Profile For Matt W.

Prof X, can I ask how you got your employment in Japan and Saudi Arabia verified? Was it recent enough to matter? I'll be returning home after a year in Vietnam and I'm trying to get my ducks in a row before I leave.

Your story sounds similar to mine: working in higher ed, master's degree, big student loan, working abroad...

Haha, ok ok, you guys win. The whole thing sounded a little crazy to me too, I think I'm just a bit eager. But you're right. I just needed to ask so you'd knock this stupid idea out of my head.

Thanks very much for everyone's input. I want to do things the right way.

Matt, almost any company hiring inexperienced drivers has to have a training certificate indicating 160 hours of training on file to be able to hire you. It might be a legitimate way to get licensed, but I assume your end goal is employment. I would never recommend you take that path. There are plenty of companies offering Paid CDL Training Programs.

I think your biggest problem is going to be job verification. That's always an issue for expats coming back to the states.

Thanks Old School. Good to know. I want to drive flatbed so I've read a lot of your posts.

I agree with the job verification point, that's my biggest concern. I've had two jobs here. My former director has agreed to be a reference and I have a phone number and email for him. My current job is more professional, and I have phone numbers, emails, my contract, and pay proof using bank statements for that one. I've been speaking to recruiters about what I need so I can get my ducks in a row before I leave here. Some say email is okay. Others say pay proof is okay. It seems to vary...

Do you have a US drivers license? You need to have one for one full year before anything can transpire.

Hi Rainy. Yes, I'm an American with a valid Missouri DL. I've just been over here for the past year working.

Hi all,

I'm here seeking advice. I'm going into trucking when I return home to the US in June. Recently, while on a FB page for a company I'm applying for CDL training through, I saw a guy who was taking an approach I hadn't seen mentioned before. I'm ready to be ripped apart for this, but I am looking for honest feedback. Hopefully you won't be too hard on me.

Because the wait is about 2 months from acceptance at the company to starting training, he inquired about doing this "24 Hour" CDL training locally. From what I've found, they want you to come with your Class A permit in hand, they "train" you 1-on-1 for a day, then you test in the afternoon. You are driving a 6 speed synchro transmission truck with a 30' flatbed trailer. The cost is $550 for the "guaranteed" package, meaning they will retrain you and take you for testing as many times as it takes to get your license. This covers pre-trip and road tests. I'm not under any illusion that this will be "training," I suspect it will be an intense cram session.

The guy who made the post inquired with the recruiter at the company, and they confirmed this would be valid and they would even reimburse the expense of the training. The recruiter said he could expect to spend a bit more time on the trainer's truck to get him up to speed. They have had people with them who never did any training and just got a CDL on their own by renting a truck.

This looked like a possibility to me for a few reasons: - From everything I've read, the more expensive CDL schools and company CDL training all have the same goal: just get you your license. - I don't waI'nt to actually submit any application until I'm back in the US, because I don't think they'll take me seriously yet (I've had one rejected). - Because of the above point, my waiting time once I get back will be significant. - I'm confident I can study to pass the permit tests on my own, and at least acquaint myself with all the pre-trip points. - The company I'm looking at uses automatic transmissions, and I wouldn't get the restriction on my license if I tested in this easier manual. - The wait for orientation if I already have a CDL is MUCH shorter.

This seems like a not-terrible approach for someone who is motivated to learn on their own, and I am. But I'm obviously inexperienced with this stuff, so I'm thankful for any advice or questions you may have about my thinking.

Also, where does the DOT physical fit into this? Do I need that before getting my CDL, or is that a separate thing?

Great thread.

I hope to begin training in June of this year. I went for my Bachelor's after HS, graduated and worked in higher ed administration for a couple years, then went back for a Master's because a bachelor's isn't worth what it used to be. Graduated that, and went to work in higher ed again, this time in online education as an instructional designer. I did that for almost 5 years, but I really can't be happy sitting in a windowless cubicle, so I quit and worked as a farmhand for 6 months before scratching the itch to travel abroad. I moved to Vietnam, met a nice girl, and started working for a university here doing the same thing as before plus some teaching (I'm not a fast learner I guess). I've been here a year and I almost have enough saved to return to Missouri to start a trucking career.

I've always been fascinated by big trucks since I was a kid on road trips with my parents, sitting in the back of a station wagon to Florida or Colorado, seeing them all lit up at night - one of those old wagons with the rear-facing seats for obnoxious kids. But, I come from a family of professors and forgoing college was a non starter, even though school bored me to death - it was never difficult, just boring. So, I'm going my own way now and look forward to getting on the road driving flatbed. Then I can pay off these terrible student loans and hopefully settle on a few acres and build a little farm to live on.

So to everyone out there that's getting ready to start in this industry - please understand something - you are not in demand. You have no skills, no knowledge, no experience, and are incapable of helping a company service its customers or turn a profit. Why would you be in demand? You see what I'm saying?

I'm not sure why reading that switched on a light in my head. It seems pretty obvious now. Thanks, Brett.

Thanks a lot G-town. I'm pretty sure I've read everything at least a couple times now lol. I'm living vicariously through you folks.

I won't give up, but I think I'll return before completing more apps to help my chances.

Until then I'll keep reading and finish the training course. This is a great site, thanks to all who contribute - especially Brett. Loved the book.

Godspeed!

P.S. The recruiter got back to me and said they get 800-1000 applications per week and only pick 3-4 people, so it's very selective. Those numbers sound a bit high to me, but I suppose it makes me feel a little better so I'll accept it.

One last question: would trying to include a cover letter make a difference? I suppose I'll do it regardless, couldn't hurt... right?

Thanks as always.

Thanks so much, Susan. I admit I'm imperfect, but know I'm a very hard worker and just want to get my foot in the door with CDL training. I can make outgoing VOIP calls with Skype, but haven't figured out how to receive calls just yet.

I was hoping to have something lined up before returning, but maybe waiting until I'm back is the best course of action. Don't want to waste application chances if I don't have to. Thanks again for your input.