Sure Could Use Some Help
Topic 364 | Page 1
Brian,
I also live in FL (panhandle) and I am finding it is extremely difficult to get on with a company OTR while living here. I have checked many a website and made many a phone call. Some companies won't even entertain a conversation with you just because you are in FL. There are companies that will hire from FL (Werner and Melton come to mind) but it is usually with the caveat that you will have to stay out at least 4 weeks before they can get you home. So far, Jacksonville seems to be the one common geographical point most companies that will hire want you to be near before considering you.
I'm not an expert on this by any means, just passing on what I've learned so far. It seems to vary by company and is highly dependent on exactly where you live. I've even talked with companies that are based out of FL and won't consider me because I'm in the panhandle.
I do have some options where I am so it is not all doom and gloom but I will more than likely have to relocate to end up doing the type of driving I want with one of the companies I would prefer. I'm sure there are options for you as well.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
I seem to be having a had time finding a company paid cdl training.Ive tried cdl schools but they want a couple of grand or co signer i dont have it laying around at this time.i did go to the links here and they are great but i live in fl and it looks like fl a no hire zone.
But to answer your question...have you checked into Swift? From what I understand you get your CDL permit from your home state, go to their academy, return to your home state for the skills test, get your CDL and then go OTR training with them. Perhaps I'm mistaken? There are posts on here about Swift training.
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Thank you for the reply chief.I did look into swift but they wont consider me cause im south of orlando.Im tring to get a wia grant i just started looking into it that will put me though nbi truck training.I think this is the last shot.
t
I'm using VA benefits to go to a college sponsored program so I have spent zero time researching financial options for completing training which is why I really haven't looked into company training programs. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
I will reemphasize though, make sure you thoroughly research what companies you will have options with once you complete training if you do not intend to relocate. Florida is tough for OTR hiring!
It seems once you get north of Jacksonville a whole new plethora of opportunities open up!
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Thank you for the reply chief.I did look into swift but they wont consider me cause im south of orlando.Im tring to get a wia grant i just started looking into it that will put me though nbi truck training.I think this is the last shot.
Are you anywhere near Indian River? There is a State college there with a CDL program associated with Sage. Not sure what NBI is but, training through a college is typically much more inexpensive than a private driving school (sometimes by almost half!).
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.
Yeah it's a hour east looked into they don't have weekend classes cause I still work during the week when they have work. But I have put a app in at werner I guess that's the school that they offer it sounds good and they offer weekend classes its the 5000 bucks that holds me up.I really didn't think were we live would be the hang up being you can swing a dead gator without hitting a port sucks .well good luck hope it works out for you keep in touch would like hear how it goes
Yeah, I'm afraid Florida is the most difficult place in the country to find work as a driver - especially if you're South of I-4.
The problem is that Florida has very little freight coming out of the state so most companies won't go down there. You wind up either sitting for two or three days waiting on a load that pays next to nothing or you deadhead empty up to South Georgia and burn a ton of fuel to find a load.
We have an excellent listing of truck driving jobs that will give you some ideas for companies that hire out of Florida. Do a search by zip code for best results:
Deadhead:
To drive with an empty trailer. After delivering your load you will deadhead to a shipper to pick up your next load.
Brian,
Check into Knight Transportation. They have a brand new facility in Lakeland just north of where you are. They also have their own company-sponsored training program.
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.
Cool going to look into that thanks
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I seem to be having a had time finding a company paid cdl training.Ive tried cdl schools but they want a couple of grand or co signer i dont have it laying around at this time.i did go to the links here and they are great but i live in fl and it looks like fl a no hire zone.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: