Part-time Work History - Major Issue?
Topic 29099 | Page 1
Hello,
I've thought about becoming an OTR driver for years and I'm considering either attending a private CDL course or applying for a paid company training program. After browsing this forum I realized I may not be hireable due to my work history over the last 10 years. I've alternated working full-time with part-time self-employment. I managed to get by because I lived overseas in low-cost areas (you may have heard the term "digital nomad"). Essentially, I can show earnings each year dating back to 2013 or so but it may look suspicious that I was able to get by on such low overall earnings.
I suppose I'll end up just speaking to recruiters about this but if anyone has first-hand knowledge/experience with this type of issue I'd appreciate any info you can share. My big concern is that after researching everything I'd really rather go through a private CDL course but obviously won't if I'm unhireable.
Howdy, Jared .. and welcome to Trucking Truth~!!
I'm not the 'guru' regarding 'work history' on this site, but ... it's come up MANY times through the years I've been on here, and then some. As long as you can prove where you were, and what you were doing, be it W2's, 1099's, or notarized letters from somebody 'important' (yet not family!) you should be fine. Have you ever held a CDL? If so, most (all?) companies will require a 10 year history. No CDL? Some companies will be more interested in the last 3 years.
We always recommend Company Sponsored schooling, for many reasons; yours being one of them. They will have a vested interest in YOU, and you will (upon successful completion,) have a JOB. Some companies are 'sticklers' about work history (read: Prime) and some, not so choosy . . (read: Millis;) both of which have company sponsored training. Stevens Transport and C.R. England are probably 'less' overfastidious, as well. Again, my opinion; not factual. Nothing is carved in stone, but for the email trail(s) you will want to secure with any recruiter as you progress along!
Another one that comes to mind is CFI .. company sponsored training , as well. Look up some of Big Scott's posts/threads! He's our CFI ambassador on TT.
Much has changed since my guy got his CDL in '03 ... and the industry has 'tightened up the bootstraps' accordingly.
Not sure if this helps much; but there's a bit for you. Do some research within the site, and come what may, let us know how the vets and the mods can be of more assistance~!!
Here's some good reads:
And most importantly;
Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving
Best wishes,
~ Anne ~
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
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.
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.
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Hello,
I've thought about becoming an OTR driver for years and I'm considering either attending a private CDL course or applying for a paid company training program. After browsing this forum I realized I may not be hireable due to my work history over the last 10 years. I've alternated working full-time with part-time self-employment. I managed to get by because I lived overseas in low-cost areas (you may have heard the term "digital nomad"). Essentially, I can show earnings each year dating back to 2013 or so but it may look suspicious that I was able to get by on such low overall earnings.
I suppose I'll end up just speaking to recruiters about this but if anyone has first-hand knowledge/experience with this type of issue I'd appreciate any info you can share. My big concern is that after researching everything I'd really rather go through a private CDL course but obviously won't if I'm unhireable.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.