Comments By Workhorse

I'm going to talk to my recruiter Monday. I was able to submit my application and send over my information on Wednesday and talked with my recruiter on Thursday but it was late in the day and seemed like she was in a rush it being a holiday weekend and all. I was given the number for the school and told to talk with them and that I met the qualification requirements for USX. After talking with the school which seemed to go great that was when I was informed that they would run my credit, I'm thinking that pending those results will determine if I can receive a pre-hire letter. I'm excited that it seems I may have a chance but again my past crept up on me and has me worrying again. I hope that it's not as big a deal as I'm making it out to be since all of the bad marks were years ago and I do have at least one good report showing recent activity that is being "Paid as agreed". I would like to thank each and every person that has voiced their opinion, given advice, and wisdom I have listened and valued it greatly.

I've been talking with US Xpress for training and employment. I have been approved by them and handed over to their partner school for approval. So things are looking up for me and I am excited, my only worry right now is that the school is running my credit. I don't know what the requirement is but I do know that my report isn't good like at all...without giving to much personal information out I have a score better than 550 but with several derogatory marks. How worried do I need to be right now?

Congratulations Colin K. I am currently studying with the High Road Training program and was worried if the information given was adequate enough to pass the permit test even though I've read the Florida and Missouri CDL Manual. So thank you for alleviating this worry, I'm currently on section 2 with a 95% overall and 100% across the board so far for section 2.

For Bret, one thing I think should be added is the proper lamp colors in the review portion. It's probably not a big deal for the written test but elsewhere I've heard that a lot of drivers are placed out of service simply because they were unaware that their lamps were the improper color; don't know how accurate that information is but it's just a thought of mine.

Congratulations again Colin and Good Luck to you in your future endeavors.

Thank you Rainy D & Danielsahn.

I am currently talking to a few smaller “second chance” companies such as Carolina cargo, XPO, and US Xpress.

As I said I have been through an approved SAP program and most companies want a bit more time, the incident occurred 14 months ago and I have had a few tell me that 2 years is ok with them as long as I can show good verifiable work history until then with companies that are respected (I’m guessing that means no “felony companies”).

My reason for getting my CDL privately is: 1. To allow time to pass while working. 2. I will have to transfer my CDL anyways after I get it with company training so I’ll go ahead and receive it in my home state. 3. I’ll also have time to apply for my Passport, TWIC card and so forth.

I know that doing this isn’t guaranteeing me a job or that the process will be any easier; but I do have to believe in the old saying that actions speak louder than words which is what I live by. I could just lay low for a little while until this blows over or I could act proactively and Pray that their is a company out their that will take this into account (not betting on it but hopeful).

The Marine in me doesn’t just let a target go, I seek it out, stalk it, and learn all I can about it; when the time comes I will be prepared as I can be to pounce on it. When the time comes and a company is willing to evaluate and offer me a pre-hire offer I will not be found wanting. There’s a Bible passage I’m reminded of about a thief coming in the night, in the parable Jesus asks if you know he’s coming will you sleep or stay awake and alert? (Paraphrased.) I will not be found sitting on a log but rather standing with my head held high and everything in order.

Thanks for that PJ I figured that the card would be sufficient enough. I’m looking to maximize my potential without spending unnecessarily. The card is WAY cheaper than the book

Yes Rainy D I've read and interviewed with a lot of companies, I've also looked over any and all information that has been passed to me. I've decided to go ahead and get my CDL through a Community College not just so I can have my CDL and hopefully get a job, it's to allow some more time to pass because 99% of the carriers I've talked with have stopped the conversation right as soon as I've admitted the failed drug test even though an approved SAP has been conducted. Most carriers claim that they wish to have a few years in-between from the failure. I'm not letting this stop me I want the trucking industry to see how determined I am, to know that I am an honest and reliable driver. I wasn't an addict or a regular user. I have family members that have succumbed to that lifestyle and I WILL NOT be one of them. I thank you for your advice and hope that I still have everyone here in my corner, because just like Rocky Balboa I might be beaten down until my face resembles a catchers mitt but I AM NOT OUT!! I cannot and will not give up on this.

Bumping this up the chain so that I can get better answers. Thanks for the info.

Ok Trucking Truth Community!!!

Hello again; thanks for all the wonderful information and support from this website provided by all of you. I now have a plan; I'm heading to Kentucky, my hometown to attend training privately to obtain my Class A CDL w/ Tank & Hazmat endorsements. Thanks to my family who will be supporting me by putting me up during my training, without them I'd still be struggling. As I'm preparing for the move and the start of classes I am wanting to get a jump on pre-hire letters. How do I do that? I know I'll still have training miles to complete with my carrier but how do I know which companies will hire 0 experience? I know I can go through all the Company Sponsored Training list and just ignore the CDL Training portion of information. So do all carriers hire new graduates? Which are the best for a new driver?. I'm not asking for personal experiences just wisdom and advice from experienced drivers. Thanks again for all your help, advice, and wisdom again community.

Very well organized and chalked full of information. I agree with Errol V. In that photo’s would be inviting. Maybe not one but something like a sliding photo book or something. Also, going a little further into trucking more that just CDL studies would be nice. Important routes to remember, what gear is better than others, bridge clearance warning spots and such. In short, things a person is likely to experience or encounter once a CDL is obtained and the new career is underway. Maybe even information on the different Diesel engines for those without any mechanical experience; for instance I grew up with a single mom and no father figure so I have no idea where to locate a water pump for the radiator. (Thanks to YouTube I know to follow the lines leading to and from to find it.)

Workhorse, a couple of things here.

First of all, it doesn't help that much to gather first hand experiences from other drivers. Great drivers have great experiences anywhere they work, lousy drivers have lousy experiences anywhere they work. Every company in the nation has a chorus of people singing their praises and a chorus of people blasting them to bits.

If you have very specific questions about a carrier then first hand experience is more helpful. But the general, "How do you like it there?" kind of stuff isn't going to be helpful.

You really only need to worry about a few things, mainly:

1) How often do you want to get home?

2) What type of freight do you want to haul?

3) What regions of the country would you like to run?

I noticed your list includes everything - flatbed carriers, dry van carriers, refrigerated carriers, and some with a mix of various types of freight. You'll want to decide up front which type you'd like to start with. Unless your heart is really set on flatbed I would start with dry van or refrigerated, depending on how often you'd like to get home.

Once you answer those questions you'll narrow down the choices considerably. At that point apply to any companies that fit those choices and see who offers you a position. People are always spending tons of time evaluating companies only to find out they're not even being offered a position by most of the companies they had on their list. So apply first, then do a deeper evaluation of the companies that are actually interested in hiring you.

You can Apply For Paid CDL Training right here on our website and it will go to several different carriers. You can then apply directly to others you may be interested in.

Also, read through these if you haven't already:

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Thanks Bret, that covered A LOT of useful information. I also want to say that I'm not really concerned with the type of freight that I run, does that matter? Not being a professional driver I don't know the pro's and con's of the different types and just as it's repeatedly suggested to get as many endorsements as I can for marketability I thought perhaps having experience in the different freight types would be just as beneficial. I have thought though that starting out it might be better to do dry van or reefer. What are your thoughts?