Do You Think I Can Get A Job?

Good morning. For the past few years, I've been considering becoming a regional truck driver, and I'm leaning towards Schneider's tanker division at the moment. However, I've had 6 jobs, which have all lasted less than a year due to medical reasons. Some even just a few days. However, I spent about half a year getting to the bottom of what was going on with my health and taking care of it, I typically get top marks in school, and I have a perfect driving record. Before I go much further with my plans, I'd like to know if I even stand a chance of landing a trucking job.

What were the health reasons? Are the jobs verifiable? Over what time period were the jobs? How old are you? Can you explain and verify all time in between jobs? If Schneider is your first choice, you could ask the recruiter.

What were the health reasons? Are the jobs verifiable? Over what time period were the jobs? How old are you? Can you explain and verify all time in between jobs? If Schneider is your first choice, you could ask the recruiter.

I was dealing with severe mental health and digestive issues that put me in the hospital a few times. The jobs are all verifiable and were over the course of three years. I'm 22 as of time of posting, soon to be 23. All time in between jobs was spent on education and medical-related things. I actually have a CLP and a non-restricted medical examiner's certificate.

Do not be surprised if any company that takes an interest in you; requires you to get a letter stating from your doctor and/or psychiatrist that your previous medical conditions are properly treated and you have no residual issues.

Welcome Jared.

In addition to what has already been stated, please keep in mind you'll need to pass a physical before you are able to take the CLP (permit) exam.

In order to set realistic expectations, here is a series of links for you to review about the physical:

• Getting Started With The DOT Physical
• DOT Blood Pressure Requirements
• DOT Drug and Alcohol Policies & Testing
• DOT Eye & Vision Exam Requirements
• DOT Hearing Requirements
• DOT Physical - Driver Exemptions
• Hair Follicle vs. Urinalysis Drug Testing: Breakdown By Company
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice
• Sleep Apnea , Truck Drivers, & BMI Calculator

Trucking companies are also very strict about what types of medication(s) you are taking. Especially anything that is addictive and/or has side affects that can cause dizziness, dulled reflexes, and drowsiness.

Click on this link for more information: FMCSA disqualifying medications

Please let us know if you have any additional questions. We've had many people come through this link with health situations and have prevailed to become professional drivers.

Good luck!

Hey Jared, welcome to our forum!

Don't be surprised if you hit a few snags along the way to seeking employment in this new career choice of yours.

For starters you need to be aware that just about any company you go to work for will have you see their chosen physician for a new physical, and you will be given a new medical certificate. That is just standard procedure. With the medical issues you've mentioned to us you could possibly have an issue with your medications. I would try to speak to a recruiter if possible about your medicines, if any, and try to get those things approved up front. I can't guarantee the recruiter will have all the answers you need, but I would certainly try to start there. Different companies have differing policies concerning allowable medications for their driving associates.

Also you may want to seriously think about the effects of this career on your health. The two issues you mentioned can certainly be dealt with on the road, but they may prove to be very challenging at times. The Solitude of This Job often times catches newbies completely off guard. We often spend weeks at a time without ever even seeing anyone that we know. For some this is a soothing balm, while others cannot handle it at all. Being cooped up in a truck all by yourself for 14 - 16 hours a day can really get to some folks, while others will happily hide out in that truck like a hibernating bear for 24 hours a day, happy to not be bothered by human interaction.

Also it can be challenging to eat properly while out on the road. If you are suffering from anything like Crohn's or IBS, a poor diet could be problematic for you. A person can take the steps needed to ear properly out here, but it is a challenge that requires some good planning and forethought.

You made a good choice of joining in our discussions here, and I want you to know that we will always have your best interests at heart. We specialize in helping newbies get their feet wet in this career and we will always shoot straight with you.

Oh, one other thing that I think would be good for you to consider. In your situation I think it would be wise to look into the Paid CDL Training Programs. These are excellent training programs in which the company will pay for your training and will help you make a decent start at your new career. Some folks get all hung up about having to make a commitment to work for that employer for a year, but I don't see that as any different from making the commitment to paying for your schooling out of your own pocket. These programs have some definite advantages to them, one of which is that the company has a vested interest in your success. Do some research by following that link I provided you and jump back in here with any questions you may have. We will be glad to help you along the way.

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the warm welcome and the helpful advice. I've done a lot of research into this over the years. Though, the main thing that's bothering me is the potential interview, particularly about my work history. I've never been that great with interviews and not raising red flags. There's supposed to be a way of spinning job hopping into something positive, but I'm not quite sure how to do that.

the main thing that's bothering me is the potential interview, particularly about my work history.

Hey Jared, I wouldn't stress over that very much. Very few trucking jobs actually have an interview process at all. What is going to happen is you will fill out an application, and then a recruiter will contact you. If they have a few questions, and they probably will, they will simply ask you about those things over the phone and then they will do whatever they can to get you signed up. It is really that simple. Work history is mostly important because Homeland Security requires it to keep terrorist from getting in big trucks and doing some damage like they did with Jet Planes. There are a few companies that put more emphasis on job history, but if one rejects you because of it you can be assured that others will gladly take you.

We even make it easy for you to apply to several different companies with one application when you Apply For Truck Driving Jobs here.

You can also apply to several different company sponsored programs when you Apply For Company-Sponsored Training here.

Don't let that sketchy job history bother you too much, there have been a lot of people who jumped into trucking because they had trouble keeping regular type jobs. Seriously, you should be good.

Jared above all else provide the facts. Your employment history can be truthfully explained by interjecting a temporary health issue that is now well managed. Some companies may accept this explanation, some may not.

Trucking companies do not typically conduct conventional job interviews, the kind you are accustom to.

Take a look at this link: The World's Longest Job Interview

Yes they will prequalify through on-line applications and at least one recruiter discussion. Just make sure you are prepared with all of your job and driving history. Relax...it's not a stressful exchange, just information gathering.

You may also benefit from Trucking Truth's starter kit, both a primer for your knowledge base and an online training program that has unrivaled success rates to help students pass the CLP exam.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program

Happy Reading!

The article about the longest interview is absolute truth. There isn't any sit down meet your boss interview to be had. Everything you do is being evaluated.

I went to a college course. One of my instructors had worked for Wolding. They did contact him to find out more about me. They e-mailed him my prehire letter so he could print it off and hand it to me. As Brett stated in his book, the recruiter asked for the 3 best students. Now you have a chance at a job.

Everything you do, everything you say, the way you carry yourself and the way you dress is all being evaluated. During orientation you don't get extended a job offer until the end. You will spend a week being evaluated before you are even offered a job. At any time, if the company doesn't like what they see, you will get a return ticket on the grey dog.

Remember, the company is taking a chance on an untested raw rookie. They want to know that you are honest. You will be driving a $80,000+ piece of machinery and hauling cargo that can be potentially worth millions. They want to know you are punctual. You will have deadlines to meet. They want to know you can interact socially as a professional and dress appropriately. You will be the face of the company that the shippers and receivers will meet. They want to know you are capable and safety conscious. You will be driving a 80,000 lbs wrecking ball that will crush 2,500 lbs of plastic and aluminum and completely obliterate a squishy 200 lbs sack of flesh and bones.

Your interview starts the minute you begin chasing your cdl.