Asking To Much?

So I have posted things to this effect a couple times but don't think I worded it properly. I just received my class A cdl permit with doubles and triple ,air brakes,and tanker. I have a two year old son and a baby due in August.I'm looking to drive but I would like to stay local. I know that throws a few flags one being otr companies don't look at that as experience which is ok by me if I do choose to go otr I would go with a trainer or whatever the company required.second is I have no experience which I understand is the biggest issue.I have been contacting companies that I have seen their day cab trucks on the road. I know this isn't the best way to find companies but with so.many different types of loads the internet isnt much help. I'm looking for maximum home time preferably daily out a night or two wouldn't be horrible. I am even considering home on weekends until the baby is born.after searching here extensively I see it can be done just harder to get in and established but I'm not afraid of hard work so I'm running out of places to look or how to look any suggestions?

Hi Matt,I just got my cdl recently as well through a community college training program. Im actually traveling at the moment to go work for an otr company.

Anyhow,one idea that pops to mind is Fedex...They came to my school to recruit new drivers...If you happen to be in an area close to one of their terminals, this may be an option...

They may also want you to start out as a dockworker for their dock to driver program but it sounded like the turn around time to working as a driver was short if you already have your cdl, at least according to the recruiter that visited my class.

I also know in my area, there are some beverage distributors & towing companies that will hire new cdl holders too.

I hope this helps, good luck!

Thanks! I will be checking them out

Matt whatever you do, please make sure the company you choose will road train you. And not for a day or two, a couple of weeks minimum.

Having the CDL is only the tip of the iceberg and does not give you near the skills or experience needed for solo operation.

Good luck.

That's one thing I am looking at also I have heard a couple stories that have just handed them the keys. That is not what I'm looking for. I want the training from someone with experience. I know for a fact I could not hop in a truck and do everything needed without any training.

Fedex wants at least six months driving to go straight into the trucks with a trainer. .and it is usually doubles which is very very dangerous for a new driver. I've been driving since Sept 2015 and I still wouldn't try doubles yet.

You seem to be missing the point of needing OTR experience. ANY reputable local company SHOULD want one year OTR. If not I would be worried about their safety procedures.

The reason has to do with learning the safe handling of the rig. Local and some regional dedicates routes go into such tight spaces that many large carriers will not put newbies into those positions. It isn't some conspiracy to keep you from your family. It is to makensure you and the public..as well as the equipment and freight are safe. There are some walmart parking lots I pass by due to the cars and planters and landscaping. Have you ever been to a Dollar General? I've seen some rigs in there and said WTF? Another reason is insurance costs. Smaller companies hire experienced drivers to keep their insurance premiums down.

So what if you get a local gig and have a really bad accident cause you were not experienced enough to drive that route? Now you could have killed someone and could be going to jail... You could be dead...or you could have permanently damaged your driving career. How will that help your family?

And any company you go to should give you an intense training period. Just having your CDL means nothing. Most people coming into trucking do not last a year. They have high expectations and unrealistic ones.

Yes, you are sort of expecting too much when there are experienced drivers with proven track records who will want those local jobs. You are basically putting demands on a company willing to take the risk to hire an inexperienced driver.

Check out someone like Schneider. I have a friend that drives southeast regional with them and is home weekends. However even she had six months OTR before going there.

I can tell you Prime is out. No local, and the northeast regional is a tough route for a newbie....even if u live there.

That's one thing I am looking at also I have heard a couple stories that have just handed them the keys. That is not what I'm looking for. I want the training from someone with experience. I know for a fact I could not hop in a truck and do everything needed without any training.

But them is is what many local companies may do cause they expect experienced drivers. So you are kinda limiting yourself.

A year isn't as long as you think.

G-Town describes the speed bump: you'll need the road experience, but just for long distance driving, but more backing and dock practice, with a one-on-one trainer. But view that as temporary.

Here's a few ideas for local: multi-modal, hauling those containers to and from a rail yard. Large trucking companies have this division, as well as smaller drayage businesses.

Also, look for shuttle work for larger companies. (I'm doing that now.) You usually need to be within commuting distance to a terminal. You take a trailer to some place maybe 200-250 miles away, swap trailers with another driver, and return home.

Matt although my reply was different from Rainy's, I completely agree with her points.

I am on a dedicated account that is notorious for "chewing-up entry level drivers and spitting them out". There was a time when they would hire a driver green, straight off their mentor's truck. Too many mishaps, delivery failures and high turnover; negatively affecting service level agreements (SLA) with Walmart. For the last two years they have required a minimum of 3 months solo, accident free. As a result SLA performance has improved dramatically. Numbers don't usually lie.

Rarely are there shortcuts when learning the ropes.

I.understand and I'm not looking to take short cuts by any means. I have found a company locally based that would send me to a local tech school training than train with one of their drivers. Home weekends. After being with that company for 18 months I could get a local position. I was just wondering if there were local companies that did quality training. Or if a mega company had a division of local for new drivers. Which I will look into the multi-modal thank you.