How To Get Back Into Trucking, With A CDL But Little To No Experience?

Hey there! I am currently looking to get back into the trucking industry. My personal driving record and personal record are spotless. I was involved in a minor accident during training with my first company I drove for back in 18, received no ticket or points on my license. I still have my CDL with my doubles/triples and tanker endorsement. I got my license at the end of 2018, but haven't driven a truck since. I graduated school and went to a company and had a bad pretty bad experience with the company. Now I am kicking my self in the foot because I should have just went with another company. Now I am having a hard time getting back into the industry because I need training, which I want, but I already have my CDL. I also live in Florida, so my options are limited, at least it seems that way.

I have tried to communicate with a few companies but have not gained any traction. Does any one have any recommendations on companies that provide training for someone that does have their CDL but, also needs training as a new driver? I was considering calling TMC, Roehl, Wilson's, and Schneider. I called Melton and was told I need a refresher course before I could be considered. I was hoping to get into flatbed because I know that could open more doors for me down the road, but I also can't be choosy at this point. Thank you for any guidance and help here!

In this tanked economy and the lack of training/experience, you need to use our link to send out applications to everyone. You need to get a refresher with a company and then stick with them for 1+ years. Being in Florida is a big hindrance also, so apply everywhere.

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Good luck

Thank you, yeah I was reading it is harder to land a job in FL, but I am up for getting a job else where. I did the application as you recommended. I used my parent's address as well as they live on the FL and GA line. I am hoping that makes a difference. I also have a disqualify on my license because I did not get my DOT physical in time. I didn't know that I had to keep it up to date. I got a copy of my MVR record and it does show on the MVR that I had a disqualified license because of my failed to file med cert. I got pulled over and the next day I got it handled. It's not a moving violation, so I am hoping it does not affect me with jobs. On my applications I am also putting that I have not had a suspended license because it shows it was disqualified NOT suspended. This whole time I have had a clean driving record and a consistant working for the past 10 years. My personal record is also spotless, would suck if this would be the reason I couldn't get a job. Any insight on this, thanks again, I really appreciate it

Link, I think you will be ok since you got your FedMed card up to date. Your record is very good. You are just not in the best part of the country for hiring because of the freight recession. You may get an inquiry from a company that might hire you, but can’t get you back to Florida for home time. In that case you might have to make a decision to tell them you don’t need home time in Florida and be prepared to go with the company flow. I changed my legal residency to a state my company doesn’t go to at all and it raised a red flag. But when I told them I would never need home time there, they were fine with it. It’s different from your situation because I have no family there and no need to go there at all. But it may require some creative arrangements for you to get started. Good luck.

Thank you for your reply and insight BK! That does give me peace of mind. As far as getting home time, I'd be totally fine with what you mentioned. I don't have a complete family of my own yet, I do have my fiancee and two pups here. I know I have to grind it out this first year or so and put my time in so things will open up, that's okay with me. There are quite a bit of good jobs here in FL and in my area, but the good jobs require 2 years or more exp. I have a few places I am going to call tomorrow and I will mention that I don't need home time and I just want experience. I would be fine with a company that is outside of Florida too if it gets my foot in the door.

Link, just to clarify what I said: You will still get home time, just maybe not in Florida if the company you go to work for has no routes in Florida. But normally, a driver can take his home time (earned days off) anywhere he wants, as long as the company can route him there. Many drivers use this to there advantage to visit various places of interest.

BK, Thanks, that would be fine with me as well. I was hoping I could be out 3-5 weeks, I'd be alright with that to get going. Currently just having no luck with any companies. I have applied to majority of the ones recommended here on the site with driver training programs. As soon as I mention FL, I'm getting turned away. I also advised that I don't mind not getting home often. Do you have any companies that you can recommend me to call and apply too, I have applied to Stevens, Schneider, TMC, Melton, waiting on a call back from Swift currently. Thank you again.

Ypu can try Knight, they do have a terminal in Lakeland FL. But they're really light on freight, especially in FL.

Try Cypress. They are a Florida company.

Thank you both Davy and Old School. I'll look at Knight, as for Cypress, that was one of the companies top on my list since they are right here and I wanted to get into Flatbed. One of their questions that the recruiter asked me was why did I leave the company I drove for back in 2018, which was Celadon. I was honest about it, which now I am regretting I mentioned it. It's not on my driving record, but I was in a minor accident, while I was in training, I was given an option to quit or wait for the decision to be made from the company. I was doing bad financially as I didn't plan as I should have at the time and I did not want to wait to be fired, so I quit. It's not even on my MVR ( which I have a copy of ) because it was non-reportable. I didn't receive a ticket, points were not taken, or anything and this was back at in 2018. The recruiter originally stated I needed to provide evidence of the situation, when I called back today actually to inquire about more info, I was told my application was denied because I wouldn't be a good fit for the company. Not sure what to do at this point, almost feel like I shouldn't have mentioned it. Was hoping for Cypress because they provide a training program and hire specifically for FL drivers.