Was Not Hired With The First Trucking Company I Was With, Lost My Confidence, Now What?

My goodness, too much had happened while with my first trucking company, I ended up in a chargeable accident, but the state trooper was nice enough to drop the charges to a much lesser charge so I did not aquire any points on my cdl. I had alot of fun while on the road and felt more like I was on a long vacation than work. But after the accident, I lost alot of confidence, and lost my backing skills due to anxiety. I really loved being out there seeing everything, especially going over bridges with the ocean under me. I have not driven any truck since the end of June, I just don't think the timing is right for me at this moment. My question is: How long do I wait till I try again. I know if I wait too long I may lose the ability to drive at all. Just up in the air right now, don't know what to do?

My goodness, too much had happened while with my first trucking company, I ended up in a chargeable accident, but the state trooper was nice enough to drop the charges to a much lesser charge so I did not aquire any points on my cdl. I had alot of fun while on the road and felt more like I was on a long vacation than work. But after the accident, I lost alot of confidence, and lost my backing skills due to anxiety. I really loved being out there seeing everything, especially going over bridges with the ocean under me. I have not driven any truck since the end of June, I just don't think the timing is right for me at this moment. My question is: How long do I wait till I try again. I know if I wait too long I may lose the ability to drive at all. Just up in the air right now, don't know what to do?

So you have your cdl and was in company training? If so, you were most certainly employed by that company for however short a time. Have you pulled a copy of your DAC to see what they put on there?

If you are really wanting to drive then see whats on your mvr and your dac to figure out if any reputable company will hire you.

Your post is so vague nobody would have a clue regarding a y advice. You should post this in the general forum if you want responses but you'll need to post details for anyone to actually offer appropriate advice.

I find that the longer that I avoid something (anything really - anything that I've built up some anxiety about) and the longer that I ruminate, the greater the anxiety and the fear response. Get back up on that bike as soon as you can - because no action is, in fact, an action. Good luck.

Dear Sue D. Yes I understand that my info is very vague only because I am so embarrassed to say all that happened between myself, and other higher ups in the company, let's just say I wasn't acting on my best behavior, I don't know how to get a copy of my own mvr or dac report, I just know that this particular company will never hire me back, I am not on the rehire list, so my dac from them must not be too good.

I hope you're not giving up. So you experienced a life changing event. I try to find a way to be grateful for "bad" things that happen in my life. They are lifes lessons and thats how you grow old and wise. Plus it frees your mind to open up to other possibilities. One of the companies I read about sets you up as teams. Sounds like that could work in your case to "get back on the horse". There are so many options out there. Unless you like sitting home feeling sorry for yourself. Some people actually do that.

Not giving up entirely, I still have a job here at home. No I may not be using my cdl at this moment, there are things that I do NOT want to miss....like my son's graduation comming up. I missed his first year at his high school prom, and now I don't want to miss any more of his achievements. I had always been involved in my son's education and I am a very proud mom. I just know that right now is not the right time, I will jump on that horse again when I am more ready and life slows down a little. Thankyou for being concerned.

Heather... don't give up and stay positive !! You'll know when you're ready to get back in the drivers seat.. until then, take this time to enjoy time with your son. Remember to breathe and know this isn't the end. Accidents do happen. Be completely honest when talking to other companies about what happened and also get copies of any and all reports, driving records, etc so you know what's what's on there. It's going to work out😀

My goodness, too much had happened while with my first trucking company, I ended up in a chargeable accident, but the state trooper was nice enough to drop the charges to a much lesser charge so I did not aquire any points on my cdl. I had alot of fun while on the road and felt more like I was on a long vacation than work. But after the accident, I lost alot of confidence, and lost my backing skills due to anxiety. I really loved being out there seeing everything, especially going over bridges with the ocean under me. I have not driven any truck since the end of June, I just don't think the timing is right for me at this moment. My question is: How long do I wait till I try again. I know if I wait too long I may lose the ability to drive at all. Just up in the air right now, don't know what to do?

Sharron, thankyou so much for your understanding, not too many people get it, that my son and mom need me right now, and I may have jumped the gun a little bit too soon....watching my boy graduate high school is very important to me, as I know there are companies out there that don't care what you need to take care of at home and keep you on the road running for them. I have talked to truckers in that company that haven't seen or been near home for six months or more, no compassion for their drivers, I even missed an important doctor appointment as a trainee, because our DM decided to take a vacation when I needed to be there and I had to reschedule. But all is well at this moment, and I am not in a hurry to get r done this time, I know next time I will go with a company that offers better training anyhow.

Just know that many companies will want you to go back through school or attend a refresher course before their insurance company will approve you for hire.

Yep, your son is important. When you are ready to jump back behind the wheel, maybe you should seek a regional home weekly position. There are plenty of them available, even for inexperienced drivers.