New CDL, No Experience, Need Direction Advice

Hello, I’m Alex. I have just obtained my CDL. I paid for my own training through school, and passed the CDL test, and have my CDL. But that’s all I have. Having a commercial drivers license does not make you a professional trucker by any means, I think it just gives you the opportunity to learn, and that is what I need advice on from those who know.

I’m overwhelmed with all of the companies, opportunities, bad reviews, good reviews, requirements, etc. out there as I have started looking at where to go and what to do next. I really really need to go somewhere that provides a trainer or mentorship in order to learn the JOB. Things like best practices, rules, regs, different states, logs, load related, trivial seeming necessary items, and even simple things like fueling, grade, road etiquette, dispatchers, and so on.

Would it be better to try for a company that has the mentorships where they seem to pay less and you may be out for months at a time, or try to start with something more local? The problem seems to be that the better jobs all need experience of a year to two years before they give you a chance. That is understandable I guess, but it looks like a lot of folks might be turned away from trucking if their first year or two was a miserable hell, lol! 😆

The only problem I have is that 3 and a half years ago I had two DWI’s (regular DL) within three months of each other. (Pretty bad time in my life). I do understand that this is a limitation for some companies, and I am accepting that as part of the process.

I’m not looking to start at the top by any means, and I do understand that rookies have to pay the dues like anywhere else, and work the way up the career ladder through hard work, attitude, performance, and determination. I just want to start out the right way, in a way that will lead to a successful path as a truck driver.

If anyone out there has gone through this, and has advice on the next step for someone who already has a CDL, does not need a training school, but needs a mentor/road training program to actually LEARN trucking, I sure would love to hear some advice on what direction I should lean.

Thanks everyone and be safe!

Most of the bigger companies will put you out with a trainer. Some trainers are good and some are not so good.

Sorry to hear about the rough time you had , it happens. Unfortunately that will limit the companies that will actually want to give you a chance . (Insurance)

Apply with everyone . And be honest .At this point don’t worry about any reviews because tbh you don’t have the luxury to pick and choose. A lot of folks that don’t have a dui are turned down “for better candidates” all the time without rhyme or reason. So don’t stress yourself out. Right now the best companies are the ones that will hire you. (Again I’m not putting down your past but being realistic with you) it will be hard to do but it’s not impossible. Good luck with it. Don’t give up

With 2 DUI'S we'd have never recommended paying for your own school as they'll easily take your money and no guarantee of being able to get a job.

Many companies will not hire anyone with one DUI much less 2. Some will hire after a number of years.

I'm so sorry you didn't get advice here sooner, but it is what it is.

Apply literally everywhere that hires new inexperienced cdl holders. The reviews wont matter, as previously stated, you don't have the luxury of being choosy. TransAm, Pam, whoever.

We do have a list on the forum of companies that hire with a DUI.

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

The last link, directly ^^^ above is a quick way (one minute!) to apply for many companies at once; couldn't hurt to try with 'that' quick of an app.

Additionally; here's the info that Susan D. referred to in her above post:

Companies that hire drivers with DUI's, and time frames:

Wish you well; welcome to TT, and stop back soon!!!

~ Anne ~