I need your guidance

[rjm522]

Hello All:

Here is my situation. I received my class A CDL with no endorsements in December 2007. I have a current DOT card also. I worked for a company that sold used class 8 trucks and trailers as a salesman and needed the license to show and sell the product. I did not go through a cdl school to get my license. I have a little background in driving and was helped along by an employee of that company that has been a driver for 15 years. I dedicated three hours every day for 6 weeks to driver training. I passed everything the first time and for about 8 months drove trucks and trailers around the state of Georgia in my normal course of business. I called a half dozen OTR companies but was told by each of them that I was not able to be hired because I have only local experience and I did not get my license through a cdl school. Am I screwed? I don't have the money to go to a school to get a license I already hold. I was told that if I went through one company's school I could get a job with them....but if I left before one year, then I would owe them $6,000.

I would really like a local job but I am not overly optimistic about my chances. I have a family and I would like to have a life. Does anyone have any suggestions? I live in Atlanta. I will happily do a driving test with a company rep to prove I know what I am doing. I really need a job and believe trucking to be a good / steady occupation to get into. I thought the industry was hurting for drivers. Here I am - a competent and safe driver - and I cannot even get a look never mind a job. I have no criminal record of any kind and my MVR is spotless. I will pass any drug test as well.

Can somebody help me??

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by rjm522

Hello All:

Here is my situation. I received my class A CDL with no endorsements in December 2007. I have a current DOT card also. I worked for a company that sold used class 8 trucks and trailers as a salesman and needed the license to show and sell the product. I did not go through a cdl school to get my license. I have a little background in driving and was helped along by an employee of that company that has been a driver for 15 years. I dedicated three hours every day for 6 weeks to driver training. I passed everything the first time and for about 8 months drove trucks and trailers around the state of Georgia in my normal course of business. I called a half dozen OTR companies but was told by each of them that I was not able to be hired because I have only local experience and I did not get my license through a cdl school. Am I screwed? I don't have the money to go to a school to get a license I already hold. I was told that if I went through one company's school I could get a job with them....but if I left before one year, then I would owe them $6,000.

I would really like a local job but I am not overly optimistic about my chances. I have a family and I would like to have a life. Does anyone have any suggestions? I live in Atlanta. I will happily do a driving test with a company rep to prove I know what I am doing. I really need a job and believe trucking to be a good / steady occupation to get into. I thought the industry was hurting for drivers. Here I am - a competent and safe driver - and I cannot even get a look never mind a job. I have no criminal record of any kind and my MVR is spotless. I will pass any drug test as well.

Can somebody help me??

i can only offer "some" guidance and that is, get a local job. screw the OTR companies. you can always try Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Poland Springs, ABF, whom ever is in YOUR area... you ain't screwed, you jsut don't need OTR.........stay local. even if you have to settle for a fuelers job, or a yardman's job.....at least your foot is "in the door" at a local company........

[bigrig377]

A couple of yrs ago the feds. said you need to show that you were trained in a recognized school with a specific numbers of hrs.
AT that point you would recieve a certificate of training. A company you apply to is suppose to see that certificate. I suspect that is why you are not able to get a job.
You need to work out that detail.

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by bigrig377

A couple of yrs ago the feds. said you need to show that you were trained in a recognized school with a specific numbers of hrs.
AT that point you would recieve a certificate of training. A company you apply to is suppose to see that certificate. I suspect that is why you are not able to get a job.
You need to work out that detail.

not entirely true.........

he can get a "letter of recomendation" from his (former?) employer.

he CAN GET a job..........

he HAS BEEN driving.........

[mildew]

Dont panic! Its the slow time of the year right now. You may try the temp agency. Thats a good way for companies to try ya out. You can also try brown trucking in lithonia they return home for the most part. You may stay out a day or two. Volume transportation is just around the corner they have out and backs also. Many companies in the big A advertise otr but they will bring ya back. Talk to the drivers. Also check with mail hauling companies its a 24/7 operation and the job is easy. They will pay you around $25 an hour. You will need to get finger printed. The post office will pay for it. You will get all holiday's paid. Those mail hauling companies are always looking for drivers. Expecially now with Christmas on the way.

[Wrabbit2000]

In most cases for OTR you are out of luck. This isn't for lack of a legal CDL or solid skill set. This is strictly for liability issues. You didn't go through a certified school. Period. Keep looking local or regional OTR... Don't be discouraged. If you keep trying you will find one who will take you.