Advice

Topic 23467 | Page 1

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S's Comment
member avatar

I need advice if anyone can...... I was in company training and had to leave for a family emergency. Now because of this my family wants me home and not OTR. I know this wont be possible but I'm not sure. Can I find a local position? Has my blood, sweat and tears not to mention time and money all been for nnothing?? any advice is appreciated ..... I've normally posted in ladies section but figured would be more advice here . Thank you!

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

Bird-One's Comment
member avatar

I believe there are a few drivers on this forum that went local right out cdl school or with very limited experience. Depending on what part of the country you live in. Here in Chicago companies like Old Dominion and Xpo to name a few do potentially hire students. Some companies like FedEx also have driver apprentice's programs. As far as otr companies go I'm not sure. So yes there are companies out there.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

Big Scott's Comment
member avatar

It is possible yet very difficult. Did you get your CDL? Will the company that trained you release your training certificate? Depending on where you live will depend on how many options you have. You do understand that most local jobs are at least 10 hour days with many tight backs and potential hand unloading. Look around you at what companies are delivering around you and contact them first. I'm sure there are at least food service companies. Good luck.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Bobcat_Bob's Comment
member avatar

I run linehaul for Old Dominion more or less out of school. Depending on where you live as they might hire you.

Linehaul:

Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
Amish country's Comment
member avatar

I went right into dry bulk tankers out of school. Local positions are possible but largely depend on your area. Central PA you would have no problems finding something. Big Scott is correct as well. If I have I 10 hour day it means I forgot to do something.

Grumpy Old Man's Comment
member avatar

Search Glassdoor for CDL A Driver in your area. Here there are a few companies that will hire for local and regional for a recent grad

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

S's Comment
member avatar

Thank you all, yes I have my cdl just had went to orientation and out with a trainer before all this happened, I'm not sure what I will do now. I just have to research more thanks ageain.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

Search Glassdoor for CDL A Driver in your area. Here there are a few companies that will hire for local and regional for a recent grad

We have truck driving job listings right here on our website. Scroll down the page and type in your zip code to search jobs in your area.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Mr. Curmudgeon's Comment
member avatar

S, another option, IMO not a great one however still an option, would be to look for spotter driver positions. Granted it's not driving in the traditional sense, but if you've got the CDL and can't find a driving gig that keeps you local, working as a spotter may be an option for you. It's not a fun job (hI did it as a utility driver - four month stint due to people's inability to hold a job and the outfit having a contract to fill door spots), but it would pay the bills while using the CDL-A. Some outfits will let you transition from spotter to local driving after you've proven yourself...

Good luck

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Chuck S.'s Comment
member avatar

If you would of asked this question 5 or 6 years ago ... I would of replied .... good luck... but in todays world.... you may have a chance finding someone who will pick you up as a local driver...most trucking companies when hiring pick drivers with the most experience, but the job market today is screaming for drivers at any level ... and again good luck...

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