Need Advice For Gaining Experience

I completed an accredited driving school in March and have my Class A CDL. I was hired with a company and attended their orientation. After 4 weeks with a trainer I passed my upgrade to drive on my own. I had trained and was hired to drive OTR. I was put into heavy haul equipment "short term" as my company said they did not have any regular trucks available. In the first week I had two incidents both involving being unable to swing my trailer wide enough to avoid hitting something with my rear trailer tires. Neither incident was DOT reportable. I was then brought in for additional training with someone on heavy haul equipment. I was then put in a regular OTR truck. A month later I had a third incident of clipping the corner of a chain link fence. Unlit area, I admit I just did not see that I was close to the fence as I was making my turn. Again, no ticket issued, not DOT reportable. The company waited three more weeks letting me drive for them. After letting me take 3 days for home time, they brought me in and fired me.

I now face the following dilemma... I was told by a couple companies that I can apply with them after 6 months of "safe" driving. But how can I get that if no one will hire me? I know that my incidents were due to complete lack of experience. All loads I was assigned arrived on time/early. No cargo damage. But that does not seem to matter. I quit my former career and sunk everything I have into this new career. I am not wanting to give up on it.

Advice would be greatly appreciated!

Kimberly, you have all the paperwork to drive a legally semi on public roads. For the short term, check local ads, yes, wade though Craigslist, and find a local driving position. That will keep you driving for the next 6 months. (BTW, maybe you'll find "your" job there!)

Now,as for your li'l accidents. Guess who was driving the truck on each incident? That's all that matters for the company. If it's a ding on your record, it's a ding on your record.

PS: I'm sending you a PM. If you don't see it in your in-box, you might need to check your spam folder for mail from ErrolV.

I do understand that I was driving. I am trying to constructively figure out how to find a position that will allow me to gain the experience I need. I have applied to several companies and most of them have told me they won't hire me without experience.

Errol is right. Try to get on with a small company and gain some experience. I recommend going in in person, so you can try to establish a rapport with them and sell yourself. Ask for a driving test. If you can get the driving test you've got a good chance to land the job. Good luck.