1-2 years experience needed to drive...

[davidb72]

I earned my CDL by riding and driving with a friend that worked for my brother in law. Took the test and passed three years ago.

For the past three years I have been driving class B trucks and haven't had the opportunity to drive class A.

I'd like to give class A driving a shot, but everywhere you look they want at least 6 mos experience to 2 years...

My question is... if no one will hire you, how do you get experience?

Thanks!

[roadhazard]

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to start at or near the bottom. There are many trucking companies that'll hire you. Some you may like, others you won't. Get a year in with no accidents or tickets and look into LTL, that's where the money is.

[Comftblynumb]

You have that 6mos and 2 years experience. One of the favorite tricks of hiring departments is to break your experience down to keep you from earning what you are worth. It is why companies are still advertising rates of pay that I was earning over 15 years ago. If you are serious about making a move, don't get panicky and take a mistake. Keep shopping but remember that frieght is REALLY poor right now and they aren't really hard up for drivers right now. My brother-in-law recently called JB hunt and they told him 33cpm which is a big pay cut for him. He tried to negotiate a better rate and the recruiter said, "We don't have a shortage of applicants right now so the rate is going to be lower."

Don't let the soft market and thier negotiation tactics damage your perception of your real worth. You have been driving for 3 years, you have experience. Period.

[necie67]

Originally Posted by roadhazard

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to start at or near the bottom. There are many trucking companies that'll hire you. Some you may like, others you won't. Get a year in with no accidents or tickets and look into LTL, that's where the money is.

Right... So that is why the LTL boards are so full of drivers who r b*tching, moaning, complaining, etc...because that's where the money is,

[davidb72]

Thanks guys... Back to looking...

[tinabell902]

Originally Posted by davidb72

I earned my CDL by riding and driving with a friend that worked for my brother in law. Took the test and passed three years ago.

For the past three years I have been driving class B trucks and haven't had the opportunity to drive class A.

I'd like to give class A driving a shot, but everywhere you look they want at least 6 mos experience to 2 years...

My question is... if no one will hire you, how do you get experience?

Thanks!

LTL is an excellant way to go, but most are laying off now. If freight picks up you may have to work dock at first. When inquiring see if they have dock to driver program. Also would help to get doubles and haz-mat endorsements. Over the road, bottom feeder companies will promise the world. But you have to do what is right for you. Not a good time to be starting in trucking now, but no industry is doing well now. Good luck whatever you do.