New To Forum, New To Trucking

So I've spent the last ten years as a combination freelance PC technician/part-time data keyer for a small consulting company ran by a family member, and I'd like to get into trucking as a career now.

Given my employment history, how difficult is it going to be to get into a company-sponsored school? That is, which CPS's are the most lenient or understanding when it comes to this sort of thing? I have no money, so a private school is out. Or is this an idea I'm going to have to forget? And does anyone else have a story about a similar situation?

I have no driving violations or crimes on my record, felonies or otherwise.

So I've spent the last ten years as a combination freelance PC technician/part-time data keyer for a small consulting company ran by a family member, and I'd like to get into trucking as a career now.

Given my employment history, how difficult is it going to be to get into a company-sponsored school? That is, which CPS's are the most lenient or understanding when it comes to this sort of thing? I have no money, so a private school is out. Or is this an idea I'm going to have to forget? And does anyone else have a story about a similar situation?

I have no driving violations or crimes on my record, felonies or otherwise.

Well first let me welcome you to TruckingTruth.. Good to see ya..

On to you questions...

I can't vouch for other company's, but when I went through swift, I had really no employment. My situation was roughly the same as yours. I need PC and auto repairs (free lance) as well as some schooling. I included all this in my application and was truthful when asked about it. I then had 3 friends write a small paragraph on what I had been doing for the gaps in my employment and submitted that with my app along with other docs that they needed/wanted.

I wouldn't stress about it, my recommendation is take a look around here at he CPS's, call them get as much info as you can, and let them know about your situation. Be sure to keep in touch with them, recruiters are known for getting way to busy and forgetting to call back.. I started my paperwork in Feb of 2011 and was in swifts academy in Phoenix in July after I finished my summer semester at the local collage...

do give up on this. no violations/crimes/dui/dwis make you a good candidate...

David

I don't know from experience but I would imagine that most company sponsored programs see this all the time. They understand that the reason your going to them to learn is because your changing careers. And this works for them because they train you how they want and you don't have any habits they have to break. As long as you have solid employment history I think you'll be just fine to get into one. Good luck

I THINK the bigger concern from their viewpoint is that you tell them precisely when you worked and when you did not and be truthful about why you were unemployed, etc, etc. You clean background is a plus and I'm sure you are NOT carving out a new path of someone wanting to do this coming off of being unemployed. Check out the companies that offer it and then contact them and tell them your situation, what you want, and ask questions about the company and see where it takes you. I'd be surprised if you did NOT find a company that would accept you. I always approach things like this with the idea that the worst they can do is say "No." More likely you will get a "Yes," if not more than 1.

So dig in and do your research....there is plenty of info on here......start calling them and see where it takes you. Good luck with your journey. (I started mine 6 weeks ago and passed my exam today.)

Ray B.

You are a Prime cut of meat (excuse the pun - I work for Prime, Inc.) and the trucking companies are looking for you. Go to the websites of several of the majors (like Prime, Inc., Stevens Transport, Central Refrigerated, etc. - there are a bunch more), fill out the online applications and then CALL THE COMPANY RECRUITERS ON THE PHONE to discuss your application with them. I guarantee that if you are as clean as you said, are accurate and complete on your application and want to do this, you will have multiple invitations to company sponsored training programs in less than a week. In the trucking industry with a clean record and a willingness to work, you are in the driver's seat (another pun, I apologize). Do it, do it now. Like Nike, ya know? "Just do it!" Let me know if I'm right, OK?

Jopa