Prior Experience Can I Still Use It
Topic 16930 | Page 1
You are likely to only be able to use your CURRENT EXPERIENCE.
CDL's became mandatory in '86 (and I kinda regret not grandfathering in my Chauffeur's License back then when I had the opportunity to).
So I don't think your prior experience is going to count when looking for experience in hiring requirements, or negotiating pay rate based on experience.
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
No, your prior experience won't count. Companies normally only consider experience within the past 5 years.
Ok to go kinda go off Jim R's question . . . If you're going for an "upgrade" (Class B to A) do they count any of that driving time as experience ? I've had my CDL since I turned 21 . . .Class A to start & was OTR for 9 months, then came home & dropped it to a Class B until sept. of this year . . .
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Ok to go kinda go off Jim R's question . . . If you're going for an "upgrade" (Class B to A) do they count any of that driving time as experience ? I've had my CDL since I turned 21 . . .Class A to start & was OTR for 9 months, then came home & dropped it to a Class B until sept. of this year . . .
How LONG AGO were you OTR?
That was the point made in the replies to the original poster. Ancient experience doesn't really count to companies - but considering that for most, it's like riding a bike (in that we get back up to speed quickly) - you go in as a student, bite the bullet and get the training over again. Can't hurt.
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Rick it was many many moons ago since I've had the Class A but its been 17 years on my Class B & currently still using it. I've only gotten my A learner's permit back in sept of this year. ( Figured I'd get it before going back to school) I am glad to see you say its like riding a bike, we don't forget much . . .
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I drove for a Foodservice company which is now US Foods 25 years ago. I pulled everything we had, 28 ft, 42 ft and doubles for five years. I quit driving just before the CDL became mandatory. I've came back to driving and I'm working for a major carrier based out of Missouri running OTR , I have all my endorsements including hazmat. My question is, can I use my prior experience combined with my current experience should I decide to talk to a carrier that runs either local, regional or dedicated. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.