Need Career Change, 13 Years Experience.

Well, where to start, so the beginning is the best, 1987 or early 1988, started working for a refinery maintanence company, Serv-Tech, gone now, got my Class a CDL , tanker, doubles and triples, and hazardous endorsements. Drove coast to coast and border to border, 40 states if memory isn't full, all the major refineries, and lots of minor also. Petro chemical and chemical, like Dow. Anyway, all our trucks had hydraulic equipment mounted on a bed, and several pulled a short flatbed trailer. Sometimes drove the tanker, need to experience that at least once. Flash ahead 7 years, got fed up with not being home to watch my son grow up, sought out a local Roadway Express driver one day and grilled him about his job. Luckily this guy liked his job, btw they are union, which I did not know at the time, but that was ok, more money. Six weeks later I was hired as a 'Casual" trial period. Drove in Houston mostly, around the state and to California once.

I started in the oilfield working offshore pipeline and construction, in 1974, all over the world, minus 13 years I just summarized.

As everyone is aware, that industry has begun cutting back, especially overseas which is where most of my 28 years took place. Good ole American know how taught them everything we know, so now they can pay local's or other's, like Indian, Bangladesh, and the Philipino's for a fraction what they are/were paying us.

Ok, sorry for being long. I need to start driving again for a steady income, thus change in my career. I'm a little older, but I can drive anything that is driveable, operate anything from a forklift to a 250 ton derrick crane. Driving record is clean, and back in 2013 I let my CDL go, hind sight being 20/20, anyone reading this has permission to open up that "can of whoop ass" you keep under your seat. I read that on a blog here, but just a swift kick will suffice.

I can pass every test, and the medical, like riding a bike, but I have no bike to test on, meaning tractor trailer. From what I've read so far, is to get on with a company that will "re-train" on the job. I tried to find a place to rent here in Houston but got frustrated, and it's expensive.

Thanks for any input, positive or negative, I learn something new every day and won't stop until I no longer live in this world. Y'all be safe, and you new guys:.......... the older drivers are the best mentors you'll ever find. Non-TRUCK drivers do not know, treat them like they are.......well, you'll catch on real quick.

Good morning Randall.

There's another guy here who was out of the business for a while and is looking to get back into the cab. Check out Bobby O's posts.

You'll need to take a refresher class. I know the Companies with schools can put you through easy enough. You'll probably have to ride with an instructor (you'll be on the payroll by then).

I'm really set to roll right now, gotta go. But look across the top of the web page and check out all those resources.

Good luck.

Probably the easiest way to get going would be the Company-Sponsored Training Programs like Errol mentioned. Those are trucking companies with their own schools. The nice thing is that they'll want you out on the road as quickly as possible. So they give you whatever training and practice you may need to get your CDL back, get your testing completed, and get you out on the road.

You can of course also go to a Private Truck Driving School to get your CDL back. In fact, you could get it without any schooling but you would face a couple of problems:

1) You would have to rent a truck and have someone drive you to the testing site. You'd also have to teach yourself the proper terminology and procedures for the pre-trip inspection. Obviously you know how to do a pre-trip but the State will want to see it done their way.

2) You have no recent OTR experience so most OTR companies will want to see a diploma from a truck driving school in order to hire you.

You have a variety of options, depending on what type of job you're looking for.

Welcome Randall. Errol hit the nail on the head, hire on with one of the companies listed in the link he sent you.

In addition TT has another really good link that provides details of many, many companies. Trucking Company Reviews. It's a lot of information but perhaps worth some time to review. Let us know how else we can help. Good luck to you.

Hey Randall, I have had my cdl for over 13 yrs. I just now am getting back into the business. I am taking refresher course at Schneider in West Memphis, Ark. You would be a lot better off ,like old school and Brett have said ,to go with a bigger company that offers refresher courses to guys like us. You just have to find the one that will fit you and stay with them for awhile unless you decide to stay permanent. It's completely what you feel is right for you. Their are plenty of companies that offer refresher courses. Brett has a big list of trucking companies here and look at them then do some research on each one until you find the one that will fit you best. Personally, I am glad I chose Schneider , but it may not be for you.

Sorry Randall, it wasn't old school it was Error V. Who posted. Sorry Mr.Errol.