Comments By Jon H.

Just to close out this thread, I found a new job. Still construction industry but with a company that operates numerous trucks, CDL and non. Most of the employees have been there around 15-20 years average. Organized and focused on long-term success. I feel like I got a job I shouldn't be able to get this early in my career. I was very very honest about my experience, skills, background, and basic requirements from an employer and I was pretty much hired on the spot. Their last driver was let go because of DOT inspection issues. I think they were looking for someone meticulous. It's a very rare experience that I find an employer's investment and trust in me are greater than I've earned.

I won't, but I feel like I should call my former boss and thank him. Instead I'm just focusing on being worthy of the opportunity I've been given.

Yes and Yes. I'm very new to commercial driving. I obtained my CDL last year from a local school. My employer at the time begged me to stay on for another month and I was injured on the job during that time. A year later, I'm healthy and ready to go. I'd received a couple rejections from companies who previously wanted to hire me because it had been a year since my training. I really just happened into this job. Promises were great. Even sounded realistic.

You guys are correct. I can't choose what my employer does but I can choose to start the truck or not and ultimately who I'm willing to work for.

I'm a Class A CDL holder, but I work for a construction company driving a 26,000 GVW box truck. This truck doesn't require a CDL to drive, but basically is designed to skirt the requirement. My employer insists that I don't perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections or "waste time" draining the air tanks post-trip. I've been pressured to take very unbalanced loads and been dispatched to places I wouldn't take my Jeep. I've insisted on the inspections and loads being redistributed before move the truck. Is this a normal reality of trucking or should I be very afraid?

Besides Jim Palmer/Wilson Logistics, who are some good companies to work for in Montana. I'm a new driver. CDL A, doubles/triples, tankers, and Hazmat endorsements. I'm looking for a regional or dedicated job that has me home each week. Ideally, I'd like to be home a couple full days each week but I'm flexible if the company is. Need me to stay out a couple or few weeks? No problem. Am I going to want to get a longer stretch or two at home to make up for that? You bet. There may be times where I have something important planned, but I'm big on communication. The company would know at least a month in advance for situations like that.

Money? I like money! I'd much rather feel well-supported and not spend as much time worrying about whether my company is going to hold up their end of the bargain than concentrating on my job though. It's a balance. As a new driver, I'm planning to focus on, well, planning, attention to detail, and safety before anything else. The speed and efficiency will come in time. I'm sure companies that hire new drivers are conscious of this, but I'm assuming some better than others. Do I have a good attitude, treat others well, and show that I'm willing to earn a good reputation? You betcha.

I'm interested in dry van, tanker and refer mainly. Hazmat possibly. I'm not really into the flatbed thing. You flatbed guys work way too hard.

Anyone got any leads for me?

I'm about to start CDL training next month. The local workforce development council gave me a scholarship, which is use or lose. I'm definitely going to use it.

The thing is that my employer is not wanting to lose me. They keep giving me raises, preferential treatment, and have offered to pay for my study time and exam fees for additional certifications. In general, they're really kissing my butt and it's rather nice. I'm sure I still want to move to trucking, but I'm considering taking some time to rake in the dollars while they pay to build my resume. Maybe until August or September?

If I graduated in May, how long do I have to start with a trucking company before I'll require more training than other new CDL graduates or start looking like no one would hire me for some reason?