Just Wanna Drive!

Got my cdl a 24 years ago when I worked for Waste Management.I was a mechanic but a driver fill in also.I realize this is equal to zero experience.As I apply at trucking companies to take advantage of their paid driver training programs they only want recent graduates or no cdl at all. What gives? I just want to school through them and gain experience. I feel like I'm wrong for already having a cdl!What do you guys recommend here?

Keep applying and talk with many different recruiters. Tell them your story and experience history. Some company is going to hire you. At the minimum, you’ll have to go out with a trainer for at least a few weeks.

With the holiday give people time to weigh in here.

Have you talked to CFI (Joplin) or Prime, Inc. (Springfield)?

I can only speak about one company, Schneider. You could probably get hired on with them but I know you would have to start from scratch. The CDL wouldn't hurt you if you've kept it current and can pass the physical. But you would have to go through their entire training program that all the fresh CDL holders go through. It's only 5 to 6 weeks before they put you out solo.

1 - you are going to have to start from scratch. 2 - you're not "wrong" for having a CDL already (is it a Class A - most garbage trucks are only a B?). 3 - some companies may require you to come in on a CLP - (learners permit), which means downgrading your CDL in your home state, taking the written & practicals in the company state, then transferring back to your home state.

Jim Palmer told me I would have to do this - come in on a Florida Regular Drivers license, transfer into Montana, get a CLP, take the CDL's then transfer back to FL. For me this wouldn't really work, because I have a passenger endorsement also (Pre-Trip & Road Test in a bus that cost me extra), plus a HazMat - which means I would likely have to take them both again to get the endorsements back.

Being that you are probably licensed a Class B - it's not a big deal to turn it in and just go through the steps at the company to take the Class A licenseing (which you are going to have to do anyways).

Garbage Trucks and Tractor Trailers are two completely different animals. Keep applying and explain that you've held your CDL from way back when. Again, with a B, it's no big deal to downgrade and come in with NO CDL, then work up to a Class A. It's not like you're using the B now.

Rick

I have a class a cdl. Took it just to challenge myself. Only needed a b license. Read the book. Took test one week later.Passed it. No problem there. Just need a company to let me go through their training and spend time on road with trainer.I have not checked with CFI. Only 10 miles from me.Been trying Roehl. Can't get definite answer yet but a possibility. Anybody know if Roehl is a good company?

I started with Roehl. They have a great school, or did 5 years ago. I’m confident they never lowered their standards. If you can’t get a straight answer call and ask for Kim Calhoun. She is still there and very knowledgable.

Will do PJ.Did you drive for them any period of time? Were you happy with them for the most part?They seem to me a good company but I know they all have broken promises and guarantees.Nature of the business I truly understand. I grew up around long haul trucking.

I drove at Roehl for nearly a year. Good equipment and good maintenance program. I did not like the strange way they figured the pay which ended up being different CPM nearly every month. I also didn’t like driving everything from Texas east. I prefer driving out west more. Good company but just not suited for what I was looking for.