CDL A, Experienced But Not Recently. Can I Get Back In?

I've had a CDL since the early 90's. I have Tanker, Van, Flatbed and oversized experience. No license violations for 20 years. Here's the kicker, I haven't driven commercially in over 7 years. What draws me back a bit is seeing what some of the flatbed guys are offering. It looks pretty good. Is there a way back in without starting at ground zero? Do I buy my own truck and start there? Is that even an option?

Maybe this is all foolishness from an electrician already making 90k and pretty happy doing it.

I vote for electrician unless there is some super compelling reason you want to drive truck

I've had a CDL since the early 90's. I have Tanker, Van, Flatbed and oversized experience. No license violations for 20 years. Here's the kicker, I haven't driven commercially in over 7 years. What draws me back a bit is seeing what some of the flatbed guys are offering. It looks pretty good. Is there a way back in without starting at ground zero? Do I buy my own truck and start there? Is that even an option?

Maybe this is all foolishness from an electrician already making 90k and pretty happy doing it.

It's just the dollars to be quite honest. They were never this good before and from all indicators they arent likely to slow down anytime soon.

I've had a CDL since the early 90's. I have Tanker, Van, Flatbed and oversized experience. No license violations for 20 years. Here's the kicker, I haven't driven commercially in over 7 years. What draws me back a bit is seeing what some of the flatbed guys are offering. It looks pretty good. Is there a way back in without starting at ground zero? Do I buy my own truck and start there? Is that even an option?

Maybe this is all foolishness from an electrician already making 90k and pretty happy doing it.

It's just the dollars to be quite honest. They were never this good before and from all indicators they arent likely to slow down anytime soon.

Bruce D.,

Not sure why this topic is 'quiet' but... could be the snowstorms we've had, this past "week&end" .. et al!

Seriously it's 'attainable,' after some time .. yet again .. it's all 'choices.' We fall short of the 90K ~ The 'home daily/off weekends' job is what we need, and I work from home a tad bit..we are in a 'groove' that works.

Yes, flatbed DOES pay more. Have you read Chief Brody, Old School, and Turtle's diaries? JUST TO NAME A FEW! So much goes into it. Look at TwoSides11 .. as he struggles; yet I've got faith in him. Sure, it pays better, especially OTR. AFTER you put some TIME into it, again, though!

Thinking about buying a truck?!?!? OMG.. why?!?!? Read some posts by PJ (another one of our mods...) .. He's still rockin' the Pete / Hood, but sold his 2nd truck (Volvo) thankfully, at a gain. Nonwithstanding the 35k he's probably put INTO her .. in the last few years...perhaps broke even. Not a buyer's market for a tractor, read around.

In reply to your initial inquiry; Pretty sure you'll have to start at 'the bottom....' honestly.

Have you looked into LTL?? Bobcat Bob and Daniel B. can make your aspiring wages with ODFL (Old Dominion.) Banks, as well.. at FedEx. If you DON'T want to go THIS route, (as we recommend,) Apply For Paid CDL Training... (and yes, TMC will get your application via this link, and look at it more expeditiously, as well!) YET.. Perhaps you could look into some 'dock to driver' programs, as Banks did?? Use the search tab for 'comments by member(s)' ... and read accordingly. Tons to be learned!

H.O. Wolding is another thought. Look at posts by Grumpy Old Man (and previous ones by LDRSHP who's back with HOW.) Another great company that might cut you some slack; being a previous driver.

West Side Transport; another 'look see' for a prior driver.

Is your CDLA and Fed Med current? Just ... wondering. Might matter as well, with the new ELDT starting Monday. Assimilation, says yes. Hopefully both.

Just cleared up on another thread, if you did not HOLD a Hazmat in the past, you've got to go through the training module, for that endorsement. Many don't seem to even need this; just passing on the information.

I wish you the best; not sure if I hurt or helped, good sir. MANY companies DO have refresher courses; in the past SNI and Knight did; as well as mentioned above. Things change on a daily, as of late...sadly!

Again, best forward! Keep us in the loop; ask away!

~ Anne & Tom ~

I’d stick to electricking, but I’m not you ;)

Just keep in mind, what used to be a lot of regulations 7 years ago is a lot more regulations now. ELDs are a thing. So is the national registry - medical database put in place to prevent doc shopping and catalog a driver’s disqualifying health conditions.

Also, what used to be a lot of traffic 7 years ago is a lot more traffic now.

Still a great career with just as many fun and games.

Some of the big companies used to have things like ‘fast track’ programs for experienced drivers or those getting back in the industry. Not sure if they still do or if you qualify at 7 years out.

This question reminds me of a breakfast my buddy and I went to one Saturday morning a few years back. We couldn’t decide where to go and finally settled on one of the big chain restaurants saying “I haven’t been there in a long time, let’s go”.

He shared the sentiment and we went. The food was lousy, service non existent and it all took forever. As we left I said “well, now we know why we haven’t been there in a long time.” All that aside, we had a good time and I have a humorous story to share.

I’d stick to electricking, but I’m not you ;)

Just keep in mind, what used to be a lot of regulations 7 years ago is a lot more regulations now. ELDs are a thing. So is the national registry - medical database put in place to prevent doc shopping and catalog a driver’s disqualifying health conditions.

Also, what used to be a lot of traffic 7 years ago is a lot more traffic now.

Still a great career with just as many fun and games.

Some of the big companies used to have things like ‘fast track’ programs for experienced drivers or those getting back in the industry. Not sure if they still do or if you qualify at 7 years out.

This question reminds me of a breakfast my buddy and I went to one Saturday morning a few years back. We couldn’t decide where to go and finally settled on one of the big chain restaurants saying “I haven’t been there in a long time, let’s go”.

He shared the sentiment and we went. The food was lousy, service non existent and it all took forever. As we left I said “well, now we know why we haven’t been there in a long time.” All that aside, we had a good time and I have a humorous story to share.

Good to have you, Woodstock. Interesting posts; and profile! You should start an 'intro' thread, re: you!!!

Where DO you hail from .. anyway???

Welcome to Trucking Truth!

~ Anne (& Tom ... the driver/hubby in my avi!) ~