Tried This 5 Years Ago, Think I'm Ready Now
Topic 31629 | Page 1
So, it didn't work out last time I talked with a recruiter. I sold my cars and quit my job and was let down the day before I was supposed to get on the bus.
This past year I pushed through and earned my CLP just days before they changed the regulations in February. I hadn't the time to earn any extra endorsements or anything but I have a class a with air brakes.
I currently drive a one pounder rollback wrecker at a company that recently bought a heavy wrecker. I've put a couple miles on that beauty but I think I want to go see more of this great country before everything goes to ****.
So, I'm looking into a few of the mega carriers who offer company sponsored training and hoping to find one that will allow my 70 lb dog to go with me in a few months after I've finished training.
I'm taking with a recruiter but should I be pursuing more potential companies? I've always had weekly job alerts in my email for things that interest me.
Should I be looking into the next opportunity after I've got a year or two experience? I'm obviously planning on staying with a company willing to invest in me but there's always that "what if" there's something better
For starters, definitely this: Apply For Paid CDL Training
MANY companies are now accepting what they hadn't before.. due to the 02/07/2022 new rules. I think you'd do yourself a GREAT service, filling out the two minute link, above.
As far as the 'next opportunity,' absolutely WAIT that long .... ONLY IF you don't find a company that you ARE, INDEED .. happy enough to STAY with, for the 'long haul,' which COULD become the 'short haul.'
Many companies DO have dedicated/regional routes, that they offer to their 'seasoned' drivers. Read ALL AND ANY diaries you can, for now...as well as this:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Don't 'limit' yourself to that 'ONE' recruiter. Sad to say, her/his only job is to 'push you through the process.' Look up articles on TT, tagged 'recruiter.' You'll see!
Best wishes, good sir. Read above, and fill out that link/app!
We are here, to help. All the way.
~ 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.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
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.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
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So, it didn't work out last time I talked with a recruiter. I sold my cars and quit my job and was let down the day before I was supposed to get on the bus.
This past year I pushed through and earned my CLP just days before they changed the regulations in February. I hadn't the time to earn any extra endorsements or anything but I have a class a with air brakes.
I currently drive a one pounder rollback wrecker at a company that recently bought a heavy wrecker. I've put a couple miles on that beauty but I think I want to go see more of this great country before everything goes to ****.
So, I'm looking into a few of the mega carriers who offer company sponsored training and hoping to find one that will allow my 70 lb dog to go with me in a few months after I've finished training.
I'm taking with a recruiter but should I be pursuing more potential companies? I've always had weekly job alerts in my email for things that interest me.
Should I be looking into the next opportunity after I've got a year or two experience? I'm obviously planning on staying with a company willing to invest in me but there's always that "what if" there's something better
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.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.