Are There Any Entry Level Jobs Left

Hi there Community, I’m sure you’ve heard this story before so I’ll get straight to the meat and potatoes. I joined Western Express right out of driving school and after being on my own about a month I was hit by another vehicle, Dot recorded, and I’d gotten a csa violation that I was too green to realize was a mistake- but I was fired for safety. Since then I have heard I need 6 months of safe driving to be hired; but I’d need to be hired first. That was a year ago. I do gig work in the meantime but I hate it because I LOVE driving a big truck- preferably attached to a flatbed. When I say it feels like it’s what I’m meant to do I mean it; but I can’t catch a break. I even moved out of the northeast to get a better chance and still no luck. I have reason to believe that I was fired mainly for looking for another company while working with them, simply because even my trainer told me he’d been through far more than that and of course he’s a trainer now. I accept that I wasn’t a perfect beginner and I absolutely see where I went wrong and have since removed my head from my hindquarters. I’d really love any direction because even the class b guys in my area want a year experience. Piedmont Triad area of NC is my current whereabouts. Any advice on how to reinvigorate my driving career would be greatly appreciated. I have all endorsements and TWIC; except passenger. I’m a veteran and I even a college graduate, but truck driving is life! Please help.

Hi Leslie. Sorry to hear about your situation.

We continue to hear how hard it is to find a job in trucking right now, even for those with clean records. And if you have a ding against you, the odds are stacked against you. Since you have not driven for a year, your license is “stale”, another negative part of your situation. All you can do is to keep looking and applying.

The driving job market is very tough right now. I wish you had a better chance and I hate to give bad news to an aspiring driver. Better times might be some time away.

Leslie,

As BK suggests, continue the search and apply, baby, apply!

These truck carriers evaluate / review each applicant on a case-by-case basis. The most critical thing to do is to be upfront and honest in disclosure with prospective employers.

If you already have not, try TMC Transportation or Maverick Transportation. These two carriers offer a flatbed division and, an in-house apprentice driver training program designed for limited, inexperienced (less than 6-months) Class A driver's. Plus according to both company hiring area maps, it appears North Carolina is in the coverage area. You may be required to commit to an employment contract; however, it's well worth another opportunity to get back in the saddle.

TMC Apprentice Driver training program

Maverick Student Driver training program

Good journey and God bless.

Try to get a job as a yard switcher/hostler and gain some experience that way.