Can't Get Hired Due To Government Shutdown.

I liquidated my business, and paid $5,500 out of pocket for trucking school. I chose to go full-time and put 100% of my energy into getting licensed and employed as soon as possible. I finished the 150 hour program in 3 weeks, and got my CDL 12/26. I had a phone interview 12/27 with my top choice of companies. I had a second video conference interview 12/31. They called Jan 2nd to let me know they'd checked my references, employment history, and want me on their team. But due to the government shutdown, they can't run the necessary background checks to move forward. So here I sit, flat broke with 2 kids and no income waiting until government reopens. Is this an industry-wide problem? Anyone else in a similar situation? Is any carrier able to hire new drivers right now?

From application through background checks, approval and now scheduling for orientation and training.... the entire process for me has taken place during the shutdown. I'm starting with Prime on Monday. Maybe give them a call?

Other than Hazmat and TWIC cards, im not sure what Federal govt checks they do. CSA scores, but i would assume that is all in a database. Criminal and DMV would be state and local levels. However, even the USPS was considered "essential personnel" so we still had to work even during state wide road closures and hurricane evacuations.

Prime is bringing a few hundred people in every Monday to 3 different terminals. so, no...it is not industry wide.

I had a phone interview 12/27 with my top choice of companies. I had a second video conference interview 12/31.

What type of job is this, or what company? Very few trucking companies actually do such interviews. Schneider will generally do a phone interview, but even that much is out of the ordinary in this industry. Are you doing something local or government related. This whole process you're describing is unique in my experience.

Excuse me for adding something here. Really this is advice for others who will read this later on. This is yet another prime example of why we teach you guys to take advantage of the Paid CDL Training Programs.

Had Aaron followed this method he'd not only already be working and getting paid, but he'd also have 5,500 dollars in the bank. Now he's sounding destitute, and nobody wants or needs that added stress while starting a really challenging career like trucking. There is little or no advantage that I can see from laying out your hard earned cash when starting this career.

Busting The Free Agent Myth

Excuse me for adding something here. Really this is advice for others who will read this later on. This is yet another prime example of why we teach you guys to take advantage of the Paid CDL Training Programs.

When I first started seriously researching this as my next career, I had fully intended to pay for a local school and go that route. However, after reading Brett's book and everyone's posts and the company reviews on here, I am 100% going the paid training route. Why would you not?! =)

Had Aaron followed this method he'd not only already be working and getting paid, but he'd also have 5,500 dollars in the bank. Now he's sounding destitute, and nobody wants or needs that added stress while starting a really challenging career like trucking. There is little or no advantage that I can see from laying out your hard earned cash when starting this career.

I was thinking the same thing, but didnt want to pour salt on an open wound.

sad, but true.

Honeslty i was trying to figure out the job too cause government trucking is contracted yes, but Im not aware of additional background checks. Some give their employees federal contractor ID badges. They might get vetted by the FBI and finger printed like i did at the USPS, even for temporary employees. They started doing that after a guy in our building was wanted on a murder warrant. So where did he go? The post office. smh. They didnt know he was wanted until he attacked someone. After that the USPS started running through the FBI.

I delivered a load for prime to the USPS distribution center and they let me walk around the facility and not one person asked me who i was. In NJ we would have tackled a non employee lol.

The company is Dot Foods. Their hiring process is tougher and more time consuming than most. I think the holdup is likely related to Hazmat , which they require you to have within 60 days. I didn't ask many questions because I thought this shutdown thing would blow over in a few days, which doesn't seem to be the case. I'll get in touch with them tomorrow and see exactly what government agency they're waiting on. I'm glad to know it's not an industry wide problem though, I may have no choice but to go somewhere else if this drags on much longer. I hope it doesn't come to that, they're offering me the best rookie deal I've heard.

What age are you Aaron? That is a really physically demanding job. Food service is definitely not something we recommend for new drivers.

If it is Hazmat it is TSA. That shouldn't be a problem though. no way will a shutdown be 60 days. and my Hazmat came back in 4 days.

Whats so great about this rookie deal? Sometimes they arent as good as you think.

DOT foods...is that tanker? local?