American Currently Living/working In Vietnam Could Use Some Advice
Topic 22552 | Page 1
The DWI would prevent some companies from hiring you, and my guess is if you want to be taken seriously, come back to the U.S. some companies are also very choosy regarding employment history. Any chance you can get a VOIP U.S. number?
DWI:
Driving While Intoxicated
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Thanks so much, Susan. I admit I'm imperfect, but know I'm a very hard worker and just want to get my foot in the door with CDL training. I can make outgoing VOIP calls with Skype, but haven't figured out how to receive calls just yet.
I was hoping to have something lined up before returning, but maybe waiting until I'm back is the best course of action. Don't want to waste application chances if I don't have to. Thanks again for your input.
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.
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.
P.S. The recruiter got back to me and said they get 800-1000 applications per week and only pick 3-4 people, so it's very selective. Those numbers sound a bit high to me, but I suppose it makes me feel a little better so I'll accept it.
One last question: would trying to include a cover letter make a difference? I suppose I'll do it regardless, couldn't hurt... right?
Thanks as always.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Welcome to the forum Matthew.
I think Susan's advice is sound, try to get back to the US. As far as a cover letter? Most applications are electronic submission through a website. If an option to include a cover letter is available, it couldn't hurt.
WilTrans and Jim Palmer are very selective. The DUI even though it's over 10 years old, likely lowered your chances. But don't give up...many other options available to you.
Take a look here - Paid CDL Training Programs
And use this link to launch multiple applications to these companies - Apply For Paid CDL Training
Not sure if you have seen the now famous Trucking Truth starter kit. The four links will provide valuable information to build a knowledge base, help establish realistic expectations and best of all a fast track to passing the permit exams. As follows -
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Enjoy your reading! Good luck, we are here to assist along the way.
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.
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.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
Thanks a lot G-town. I'm pretty sure I've read everything at least a couple times now lol. I'm living vicariously through you folks.
I won't give up, but I think I'll return before completing more apps to help my chances.
Until then I'll keep reading and finish the training course. This is a great site, thanks to all who contribute - especially Brett. Loved the book.
Godspeed!
I have been living in Asia for a number of years. I have a skype phone number and a google voice number from my state of legal residence. Someone calls my local number in Illinois and my phone rings in Asia. I pay an annual fee for the skype number, but it's convenient for family and others to contact me. Access to internet is a requirement though.
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Hi all,
I've been reading this site for months now, I've always wanted to drive a truck and I believe the time has come to make my move. However, I didn't get lucky with my first application and wondered if I'm doing something wrong.
Sadly, I was turned down by Jim Palmer/Wil Trans today. I meet all the minimum requirements, so I wondered if you could point out what I need to fix. My suspicion is one of the following was my problem, but I haven't heard back from my recruiter so I'm not sure:
- I have a DWI from 15 years ago, but the record was expunged and I don't know the exact dates of my suspension anymore.
- I've had a weird 10 months or so of work history – left a steady job last summer to work in China, but they didn't honor the contract to help me get the work permit, so no work visa, and back home I went and worked on the family farm a few months. Then left to try again in Vietnam, found work and have been here ever since.
– I'm in Vietnam, and don't really have a residence in the US anymore. I use my parents address for mail. Calling is also difficult (I can't get my local number to fit on the online form, too many digits haha).
Any advice is appreciated. I'd be happy to supplement my application with a letter explaining myself. If any recruiters can offer advice, or anyone for that matter, I'd be indebted to you.
Many thanks!
DWI:
Driving While Intoxicated
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated