NKY To GA CDL Transfer (Looking At Roehl/Schneider)

Wanted to get some advice from some Pros, I've been doing this gig for a couple years, but I still could use some advice (probably a lot of advice, truthfully).

I've got my CDL with Hazmat & Tanker, and around 100,000-200,000 miles of solo OTR van experience. I'm planning on moving to ATL from KY in July. I'm currently unemployed. I've been out of the game since last July (may have to do a refresher, I know). I'm intending on applying to work for Roehl or Schneider.

The problem is, I don't want to get a job now (even non-driver) and quit that job to take yet another job in ATL. I've already got a pretty big employment gap to deal with (although, I have got income and a side-job/contract job to claim, it just didn't pay even minimum wage). And, I've got two trucking companies that I've worked for before on my resume--the last company may even take me back and they do hire down there.

My rental lease is up in July. I have a KY CDL. I don't think I can get hired for an ATL job while living in KY. I do have a few friends and relatives living there, so I could list their address for now? Do I need to have a GA CDL before I even apply? Or, will the address be good enough?

I'm afraid that if I switch my license and can't get hired on with a company in/near ATL I'm stuck with a GA license and my moving is completely dependent upon getting a job there to begin with--or let's just say I'd much rather have a job there first before the move, it'd make life easier.

I have given thought to trying to go back to work here and transfer, but I've found that to be difficult before. It feels like once you're in a high-demand area they really don't want to transfer you to another division.

Thoughts? Any suggestions/comments are very much appreciated.

If you go with either of those companies, they're national and you wouldn't need to leave them. If the position you want isn't available in your current area, but is in your new area, why not talk to them to see if you could fill the position with the understanding you will relocate within six months or so?

You're honestly talking about two different issues here. The move - and the JOB. And yes - your employment gap may be an issue you have to overcome - especially having driven previously. DHS is going to want to know you didn't spend your "time off", over in Syria or Afghan/Paki, training for your "special mission" (Aloha Snackbar).

Most companies hire from either location. Depending on how far off the interstate (freight lanes) you are in KY, may affect a hiring area. But typically, there are dozens (upon dozens) of companies that hire out of the ATL area. It's probably easier to get a hire out of ATL - than most other places in the country (except maybe the general location of where the company is home-based).

You can hire THEN MOVE - or you can MOVE THEN HIRE. If your plan is full time OTR - you're going to want to do the MOVE FIRST - because trying to move on a 3-4 day home time window, probably isn't the best logistical decision - especially since you're going to have to park the truck and shuttle between the two locations to make the move.

Another consideration (that you didn't mention) is do you have a family? Where are THEY wanting to live (if you have one)?

A trucking company is going to take WHATEVER IS ON YOUR LICENSE - as your residence state - down to the zip code. Either order you do the move in - you're going to have to change your license over within 30 days to a GA license (per GA DMV requirements).

GA info on transferring a CDL http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata.aspx?con=1746371759&ty=dl

So WHY are you moving to Atlanta? If you are moving EITHER WAY - then MOVE NOW. Ask your landlord what it would take to get out of your lease. How are you paying your rent now - if you're unemployed (yeah, I'm prying a bit, but trying to get a sense of what your situation is)?

There's a few "moving pieces" in this scenario. The least of which, is changing over your CDL to another state.

Rick