Will they count this experience?

no most times it wont count,these days company's are strict on vehicle type when it comes to counting experience. along with were you drive. which means if you take a local job it can be hard to get a OTR job later. Good Luck

 

I agree with critters,I doubt it would be counted as exp.A straight trk is easier to manuver around, back park, ect then an 18 wheeler.But you may not need to take a refreshers course just have to go out with a trainer.

 

It doesn't count as far as most companies are concerned. My husband has had a CDL "A" since 89, but drove Cement trucks, Dump trucks and once a Garbage truck, til three years ago. None of the "good" companies would hire him because " you have no tractor trailer experience", So he went to work with a Logging co, that did limited outa state and then a chip hauling co, that also did peanuts, going to a couple states. He still had limited options on the OTR companies that would hire him with only local experience after 2 yrs, but better ones.

Go right into what you want, you may still have to "do your dues" with a starter co, or team for a while, but it's probably much easier.