I'm Not Letting My Past Haunt My Future!!!
Topic 22143 | Page 1
No, not all companies will hire a new grad. Not all.companies will hire someone with a failed drug test in their background either.
im confused as you posted a list of companies who would all hire new grads. G towm gave you names that would hire as a second chance. you need to talk to them. brett gave you great info to ponder about freight and home time.
you might just be wasting time and money if you go to school then cannot get hired because of your past. after a period of time, that 160 hour training certificate will not be accepted any longer by many compamies and you will have to go through schooling/training all ober again. did you consider that?
Just because you get a CDL it does not mean you with find a job with a checkered past. the school wants your money and doesnt really care if you get hired.
you might not let your past haunt you, but the companies will. some comapnies have zero tolerance for the failed drug test and others will say you need to wait 3 years.
jist apply everywhere a d see what happens. i kmow.people ga e you links to read..dis hou do that?
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.
Yes Rainy D I've read and interviewed with a lot of companies, I've also looked over any and all information that has been passed to me. I've decided to go ahead and get my CDL through a Community College not just so I can have my CDL and hopefully get a job, it's to allow some more time to pass because 99% of the carriers I've talked with have stopped the conversation right as soon as I've admitted the failed drug test even though an approved SAP has been conducted. Most carriers claim that they wish to have a few years in-between from the failure. I'm not letting this stop me I want the trucking industry to see how determined I am, to know that I am an honest and reliable driver. I wasn't an addict or a regular user. I have family members that have succumbed to that lifestyle and I WILL NOT be one of them. I thank you for your advice and hope that I still have everyone here in my corner, because just like Rocky Balboa I might be beaten down until my face resembles a catchers mitt but I AM NOT OUT!! I cannot and will not give up on this.
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.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Yes Rainy D I've read and interviewed with a lot of companies, I've also looked over any and all information that has been passed to me. I've decided to go ahead and get my CDL through a Community College not just so I can have my CDL and hopefully get a job, it's to allow some more time to pass because 99% of the carriers I've talked with have stopped the conversation right as soon as I've admitted the failed drug test even though an approved SAP has been conducted. Most carriers claim that they wish to have a few years in-between from the failure. I'm not letting this stop me I want the trucking industry to see how determined I am, to know that I am an honest and reliable driver. I wasn't an addict or a regular user. I have family members that have succumbed to that lifestyle and I WILL NOT be one of them. I thank you for your advice and hope that I still have everyone here in my corner, because just like Rocky Balboa I might be beaten down until my face resembles a catchers mitt but I AM NOT OUT!! I cannot and will not give up on this.
How long has it been since you failed the drug test? You just said 99% want 3 years from the test. seriously, your best and possibly only option might be Carolina Cargo. There might not be a choice of companies for you.
going to CDL school will not show companies you are determined, and honest. it will show them you dont care about their drug policies. if they wouldnt hire you to school you, they wont hire you they will see you as a waste of time. period.
try carolina cargo. they wont school but will hire new grads.
i just hate when people waste time and money because they just cant get it through their head just how big of a deal drug tests or driving records are. Nighthawk is going through the same issue and so far only CR England will talk to her. she is now contemplating whether they are acceptable to her as if she had a choice.
waiting rhe full 3 yrs and then going company sponsored will probably save you a ton of money and frustration. it doesnt mean you are giving up.
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.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Carolina Cargo is a company that is known for taking chances on people. They run Team trucks. A few different members here have, or are (I think) working for them. There may be more, but I have a very limited knowledge of the hundreds of companies out there, that will train recent grads.
Another option is to go to Old Dominion, Saia, Estes, or other LTL company. They often have a "Dock to Driver" program. This way, you can earn money while proving your tenacity, reliability, and integrity, while training to drive a truck.
Either way, good luck. You are fighting an uphill battle, but I am looking forward to hearing your success through perseverance.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Thank you Rainy D & Danielsahn.
I am currently talking to a few smaller “second chance” companies such as Carolina cargo, XPO, and US Xpress.
As I said I have been through an approved SAP program and most companies want a bit more time, the incident occurred 14 months ago and I have had a few tell me that 2 years is ok with them as long as I can show good verifiable work history until then with companies that are respected (I’m guessing that means no “felony companies”).
My reason for getting my CDL privately is: 1. To allow time to pass while working. 2. I will have to transfer my CDL anyways after I get it with company training so I’ll go ahead and receive it in my home state. 3. I’ll also have time to apply for my Passport, TWIC card and so forth.
I know that doing this isn’t guaranteeing me a job or that the process will be any easier; but I do have to believe in the old saying that actions speak louder than words which is what I live by. I could just lay low for a little while until this blows over or I could act proactively and Pray that their is a company out their that will take this into account (not betting on it but hopeful).
The Marine in me doesn’t just let a target go, I seek it out, stalk it, and learn all I can about it; when the time comes I will be prepared as I can be to pounce on it. When the time comes and a company is willing to evaluate and offer me a pre-hire offer I will not be found wanting. There’s a Bible passage I’m reminded of about a thief coming in the night, in the parable Jesus asks if you know he’s coming will you sleep or stay awake and alert? (Paraphrased.) I will not be found sitting on a log but rather standing with my head held high and everything in order.
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.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
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.
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
I would get some prehire letters before doing that. Reason being, having a CDL does not guarantee employment and it doesn't make that recent failed drug test go away. A prehire letter does not guarantee employment either, but it improves your chances. I'd hate for you to spend all of that money on school just to have trouble finding a job.
There are a number of companies that hire people with no experience and offer tuition reimbursement. Picking the one that's best for you depends on your needs. How often do you feel you need to be home? Do you want to take a pet with you? Would you like to have a rider at some point? Is there a specific type of freight you want to haul?
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.
Prehire:
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.
A prehire letter does not guarantee employment
Another good point. the letters are invitations to orientation, nothing more.
what about CFI? Big Scott works there and Nighthawk said they told her 1 year after a failed drug test. they do their own school and although they start an average cpm for dry van , you get a decent raise after i think 1 year from like 35cpm to 40cpm
scott will be along soon he can answer
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Prehire:
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 again; thanks for all the wonderful information and support from this website provided by all of you. I now have a plan; I'm heading to Kentucky, my hometown to attend training privately to obtain my Class A CDL w/ Tank & Hazmat endorsements. Thanks to my family who will be supporting me by putting me up during my training, without them I'd still be struggling. As I'm preparing for the move and the start of classes I am wanting to get a jump on pre-hire letters. How do I do that? I know I'll still have training miles to complete with my carrier but how do I know which companies will hire 0 experience? I know I can go through all the Company Sponsored Training list and just ignore the CDL Training portion of information. So do all carriers hire new graduates? Which are the best for a new driver?. I'm not asking for personal experiences just wisdom and advice from experienced drivers. Thanks again for all your help, advice, and wisdom again community.
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
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.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.