Finished School One And A Half Years Ago

Hello all, I've been wanting to get into driving for a while now. I retired from the Marine Corps in October 2014 and went to roadmaster driving school but the wife did not want me OTR. Understandable because of how much I was gone in the military, so I got a local job at the railyard driving a yard truck/hostler. I guess the wife has had enough of me now because she fine if I'm gone for a week and back for the weekends now. Problem is, what are the chances I can land a gig like this with no experience, and school completion was a year and a half ago? I drove an armored truck with a mine roller attachment for 2 years in the military, and the rail yard job has given me great experience with manueviring trailers in tight situations. I've talked to one company and they said I would be more employable with a refresher. So I called to inquire about that and they want $1,500 for 3 days of me sitting on a computer just to brush up on the rules and regulations. I'm calling the recruiter tomorrow and seeing if that's a requirement that they will waive hopefully.

For better or worse - companies that hire newly-minted Class A drivers, want to see them 30-60 days after graduation. Otherwise they consider the driving experience you gained in school to be "stale".

I'm in the same boat personally. I got my CDL in '09 - haven't used it full-time - I'll need to go do a refresher, or just go do the "entry level student" route, at a company that trains new drivers - and do the contractual obligation that comes with getting trained.

As unfair as that sounds - like everything else in this industry, it's dictated by the INSURANCE COMPANIES. ZERO EXPERIENCE, makes you uninsurable, regardless of how long you've held your CDL.

Rick

Hello all, I've been wanting to get into driving for a while now. I retired from the Marine Corps in October 2014 and went to roadmaster driving school but the wife did not want me OTR. Understandable because of how much I was gone in the military, so I got a local job at the railyard driving a yard truck/hostler. I guess the wife has had enough of me now because she fine if I'm gone for a week and back for the weekends now. Problem is, what are the chances I can land a gig like this with no experience, and school completion was a year and a half ago? I drove an armored truck with a mine roller attachment for 2 years in the military, and the rail yard job has given me great experience with manueviring trailers in tight situations. I've talked to one company and they said I would be more employable with a refresher. So I called to inquire about that and they want $1,500 for 3 days of me sitting on a computer just to brush up on the rules and regulations. I'm calling the recruiter tomorrow and seeing if that's a requirement that they will waive hopefully.

Hey, Robert. Welcome to Tucking Truth. You will need a refresher. There was a trainer as a student in my class (Swift) who was off (personal reasons) for 6 months. He had to go to school - but he tested out in no time! So maybe you won't be stuck in class or on a range for much time.

OTR rules are more involved than you get with local and drayage. And they have changed in the last several years. Finally, your company wants to make d*mn sure you're up to date on those rules, anyway.

A company school won't need the money up front. They should take it out over time as you work for them. Get out that DD-214 - many companies have deals for vets. Swift will waive the tuition after one year of driving. Basically, I got the whole training enchilada for free that way.

I was kinda in the same boat as well,however like a dummy I let my CDL go in 2013. About every company I talked to they required experience in the past 36 monthswhich I missed that by 2 or 3 months. So I am going to Sage Truck Driving School in Billings MT. They do have a refresher course however I opted to do the 160 hours. Some companies do recognize your military time as experience. I know it doesnt sound right that beings ya allready have a CDl that you should have to go through training again however like some one else said, alot has changed as far as regulations go. I would think that if your all good and you go through orientation and go with a trainer you might be looking at 2 weeks. What ever you decide to do I wish you luck and hope all goes well.