Got Fired - Searching For A New Job

I have no tickets, no accidents (at fault or otherwise), no failed inspections, no failed drug or alcohol tests, no out of service orders. I was hired Feb 2019 as a brand new driver I was fired by my employer on the 31st of December as they have a no tollerance policy for touching your cell phone. The suction cup mount failed and I grabbed the phone putting it in the cup holder. While doing so I touched the fog line and triggered the dashcam.

I was an OTR driver doing flatbed work

I'm wondering how difficult it would be for me to find work. Currently in the SW Michigan area.

Got F your best bet is to apply everywhere. Because you have less than a year you may want to focus on companies that offer training. You have close to a year but worse case scenario they may want you to go out with a trainer for a week or 2

I'm sorry to hear of your dismissal. You mentioned a lot of great things that you haven't done...

no tickets, no accidents (at fault or otherwise), no failed inspections, no failed drug or alcohol tests, no out of service orders.

How has your relationship with your dispatcher been? Do you tend to be argumentative? Do you take every load without complaining? How is your on time record for deliveries? What kind of miles are you averaging per week? How often has your dashcam been triggered?

I'm not accusing you of anything. When I read your post it seemed to stress all the things you felt were positive, but passed over many things that new drivers don't understand are critical to having a little leniency granted in a situation like yours. Successful trucking careers are primarily built on relationships and track records. It's important that both of those bases are covered.

Now, back to your question. Somebody's gonna be willing to take you. Explain to them what happened - be up front and honest. You're in a difficult situation. You mentioned your offense as a no tolerance "company policy." It's also law. It's a serious offense. One in which your employer can be fined in excess of 10,000 dollars for your offense.

You're gonna have some rejections. Just keep at it. I'm confident someone will take you on. It may not be your first choice, but whoever gives you an opportunity deserves a one year commitment from you. That commitment will open up a lot of opportunities for you.

Good luck, and please let us know how things develop. We haven't seen many people in this situation. I'd be interested in knowing how it plays out for you.

I actually had a very decent relationship with my boss and dispatcher. The decision to terminate is made by safety and they have a zero tollerance for cell phone.

Like Old School said , cell phone offenses are very high security alerts...... insurance companies frown a lot on it

In southwest Michigan area you have some options if you want to haul steel. There is Arlington metals in Sawyer MI they have a carrier who does all of there house work. Theres alco out of wayne Michigan but have a yard in porter in. James Burg Trucking out of warren mi. Steel Transport Gary in. G & F Trucking out of hammond in is where I've been working for almost 3 years now we run Michigan as our main lane but you have to have 2 years driving exp.

In southwest Michigan area you have some options if you want to haul steel. There is Arlington metals in Sawyer MI they have a carrier who does all of there house work. Theres alco out of wayne Michigan but have a yard in porter in. James Burg Trucking out of warren mi. Steel Transport Gary in. G & F Trucking out of hammond in is where I've been working for almost 3 years now we run Michigan as our main lane but you have to have 2 years driving exp.

Jeff,

Thanks for the leads I will follow up on them. I have a history of hauling steel already.