How to get experience!!

Your best bet is to go through a companies training program. As far as I'm concerned, Schnieder has the best program going. Anybody can get a cdl but without training,forget about driving. Since you have your cdl you probably won't need to take the full course just certain parts of it. You may not like the idea of a training course, but you will learn alot before being put out on the road. truck driving may look easy but you would get a rude awakening if you just jumped in a truck and started working. That's part of the reason there is such a huge turn over of drivers. Between logging ,figuring out routing, making sure weights are correct,making appointment times on time,following directions to customers in cities with large volumes of traffic,getting into and out of extremely tight places without damaging anything and trying to get your load unloaded, many people give up. So I strongly urge you to take a companies training course and go out with a trainer.

Comment By:
Bifoot on Wed, Aug 16 2006 @ 11:24 PM [EST]

There are companies that hire rookie drivers out there. You do have to do a bit of searching and asking around. Just posting a resume on the internet isn't gonna cut it or land you a job. There are companies of all sizes that do hire truckers straight from school, it probably won't be that great of a gig but at least you can get your foot in the door in this industry...VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Thu, Aug 17 2006 @ 8:30 AM [EST]

Thanks for the imput. I have contacted Schnieder, as well as Swift and others. Thing is, I had a back surgery in 2000. I am required to retake the DOT with those companies, even though I have a valid medical card. Unless I outright lie on the DOT forms, I get sent medical release documents for my doc to sign that say I am required to lift 100 pounds for eight hours to qualify (Schneider) or 75 pounds for eight hours (Swift). I am awiting documnets for other carriers, but I see the pattern. I do have scarring that idicates surgery, so I don't think I can get away with lying on the DOT forms. I'm 47, mature, cacpble and responsible. There's a shortage of OTR drivers, and I can't get picked up. I need to know....how often does it occur that a driver has to spend the bulk of the day unloading their own trailer by hand? I could see if you were local, maybe even reguional, but OTR? Quickly getting discouraged. Thanks for the info.

Comment By:
gypsysoul928 on Fri, Aug 18 2006 @ 11:49 AM [EST]

From my experience OTR unloading by hand did occur but was rare. Me thinks you are getting all worked up about nothing. At my company we have drivers that can barely make it up the stairs. Once you get hired on refuse loads that you have to unload. This lifting 75-100lbs for 8 hours is nonsense. Some drivers can barely hold up a jelly donut w/o getting winded. Don't get discouraged, I'm cheering you on! However in reality it might be best to start out w/ a regional/local company first, and yes I know they are out there that hire rookies. Anyhow I think your getting all worked up about nothing, don't worry so much, and best of luck!VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Fri, Aug 18 2006 @ 5:04 PM [EST]

Most companies require you to go to their doctor to get a medical card even though you already have one. As far as that lifting 75 to 100 lbs for 8 hrs is a crock. A growing number of companies prefer you hire a lumper. That way you can rest and be ready to roll with the next load. Don't give up. Keep looking.

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Sat, Aug 19 2006 @ 9:11 PM [EST]

Good news! I have been talking with Werner, and the recruiter tells me that as long as I can pass the DOT again, I'm golden. No medical release forms required. I'm pessimistic, but I leave for PA in the morning. If I don't post again in a couple of days, Then watch for on the road! Thanks for the upbeat encouragement. It helps.

Comment By:
gypsysoul928 on Mon, Aug 21 2006 @ 9:23 PM [EST]

Great to hear the news. I doubt that you will have any problem passing the DOT physical. I have gone through enough of them over the years to know they are easy enough to pass.After you get hired,stick it out for at least a year. That first year over the road is the toughest.Once that first year is in you will hardly remember how tough it was at the beginning. I think you will like it at Werner. They have the paperless logs and you won't have to worry about putting in extremely long hours. Every company has bad points. Just keep the advantages in mind and learn to work around the bad. Good Luck!

Comment By:
Bigfoot on Tue, Aug 22 2006 @ 8:00 PM [EST]