Wait, what? Trainers....?

YeaH,....... like a little too much to think one can
just pick up where they left off 16 years ago.

 

Some companies have NO trainer time!!

 

Down here in the increasingly screwed up US of A, it's no longer enough to prove you can do a job. Now you have to have an over-priced piece of paper that says you can do a job, regardless of your actual skill level.

Over the past year, I've taken no less than 4 test drives with three different companies. I've proven my skills 4 times, have been told by 4 different saftey people that I've outdriven drivers with 3-4 times my experience, and been asked 4 different times if I would consider being a trainer. What I haven't been told is "Congratulations, Mr. Sims! You have a JOB! Here's your truck, there's your load, go make some MONEY!" Why? Lack of "recent verifiable experience" or recent "schooling"! The only outfit willing to hire me still doesn't have a truck for me, or a decent teammate that meets my specifications, including decent experience and skills. I refuse to team out with a freshly "graduated" student driver, because I'm not teaming AND training a supposedly qualified driver!

 

I joined this site last month and have read nothing positive about my chances of driving again w/out school, So I'm now more encouraged than ever to prove some of you all wrong (with all do respect) not taking shots at anybody, But just feel I can do this.
One huge thing I have going my way is where I live, One of the largest trucking hubs in the USA w/ alot of rail and container yards, there are probably over 75 jobs listed every day looking for drivers and I know I'll get someone to drive for no matter how bad of a company it my be and get my 6-12 exp. and move on

 

All looks good --- on paper.

"Not one SINGLE worry"?
Does that leave open the possibility of multiple worries?

Just out of curiosity, what are the hiring requirements for Big truck truck drivers at FedEx?
Would your temp position drivin' a step van have any influence in decidin' on hiring you to drive the Big trucks?

"Nothing positive"?
Hmmmmmmmmm
Why do you 'spose that is?

Back in the day, a driver could quit one company on Monday and be hired by another company by Wednesday and dispatched on a load by Thursday, ...... Friday at the latest.
But that's not too likely these daze.

You'll hear all kinds of reasons why, -- some with examples and explanations. "Safety" is a popular reason. But truth be knowed, it's really about money, --- and the trickle-down effect to spin-off industries that emerge and/or expand to satisfy a need often created by a new law or regulation.
'Frinstance, (under "safety") Helmets required by law to ride a motorcycle or bicycle.
Spin-Off Winner; Helmet makers.
Pre-employment and random urine samples.
Spin-Off Winner; Test labs.

Insurance carrier's rates are discounted for companies who hire school trained drivers. Those drivers with no verifiable schoolin' but have years of experience drivin' a Big truck would cost a company more to insure, if the insurance carrier even allowed that.
Spin-Off winner: Independent Big truck truck drivin' schools and Mega-Fleet Trainin' Companies with revolvin' doors, --- both ways, in and out.

Although the picture I paint may be gloomy, nothin' pleases me more than to hear a success story.

I don't understand what you want to "prove some of you all wrong" about, exactly.
Have you been told you positively can't or won't succeed?

I feel you could be correct.

How much have you researched the companies associated with the rail and container yards?

Drivin' for a bad truckin' company goes beyond an ability to tolerate the conditions while gainin' experience. Goin' the extra mile to impress some of the bad companies can result in bein' taken advantage of by said companies. As I'm sure you're aware, your drivin' record is the key that opens the right doors. A bad company doesn't care if your record is tarnished or blemished. They'll throw a driver under the bus in a heartbeat. Even reward your good attitude by termination of employment, and expect 'em to ding your DAC with bein' terminated as a parting gift. Not exactly the experience that the better Big truck truckin' companies are lookin' to hire.

It's your future.
And a bright future requires a clean drivin' record.
It's easier for a bad company to replace a fired driver, than for a fired driver to find another drivin' job.

I don't know if you have contacts within the industry made durin' the ten years you drove a Big truck, --- endin' sixteen years ago, who can put in a good word for you, or not. Certainly a benefit if you do.
But even if you have to do it all on your own, --- personally, I'm thinkin' with your previous ten years experience combined with a failure is not an option attitude, your chances for success are better than the average wannaBee just startin' out with no experience what-so-ever.

There, ---- now you've read somethin' positive 'bout your chances.

Slim, .... I sincerely hope you find a way to make it work for you.
And I, (among others) would appreciate it if you would keep us informed about your progress, --- and ultimate success. We really do like to read how y'all succeed.

 

Well Slim we'll still be here on the ol' forum when you need advice on which school to pick from. Till then you are about to embark on an expensive venture to prove us wrong.

Another newbie thinking he can beat the system....

 

What are the odds?
I just might put a ten spot on the long shot.