Student In A Private CDL School
Topic 22128 | Page 1
Your credit score will have no consequences for you landing a job driving a truck.
One thing I’ve read and can not find an answer for is why would something like a low credit score prevent you from getting hired?
Hello Kevin G, welcome to the forum!
Hey we are really glad to hear that some of our information has helped you get started in this incredible journey! Thanks for visiting, and we hope you will hang around and keep us updated on your progress. Trust me, there are people in here who will be encouraged and will learn some things from your experiences.
Listen, don't you worry about that credit score. There are plenty of truck drivers out here with much worse credit scores than you have. You will not have any problems getting hired due to a low credit score. That little bit of information came from a certain time when some of the Paid CDL Training Programs would check up on people's credit scores in an effort to make sure that they could recover their expenses if the person jumped ship early on in their contractual agreement. You are going through a private school, and I seriously doubt if any of the places you apply to will even be looking at your credit score. Even if they did it won't affect your ability to get hired on with them. It is a non issue, don't let it bother you.
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.
I saw someone post something about it on here. Maybe he was trying to lease.
Would me refusing to submit to an alcohol test over 11 years ago hurt my chances? My lisence was suspended for 6 months due to Zero tolerance. I was 20 and made a stupid mistake, but did not receive a DUI.
Also, on my MVR there is a speeding ticket from 2013 and a disregarding a stop yield sign in 2016.
I just want to know what I’m facing before I talk to recruiters. As of now I need to call back Swift, Prime, and Roehl tomorrow.
I’m really excited about a career in the trucking industry and just want to know if these things will hinder me from obtaining a rewarding career.
Thank you everyone for any advice and information you can provide me!
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
Would me refusing to submit to an alcohol test over 11 years ago hurt my chances? My lisence was suspended for 6 months due to Zero tolerance. I was 20 and made a stupid mistake, but did not receive a DUI.
Kevin, I would not mention this during a conversation with a recruiter. When you fill out applications always answer what it is they are asking for. If they ask has your license ever been suspended, then you would need to answer "yes." When they want to know the reason why then you would need to tell them that you refused to submit to an alcohol test. If they ask you has your license been suspended in the last ten years, then you can say no. It is that simple. Just answer what ever they are asking for on the application, nothing extra and nothing less. Always tell the truth - that is critical.
Also, on my MVR there is a speeding ticket from 2013 and a disregarding a stop yield sign in 2016.
These might keep some companies from hiring you, but probably not very many. If the speeding ticket is more than 15 mph over the limit, it will be more critical. Again, if the application asks have you had any traffic tickets in the last three years, you don't need to list the speeding ticket from five years ago. Read the questions carefully on the application and answer it within the limits they are requesting. Again, don't leave anything out that they are requesting, but there is no reason to provide extra ammo against yourself if they are not asking for it.
Don't forget you can use our web site when you Apply For Truck Driving Jobs and your application will go to many different trucking companies while only having to fill out one application.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
Thank you, Old School, for your very detailed response. Without making this post I would have asked the recruiter for Swift tomorrow about my alcohol infraction on my MVR.
Although, I want to secure as many pre-hires as possible, I really like that they have a terminal in Manteno, IL. That’s 7 miles north of my hometown. That wouldn’t be why I would just pick them given the opportunity, but I do not want to ruin my chances with such a great company. I will let you know my status once I get farther along in my schooling. I am projected to obtain my Class A CDL w/ Hazmat around May 19th! Thank you again!
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.
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
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Pre-hires:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Give H.O. Wolding a shot. They requirements are kinda strict; however, since the head of recruiting passed away a month or so ago, the new head of recruiting takes a different approach than what has been done for years. Carol used to do very thorough background checks BEFORE inviting someone to orientation. The new guy uses the spaghetti on a wall approach. So getting an invite to Orientation got A LOT easier.
Also try CFI. They offer tuition reimbursement for your school. I trained with them and I'm very happy here. They give people second chances. Good luck.
I found out this morning I was rejected by Prime. If it wasn’t my MVR , I would assume it’s my employment history for the last 3 years. I was fired from a job 1 month short of a year, quit a job after 7 months to solely work at the job I was fired from, and had gaps in my employment. I would assume they think I might quit on them. I’m not going to let it get me down. At this point I need 3 pre-hire letters to graduate my CDL program and I haven’t even started driving yet. Everyone says I have a great attitude and work ethic although I guess it doesn’t look that way on paper.
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.
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Prime is one of the more selective companies when it comes to employment history.
Stay the course and you'll quickly get your 3.
Here are a few links that might help:
- Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
- Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
- Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"
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.
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
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Hello everyone. My name is Kevin and I am a student in a private CDL school in Chicago. I recently obtained my CLP after being in school for 16 hours. They require us to try to obtain it by 28 hours. I am really excited! They require us to obtain 3 pre-hire letters by 60 hours so I contacted Swift and was given a recruiter this morning. This site has helped me a lot understanding what to expect. One thing I’ve read and can not find an answer for is why would something like a low credit score prevent you from getting hired? I have never had a credit card but I have a low credit score due to me defaulting on my student loan. I obviously have a lot more questions but I have answerd most of them by reading this wealth of information on this wonderful site. Thanks!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.