Getting Back Into Trucking
Topic 29101 | Page 1
I am looking to get back into trucking by the early part of next year. I have a physical setback that I treat as a speed bump and still have to go through therapy for several weeks. I am looking for the procedure to get back in. This I do have so far...I have a CDL A for the next few years my DOT physical has lapsed I could not pass it anyway until I complete therapy so I will wait to pass the physical. Should I get back to apply to select companies to start the ball rolling for my comeback? Any help on this matter by anyone will be deeply appreciated.
Howdy, John . . . and welcome back~!!
Keeping your CDL current is a great start, but not much without the Med Card to back it up. It may even have been 'downgraded' by now, to be honest.
Also, from what others have posted, ie: Kearsey (Rainy) ... applications are pretty much 'stale' after 30 days.
You probably already know, you'll almost certainly have to go through a 'refresher' course (abbreviated training) with your future company. Some have 'short' re training options, some don't. Much has changed, since Covid, as well. How long ago were you OTR , ..and for how long, and for whom? Might help the vets/mods help you with more options, the more info you share.
Congrats on overcoming your medical hurdle, and ... it wouldn't hurt to 'brush up' on some of the good ole' stuff from the past, ie: the Pretrip (thanks to Daniel B.) and other whatnot that has changed in the industry, since you've been on the road~!
Just my 2 coins; others will chime in.
See ya soon, back around these parts, John~!!
~ 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.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
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I am looking to get back into trucking by the early part of next year. I have a physical setback that I treat as a speed bump and still have to go through therapy for several weeks. I am looking for the procedure to get back in. This I do have so far...I have a CDL A for the next few years my DOT physical has lapsed I could not pass it anyway until I complete therapy so I will wait to pass the physical. Should I get back to apply to select companies to start the ball rolling for my comeback? Any help on this matter by anyone will be deeply appreciated.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.