End Of The Road For Me?
Topic 34831 | Page 1
I'll say this. I wouldn't say your career as a truck driver is over necessarily. You just made everything a whole lot harder though.
You committed one of the cardinal sins in this business by not listening to your body and getting the rest you needed. Fatigue is one of the biggest issues we face as drivers. In this instance you got lucky and only went into a ditch and damaged property. Next time it could be a family.
I get it though. You have the pressure of not wanting to disappoint your new company. You want to become one of their most reliable drivers. Plus couple that with the pressures of being on the road for the first time. There's a lot thrown at you. But this is the time that it's most important that you know you are the captain of your ship. If you're tired, shut it down. The weather is terrible, **** it down. Safety has to be your number one priority at all times.
I leave you with this. Keep applying to any and all companies. Doesn't matter if it's local or OTR. Be honest about the accident on every application and at any interview you may get. Tell them not only why it happened but why you'll never let it happen again. You may or may not get another chance but don't give up on it yet.
Good luck.
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.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Heavy C counsels:
Be honest about the accident on every application and at any interview you may get. Tell them not only why it happened but why you'll never let it happen again.
The key to recovering your career in this situation is the underlined "why". Yes, anyone can say this'll never happen again. But if you can explain why it'll never happen again, you can go to the head of the class. If you understand your role in the accident, you bet you'll be able to manage your sleep time. This is what an interview will be pleased to hear. No guarantees of a job, but I'll bet you'll move your marker closer to that goal.
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I recently got into an accident where I fell asleep while driving and inadverdently drove into a ditch. My truck had to get towed, I recieved a ticket and my company terminated me the next day. I had just completed my training under one of the mega companies so I don't really have any experience under my belt. Is OTR trucking as a career path over for me, or are there other commercial driving oppurtunities/companies that would give me a second chance?
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.