Profile For Tobias S.

After nearly two and a half months of searching, and over 110 applications, some kind woman finally called me, and we started work this morning, the day right after the call. I'm driving manual class B triaxle dump trucks, and the possibility of class A end-dumps has already been discussed. It isn't the salary of any CEO, but I don't care. As long as I have enough money to pay for gas to and from work, I'll happily work only for experience, so this is amazing. Thank you to everyone on this forum who have been so helpful. Y'all are amazing, and I'll keep you updated as to my career advancements as time goes on.

Also if you do for some reason opt to continue to have that on you, make sure you have legal protection such as US Law Shield (not specifically endorsing them, but they are the name I remember at the moment) or a similar subscription service that gives you access to lawyers who can defend you if you ever need it, as well as resources to keep you out of trouble BEFORE the need should arise.

Howdy, Jessica! I had a similar experience at my school. We had 15 people, 3 trucks, and about 5 hours every week day to mess with things. It was so fast paced that they wouldn't let anyone pull up in a backing maneuver, because "it takes too much time". So to start off, I understand you.

My solution was that I would tow a trailer with my personal pickup truck, and practice, which, was actually harder, since small trailers are harder to control, and you have fewer mirrors. Also practicing shifting with a plunger, or broom, just walking through the pattern was really helpful for me. Remember to learn the sound of your engine when you need to shift, if you can, I found that incredibly helpful.

As far as your situation goes, you already have your CDL it sounds like, so there isn't a reason to go through non-company training anyway, since most companies that hire new drivers make them go through a training course of some kind anyway.

If you're in Illinois, I suggest TMC, they do flatbed, which can be a dealbreaker for some, but I've heard they're really amazing to work for, pay well, and are based in Des Moines. They do require a recent work history though, I know a guy who is retired from a 25+ year career and they wouldn't hire him because he had been retired for 7 years and "Didn't have recent work experience."

Anyway, those are my thoughts, and I hope they are helpful. Best wishes, and I hope to hear where 18 wheels take you soon.

Thank you both.

My license does have a K restriction (Intra-state only) like you mentioned. I can't get any endorsements until I turn 21, Doubles/Triples, Tanker, HazMat, or HazMat/Tanker.

So far I've mostly applied to local jobs, such as steel mills, lumber yards, food delivery, yard shuttle, box trucks, equipment rental places, garbage truck companies (Yes. For some reason Waste Management won't hire me. And they don't require so much as a high school diploma or GED to work as long as you have at least your class B.) I'll keep up the search, and keep y'all updated. Thank you for your positive feedback, it really helps keep my spirits up, despite the number of companies who I think don't understand that someone who doesn't look good in a resume (I've only done volunteer work and farm work, so no formal warehouse or delivery experience.) can be one of their greatest assets. Again thank you for your time, and I can't wait to have some good news to share. :)

I wish I knew I couldn't even get a job with the megacarriers like Swift or Schnieder before I spent the money I got through odd jobs to get my CDL. I have a perfect driving record. No tickets, accidents, DUIs, suspensions, revocations, felonies, misdemeanors, any legal trouble of any kind. EVER. Period.

I'm a hard worker, fast learner, and excited to impress whoever would be willing to give me a chance. So far I've applied to over 75 jobs, have gotten 25 or so rejections, and have 50 outstanding applications in all fields of driving.

Any advice (Other than "You idiot, why did you get your CDL so early") would be appreciated.

I'm excited to hear anything from y'all, and even more excited if one of you could give me some opportunity, you seem like wonderful people.

Your time is appreciated, regardless of outcome. Thank you, and God bless you all. - Tobias Sterling

+1 (713) 319-6071 creative_co23@coldzero.net