Hello Everyone

Hello everyone. I found this forum in 2011 when my mom and I landed on hard times. Fast forward those times still are. I am a single never married no children or girlfriend 47 year old man.

I've mainly been in the security officer industry off and on the last 26 years and held many positions.We have been homeless a few times since 2003. I've always had an excellent work ethic,no drug use,no alcohol use any more(not that it was ever a problem)and can pass any drug testing.

Fast forward to now and due to the economy here in Tucson AZ. the security industry is bad.Lost my car,work, and what's been very frustrating is I can walk into any security company and get hired on the spot.

But when it's time to place me at a post I can't get to it because the bus doesn't run when I need it. So...

I have always had very erratic work hours. Mainly a graveyard person but as I get older I am all over the place lol.

Some security jobs I've had last we're patrol driver doing 12-14 hour shifts driving around all night.Truck driving due to the lifestyle it is has always been very appealing to me and I knew it is what I've wanted to due for awhile but I just needed to get my ducks lined up to do it.

My background is not too bad.A DUI 27 years ago and a disorderly conduct charge 2 years ago non violent.

So I thought now's the time to do this. A lifestyle that is me AND a career.

This forum is VERY thoroughly thought out.Many thanks for that. But since my last layoff I've been out of work a year now and before that worked 8 months before that company went out of business.

Prior to that I was out of work for 8 months. Very frustrating as I've worked and never had any gaps except a week if that in my work record.

This I know puts me in a less than desirable light in the eyes of trucking companies.So I know no one will accept me into a CDL program without a solid work history.

My plan now is I am attending school this fall to obtain a certificate in automotive. I have multiple employers in a 2 mile radius that I have already talked to who will hire me after my year in school is finished.

I plan to work for awhile then when my employment history is more solid apply to different trucking companies.I knew I wanted out of security but never had a good time to jump as life kept getting in the way.

I am tired at 47. Tired of lazy co-workers,co workers that are late to work,no call no show, lie,steal,no work ethic,tired of security companies loosing accounts because of that crap.

I've taken the time and read and continue reading this forum. I know now at this point in life it is what I really want to do. Also my mom deserves a better life too. She's retired and doesn't make much. I was taking care of her before I lost my job when I had a car. It was one of those show up to work and go home " Cause you don't work here no more." 35 people lost their jobs that day.

Until I can improve my employment history I just wanted to say thanks for this forum. There is hope in my near future.

Time to make things happen.Oh,I chose automotive because of the short time frame in school, multiple jobs available when I do finish and 95% of them offer 40 hours of weekly work. Also I am very mechanically inclined and have always wrenched on my own cars minor and major issues.

Most other jobs are 8 to 24 hours a week and not too many are hiring if at all.

Thanks for your time and reading this

Wilbur

Welcome to the forum. I learn a ton just from reading all the questions and answers. I hope you plan works.

Chris

Wilbur

Welcome to the forum. I learn a ton just from reading all the questions and answers. I hope you plan works.

Chris

Chris, thanks. It will work. It's just bad timing on getting my ducks lined up. But I will say for me at least...from my late 30's to late 40's now have just straight out. Hopefully that saying life starts in your 50's will be true for me.

I truly know this is what I want and when it's time, I am taking it....I am taking it and making it mine. I love that this career is up to yourself to make or break.

Same here. I read EVERYTHING. Really like the blogs. Brings everything into reality. It's great . Especially since people on here are so busy but still take the time and post. It's greatly appreciated.

If you can prove your employment and unemployment you shouldn't have a problem with some companies. You could try CFI. Call them and be honest with the recruiter. Here is a link to the CFI student section of their site. With CFI, you need to get your medical certificate and permit before going to school. They reimburse for that. Just get receipts. Like I said, if you speak to them and lay it out on the line, they may be able to take you. At least you would have some first hand knowledge. Good luck.

Wilbur, welcome. Rather than wasting more time & money, why don’t you roll the dice & put yourself out there. No opportunity is ever perfect. You have perfect the opportunities that present themselves as they do. I hope a moderator, or someone that can, posts the standard link package for rookies. Using one application, you fill it out & hopefully many companies will reach out to you. I know Knight & Swift have training facilities in Phoenix but that doesn’t matter. If they’re interested they’ll send you a greyhound ticket to whatever location they choose. Good luck & keep your head up!!

Here is a lot of good info to get you started.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Paid CDL Training ProgramsApply For Paid CDL TrainingTruck Driving School Listings

Drive Safe and God Speed

Here is a lot of good info to get you started.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Paid CDL Training ProgramsApply For Paid CDL TrainingTruck Driving School Listings

Drive Safe and God Speed

Thanks Patrick! Would’ve taken my whole sleep berth to copy & paste all that on my iPhone!

Thanks Patrick! Would’ve taken my whole sleep berth to copy & paste all that on my iPhone!

Splitter all the links that are frequently shared (such as what Patrick did) can be shared easily. When you do your reply above the box you type in has a button "links on trucking truth". The one he shared was "getting started in trucking".

If you can prove your employment and unemployment you shouldn't have a problem with some companies. You could try CFI. Call them and be honest with the recruiter. Here is a link to the CFI student section of their site. With CFI, you need to get your medical certificate and permit before going to school. They reimburse for that. Just get receipts. Like I said, if you speak to them and lay it out on the line, they may be able to take you. At least you would have some first hand knowledge. Good luck.

That's what is really crappy. A few months ago I applied at a motel for a shuttle driver position. HR got back to me and stated that when they checked with my last employer.....the HR associate told me the manager I worked under was no longer there.

I said I worked there for 3 years. The first company lost the contract and I was hired on as an incumbent.

Even the 1 year I volunteered at the American Cancer Society while searching for work couldn't be proved.

Unemployment was denied to all of us who got the boot.

I appreciate your feedback.Thanks.

Wilbur, welcome. Rather than wasting more time & money, why don’t you roll the dice & put yourself out there. No opportunity is ever perfect. You have perfect the opportunities that present themselves as they do. I hope a moderator, or someone that can, posts the standard link package for rookies. Using one application, you fill it out & hopefully many companies will reach out to you. I know Knight & Swift have training facilities in Phoenix but that doesn’t matter. If they’re interested they’ll send you a greyhound ticket to whatever location they choose. Good luck & keep your head up!!

I have been staring at that page. I will fill it out and see what sticks. If nothing,nothing lost. If I still have to I'll get through school come out as a lube tech and go from there.

At the moment I have to move as rent is going way up. After that say a month from now is when I'll hit that application and send it.