Have A CDL But Never Used It
Topic 31626 | Page 1
Trying to find a company that will send me through paid training WITH a valid CDL. Problem is I’ve never driven a truck. Got my cdl in 2002 but ended up in the software business. Haven’t been in a rig since truck driving school. The companies I’ve called said they can put me through a refresher course but I don’t think that will teach me again how to drive.
Anyone have any suggestions? Should I downgrade my CDL-A to a class E (FL) and start over or would the refresher do the trick. Also still have a current NT endorsements
Rob, you'll probably have to 'start over' to a degree, but there sure is NO reason to downgrade, at all!
Have you kept your Medical Card updated? (If not, you've might already be automatically downgraded.)
I grew up in Florida myself, and ran a 'hotshot' boat propeller route, all over the state, when I was in my 20's... loved it! Being in Deltona (on the East coast, but North of Orlando) shouldn't be a bad thing, for you.
ABSOLUTELY try to get into company sponsored training; here's a start: Apply For Paid CDL Training.
You'll find that many companies will 'case by case' abbreviate your training if you qualify for such; but in your situation, I'd go the full Monty in your shoes.
Try that link, and look at our 'Welcome Mat' of links:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
A few other that hire in Florida, are Cypress and Averitt. CFI also comes to mind. Raider Express and Pride transport, also. Witte Bros. may be back to hiring by you. Dutch Maid Logistics (here in Ohio) is back to training, and would be an awesome bet, since they have their family farm in Sarasota (Weirs' Farm & Fleet.) Look into those, as well as the app link I've attached.
Welcome to Trucking Truth, and back 'into' the profession! Many companies WILL accept you with a CDL, since the 'training mandates' came to fruition on 02/07/2022. They'll advise, case by case.
Best to ya! See ya here, soon!
~ Anne (& Tom) ~
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.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I am in the same boat as you and about 2 years away fron using it. I would call a company that offers trying and see where I stood and go from there.
I am in the same boat as you and about 2 years away from using it. I would call a company that offers trying and see where I stood and go from there.
Kurt;
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
AND please, apply HERE! Apply For Paid CDL Training!
Best wishes!!!
~ Anne ~
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.
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Trying to find a company that will send me through paid training WITH a valid CDL. Problem is I’ve never driven a truck. Got my cdl in 2002 but ended up in the software business. Haven’t been in a rig since truck driving school. The companies I’ve called said they can put me through a refresher course but I don’t think that will teach me again how to drive.
Anyone have any suggestions? Should I downgrade my CDL-A to a class E (FL) and start over or would the refresher do the trick. Also still have a current NT endorsements
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: