed · May 7, 2017

Diesel Dave said: ↑

Transfers/aggregate, hard work !!!! Really ? Wow, I learn something new everyday day. I thought skateboarding was more physical work, that's why I love it. I better think of going aggregate hauling for that hard work @SoCalRed claims to be.
Click to expand...

OK maybe I worded it wrong. I had a choice.
Mail is the easier job from the two. Don't have to hook, unhook, transfer trailer every time you unload, spray diesel when hauling asphalt. Transfer is more work and pays $6 less than mail in my case.
So I went for the easier job that pays more. It was a nobrainer for me. I know some prefer to work more for less $$ at my age I know better.

SoCalRed · May 7, 2017

Bakerman said: ↑

Just drive around San Diego or get on the 5 between San Diego and LA and take down all the phone numbers you see on the back of trailers of companies that are hiring.

That's where they all advertise!
Click to expand...

Yes, but when you tell them that you have not driven a truck in 10 years they will not be eager to hire you.

x1Heavy · May 7, 2017

SoCalRed said: ↑

OK maybe I worded it wrong. I had a choice.
Mail is the easier job from the two. Don't have to hook, unhook, transfer trailer every time you unload, spray diesel when hauling asphalt. Transfer is more work and pays $6 less than mail in my case.
So I went for the easier job that pays more. It was a nobrainer for me. I know some prefer to work more for less $$ at my age I know better.
Click to expand...

Apsalt is not a problem.

Raise the bed, spray a few gallons of fuel and leave it overnight. Done.

But you did make a good choice, less labor good money. That was how I did my trucking as I got older also.

As far as someone wont take you, I would not want them anyway.

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