Profile For PJ

With that size company a mechanic or office person probably has a cdl for as needed situations. Pretty common and if they have a cdl and are on the insurance is reported on the mcs-150.

Small fleets like that can either be great or a complete disaster. All depends on how well they run it.

They are big enough to get some contracts with larger shippers and yet small enough to not be micro-managers.

OR

They aren’t highly motivated and take what they can get and ignore maintance issues until breakdowns occur.

I would have a sit down with management as well as look over the equipment and talk with the shop.

Then make a decision.

To the best of my knowledge TSA handles all the official fingerprinting for gov’t agencies.

Wow, that is some news. Your young and have alot of time ahead of you. Congrats. Kinda fitting as I read this I am actually parked at the Petro you and I met at when I was heading to cdl school.

Stay in touch sir!!!

Oh boy, sorry paul had you mixed up with a different person. Thanks naenae..

Welcome, I can understand the career change thing. I’m retired from law enforcement so I fully understand the demands in that profession.

Having a cdl and no experience is really worse than not having one in some ways.

You can look at small carriers, they would probably take you if their insurance company will accept you. Those can be good or really bad. No in between. The industry has been in the toliet going on 3 years and small carriers can have issues.

Large carriers even have problems these days as well but the drivers are in a more solid position. Look for training companies. They will either have you do a refresher or may put you through the entire program again. Should be pretty easy since you already got your license once.

I went through Roehl many years ago and they are a good training company and still family owned. No shareholders to cater to.

Paul correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t this the same reason you got let go from TMC??

Slow down, stop if you have to for a clear path to do what you have to do.

Having loads stacked afterward is a good sign your job is safe.

That is strike one at Roehl. Do NOT look for strike 2.

Slow and deliberate is your best friend.

This is crazy stuff. I’ve heard stories similiar for years. A very good reason to not lease.

When I was leased onto a company they provided the trailers at no cost. In my opinion that is the way to go.

Companies that lease the equipment to the driver will generally have an angle in it for them.

You can buy your own for about the same payment a month and you own it.

Just my opinion.

No real suprise, this downturn has lasted a long time now. The majority of the big companies have all been reporting large losses. That can go on only so long before something gives.

Apply and see what happens. It all depends on how many applications they get.

Welcome, from one old flat foot to another. Congrats on making it too retirement!!!

I was in your exact same place several years ago. I retired dec 2013 and after 11 months was bored to almost death. It is very difficult to go from 60-0 like we did.

There is a ton of info on this site that can help you learn about what this industry and lifestyle is all about.

I went through Roehl’s CDL training program and been driving ever since. I have slowed down some the last year or so. By my own choice.

Going through a company sponsored program is the better route to go. First off if they accept you into the program, you have a job once you graduate and they have a vested interest in you. Second is this industry has been in terrible shape the past few years. Many company’s have gone out of business and flooded the market with experienced drivers.

Going through a private school is doable, but then your on your own to find a job. If you do get picked up they don’t have the same vested interest and could end up letting you ago. We get people fairly regular through here in that boat.

We have a very talented group of seasoned drivers in here, and we’re always happy to help.