Congratulations Jim!
Unfortunately Western Express brings in just about as many new recruiters as they do new drivers all the time, consequently you may come across one who doesn't really know what they are doing - it's best not to judge a company by their recruiters, you just happened to get a greenhorn. It's really hard to understand some of the management practices of some of these trucking companies, especially if you are brand new to the industry, but as long as you've got a tough skin, a will to succeed, and the determination to endure anything a life on the road may throw at you there's not a policy or practice at these large carriers that's gonna hold you down.
Thanks Old School.
I still plan on pursuing Western-Express, I realized that the recruiter I spoke with may not be familiar with the pre-hire. W-E is in the top three on my list, so they aren't done hearing from me yet. A decision where to end up has not been fully made anyway, I have about a month and a half before that becomes more urgent, school and license first.
Stay safe.
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
That's great news Jim! Definitely keep applying for pre-hires. The more the better.
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Congrats Jim! Glad to hear your #1 pick is interested!
Those black Peterbilts sure are pretty. If you hear back from Melton I can put you in touch with someone that is convinced that Melton is second only to being a Saudi prince.
I applied at TMC three times and they keep telling me that they are going with somebody else they dont want to give me no explanation to why but all I know is that I have a gut feeling that this is where I need to be.
I applied at TMC three times and they keep telling me that they are going with somebody else they dont want to give me no explanation to why but all I know is that I have a gut feeling that this is where I need to be.
Have you tried with CRST? Randy Gill is a great recruiter!
Luis, there are a lot of great flat-bed companies out there that will hire new drivers. Flat-bed freight is a little slow right now, so the companies have the luxury of being a little more particular. If you've applied three times with the same result then it's time to let go of that "gut feeling" and move on.
I understand your frustration. I was rejected by TMC twice. I went to two orientations and they sent me home both times - talk about disappointed! Now they are begging me to give them a try again, but I'm quite satisfied with my situation where I am.
They are particular about their recruits. More than likely there is something in your job history, background, or driving record that is giving them pause. Have you considered Melton or Jordan? They both hire new drivers and are excellent flat-bed operations. There are many others also. I started my career at Western Express and was able to build a good solid foundation for my future while there.
The thing that is going to be most critical in your first flat-bedding job is your approach to the demands of the job and your work ethic. Whose name is on the door of the truck will not matter at all if you can't get those critical things I mentioned working right first. What I'm saying is that the first company that takes a chance on you is not nearly as critical to your success as is your approach to the job. Don't allow the disappointment of not getting your first choice in employers keep you from moving forward.
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
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I received my first official pre-hire from TMC Transportation yesterday. I am so psyched!!
TMC is the first company I wanted to apply to and the one I looked most forward to working for. I'm one step closer to that becoming a reality.
I have spoken with recruiters from Melton, Western-Express, Prime Inc, and Trans Am. And sent applications to Roehl, Schneider, Swift Transport, Knight Transportation and a whole slew of other companies. I might apply to Maverick Transport as well.
The recruiter at Western-Express had no idea what a pre-hire letter was, seriously, I tried my best to explain it to her with no luck. She did give me a verbal that in my opinion is about as good as a piece of paper stating that you have they qualifications and are "hirable".
At any rate, my school starts this coming Monday at 7 am, I am hoping to chronicle the daily routine and events in the CDL training diary section of the forum. Look for that to begin Sunday evening, at the latest Monday after the first class.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.