Trying to get back into trucking after 20 yrs

I am in the same boat sorta. I've been out about 10 yrs except a run here and there with an O/O cousin of mine. Still know how to drive and I'm driving a Class B currently. I have been calling and e-mailing companies now since about March or so. I have been told by all but 1 company that I have to go to school again. They won't even give me a road test. I have asked about various traning programs many run and they all say after gong thru school again that they will work with me. It's really frustrating, I have been flat hung up on by more than one recruiter after being told "go back thru school", or "we won't touch you...", etc etc. Prime told me they would send me out 60 days with a trainer and Schneider says I can go to their "academy". 60 days is ok, but the Big Pumpkin wants an 18 month committment. Too long for my tatse. I already have a CDL in good standing, can't see paying again for something I already have. Good luck with your search if you hit pay dirt let us know....

 

...wouldn't hurt to try, I know former employees get a shot at re-employment, had two in my orintation class...

 

I too found myself coming back out otr, a few years back. I had only been off the road for 7 years, but had 8 yrs exp. I didnt initially try to hire on with any trucking comps, I bought a truck and went o/o for two years, not a big truck, a dually, pulling campers. Would still be doin it to, but fuel went up, surcharges didnt. So I parked the dually and hit up one of the companies I had driven for in the past. Gave me a physical/drug screen, watched some safety vids, put me in a worn out POS international and sent me out into the mean nasty world. 2 wks after hire they dispatched me back to terminal in the middle of the week to show me my brand new shiny pete. So, I guess if I had to do it all over again I would have come here before buying that dually.
So anything is possible, just keep your chins up and keep searching, there are still a FEW companies out there that dont let the insurance companies dictate who they can or cannot hire when it comes to RECENT otr exp.

 

I too am in the same boat....I have about 35 to 40 applications out...C.R.ENGLAND said to call them monday...? Well ? I told them to check references and past job experience and call me...She still wants me to call her monday. I already have my CDL so I don't need schooling and I really don't need a trainer...But then again I won't be to choosey right now...Need the experience with any company so I can go with a better one later....The one and only HOBO...

 

I find it quite troubling that the very people in charge of deciding if a former driver is still qualified, have.....NEVER...driven OTR themselves, be it HR, recuiters, or insurance underwriters.

It simpley kills me to see the requirement for a 6 month anal exam a guy needs to go through to drive a truck. I could see a litte refresher, but "go through driving school again".....geeze

 

If you try to hire on with one of the big companies out there to run OTR, you are going to find out that they will require you to go through training just like a newbie.

I assume this is for two reasons.

1. The insurance companies force them too.

2. You are an experienced driver that they know can drive a truck and they can pay you the same as an inexperienced driver.

When I started driving OTR, I had 5 years current local driving experience and still had to run with a trainer for 6 weeks. A little annoying considering my "trainer" had just over 1 years exp.

You might be able to find a small O/O outfit that will hire you, but then you will be looking at lower pay and poor benefits. Definitely a catch 22 situation.

In all honesty, I'm sure it is primarily the insurance companies that dictate who gets hired and what qualifications are required. They are the ones that actually run this country.