Got The CDL A But Haven't Started Driving Yet

I graduated from a truck driving school a year ago (Feb 2015). I have the CDL A as well as a Haz Mat and a Tanker endorsement. I did this because the industry I was in (offshore oil and gas) was taking a nosedive. I figured since fuel was so cheap, and looked like it was going to stay that way, there would probably be plenty of trucks running around so it seemed like a safe bet.

Right after I picked up the license, I was offered a very lucrative contract in the offshore construction industry that lasted from April of 2015 until just recently. So, I've had the license for a year, but I've still not driven professionally for anyone. My question is, since I've waited so long to jump into trucking, are companies still going to be willing to hire me? I've heard that once 4 months go by, if you haven't hired on yet, most carriers aren't interested in you. Is this the case? Anyone else found themselves in this same or a similar situation and if so, what are the options? I'd hate to have to invest another $5,000.00 and do the course over again. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I'd hate to have to invest another $5,000.

Thanks!

I don't see why this would be an issue. (NOT you investing another $5k, that would be troublesom for anyone) but as long as your CDL-A is valid & MVR in good standing, the most (I assume) a company would require is a refresher course & month on the road with a trainer @ company expense.

Refresher courses seem to last about 4-5 days & mentorship 4 weeks. I strongly doubt you would incur a charge for either.

This can cut a few ways.

Most companies want to see you within 30-60 days after graduating from a non-company school - otherwise they consider the school to be "stale".

I've had my CDL for 6 years, but haven't used it full time OTR.

While you might have to go into a company as entry level, and do their whole "new driver program" - or some will allow you to do an "outside refresher", for the most part - companies will consider a years-old CDL with zero actual OTR experience in the same light as not having one AT ALL.

One company I've contacted recently (Jim Palmer) told em I would have to downgrade to a Class E, come up and get my Montana permit, go through the whole course, get a Montana CDL, then transfer it back to Florida. Which I find ridiculous.

Other companies have told me pretty much the same thing - "our student driver if for non-CDL-licensed people".

While I'm more than willing to do the entire course (because I am "stale"), I just think it's dumb to turn in a fully endorsed CDL that I've had and kept clean for 6 years.

But that might be just what I have to do, if I want to get OTR full time.

Rick

SEC Training Centers in Flowood, MS offers a refresher course for 1,500 dollars. If you go with their lodging, under 2k. No test out, just put in the time and you get a certificate. Plus the training is good.

SEC Training Centers in Flowood, MS offers a refresher course for 1,500 dollars. If you go with their lodging, under 2k. No test out, just put in the time and you get a certificate. Plus the training is good.

Thanks for your reply!

This can cut a few ways.

Most companies want to see you within 30-60 days after graduating from a non-company school - otherwise they consider the school to be "stale".

I've had my CDL for 6 years, but haven't used it full time OTR.

While you might have to go into a company as entry level, and do their whole "new driver program" - or some will allow you to do an "outside refresher", for the most part - companies will consider a years-old CDL with zero actual OTR experience in the same light as not having one AT ALL.

One company I've contacted recently (Jim Palmer) told em I would have to downgrade to a Class E, come up and get my Montana permit, go through the whole course, get a Montana CDL, then transfer it back to Florida. Which I find ridiculous.

Other companies have told me pretty much the same thing - "our student driver if for non-CDL-licensed people".

While I'm more than willing to do the entire course (because I am "stale"), I just think it's dumb to turn in a fully endorsed CDL that I've had and kept clean for 6 years.

But that might be just what I have to do, if I want to get OTR full time.

Rick

Out of curiosity, what have you been doing for a living? Have you been driving Class B locally, or have you been driving Class A locally? Or working in a whole other industry?

Out of curiosity, what have you been doing for a living? Have you been driving Class B locally, or have you been driving Class A locally? Or working in a whole other industry?

Still doing IT work, like I have for 35 years. Too much of a wuss to get rid of all my possessions and just walk away. And I make a good living for very little actual work. But I'm also burnt out and bored to tears.

I've done a little TT work here and there - mainly fill-in, moving equipment for a friend. Like "hey Rick, can you do a run up to Orlando to pick up a trailer for me?". Nothing on the books or steady.

I stay current on rules, regs and the industry, keep my OOIDA membership current, endorsements, TWIC , Med, etc..

I did a business plan a few years ago, to purchase and go O/O - but it just wasn't the right time to do it - and you really need to put a year or two in, before making that kind of investment.

I really need to get off my dead gluteus, and just go for it.

Rick