CDL Grad Got A Call Back From Job, But Unsure If He Can Do The Job

Hi,

I just graduated from a CDL school about 2 weeks ago and I received a call back for a yard jockey job, but I'm scared to take it because even though I graduated and got my license I am still not a "master driver" and I'm scared I'll back into something and that will be the end of me already. On top of that, If I lose the jockey job then I lost my old job on top of that because I quit to go to jockey job and then I'll end up having no income and end up homeless. It just really scares me to take this kind of risk for a new job because I can't save any money working at the job I am at now, but scared to take that leap into the new jockey job and risk homelessness.

If you want the job, talk to them and be honest about your skill level and your concerns. Most likely they are aware tnat they will need to train you and that it will take time for your skills to develop.

Why not go OTR for awhile. That way you can slowly progress into backing? It's not a skill one wakes up with one morning. And taking a job as a jockey right away seems more risk than reward.

Doing yard dog will not work as OTR experience. That's Cwc's suggestion. If later you decide to go Big Time, you'll take the road training then.

The yard dog's design makes for easier yard duty. The short wheelbase will make backing into a spot much easier. Be forewarned, backing yard dog style is way different than doing it with a sleeper cab.

Does this job offer you the chance to drive locally as well? If not, I wouldn't take it if I were you.

I don't think the problem is that you might back into something on your first job. You probably will, but they'll most likely expect that and be willing to work with you. The problem is that yard hostling doesn't count as driving experience (not otr or even local), so you'd be very limited on what jobs you'd be eligible for afterwards. Technically, unless you're actually driving a little on public roads, you don't even need a cdl to spot trailers. If you'd be doing some deliveries in addition to the hostling, at least you can count that as some local driving experience later on if you decide to move on. The plus is that you'd get really good at backing really early on in your career, and that skill will follow you if you ever decide to take your show on the road. And it's fun! I had a blast when I worked as a spotter.

Good luck with your decision!