Only Have 6 Months Of OTR 5 Years Ago. What Are My Job Prospects?

I been driving bus for the past five years but originally got my CDL for trucking. Drove with Swift for about 6 months and decided to go with a job that was local. I want to get back into trucking but 2 potential employers said they wanted me to take a refresher course. The school that i graduated from is asking for 2k. Are there any companies that you know of that will hire me without going through a refresher? oh Schneider said they would hire me, but if you have any more suggestions that would be awesome. Do you think id be eligible for experienced driver bonuses and pay?

Use this link to Apply For Truck Driving Jobs. Most will require a refresher but you may get lucky and find someone that doesn't. Your experience in the past doesn't mean squat due to how long ago it is and neither does driving bus unfortunately.

If a refresher is needed most of the mega carriers will offer it in exchange for signing a contract. Also check out West Side Transport. If I'm not mistaken they don't require a refresher if you pass their road test.

Nope....your CDL is stale and you need a refresher. There is nothing wrong going with Schneider...tho I'm surprised they would hire you with that stale of a license. I have a friend that went to them after school and he's still there 4 yrs later getting the miles and making GOOD money.

Going with a company for a refresher may be paid by the company....I'm not sure on that....for a period of time like new hires but may be less time. Do that and look for something after your time is up, altho most companies want 1 yr experience.

Laura

So five years ago you signed with Swift then left for a local job.

There are two gaps in this story that need filling in.

1. How did you get your original CDL? Swift Academy (Swift financing and a one year contract), did you pay for doing yourself or though the private school's financing?

2. You left Swift 6 months in for the local job. Be honest, we need to know: did you bail on you own for the home town gig or was there "something else"?

Filling in the blanks will help us better understand where you're coming from and it will get you more accurate information on what you should do.

I been driving bus for the past five years but originally got my CDL for trucking. Drove with Swift for about 6 months and decided to go with a job that was local. I want to get back into trucking but 2 potential employers said they wanted me to take a refresher course. The school that i graduated from is asking for 2k. Are there any companies that you know of that will hire me without going through a refresher? oh Schneider said they would hire me, but if you have any more suggestions that would be awesome. Do you think id be eligible for experienced driver bonuses and pay?

What school DID you graduate from? Was it a SWIFT academy?

If yes, I'd be begging back ON with them, to save face to the tune of 2k. Another 6months to a year.. so ?!?!?

Be glad they aren't as vigilant as CRST, with violating contract(s.) Or are they, nowadays, dunno!

Check this out:

My thoughts, only.

~ Anne ~

Agree with the others. If you still owe swift time then try to go back. Otherwise everyone is going to want you to take a refresher course, or at least team up with a trainer. I got started with roehl 6 years ago and did 2 and a half years otr with them. I left to go local for a couple years and even though I was driving a class a truck local experience doesn't count for anything. I took a job with a much lower rate for a while to get the "experience" some of the higher paying companies want.

I went through a private school that I fully paid off. I stopped driving because i found out about bus driving and wanted a local job. I was also didnt feel very mature and ready for trucking. Bus driving doesnt pay alot and I want to get a gig that will allow me to make much more.