Got The CDL... What Now?

I have a class A CDL which I actually got because I was told I would have a better chance of getting a city job. The city is still not hiring and I need to get to work. Since I already have the CDL I'm not what all these schools are looking for. Any ideas how I can get the road experience I need without starving from making less than minimum wage in the process?

Since I already have the CDL I'm not what all these schools are looking for.

James, I think maybe that statement makes your post a little confusing as to what it is that you are trying to accomplish. I mean, I understand you are trying to get a job so you can put a few beans on the table, but there are trucking jobs everywhere. So let's start out by getting a good understanding established as to what the most practical approach is to landing a truck driving job. If you start out with the proper foundation then it is easy to build on that.

Just having a CDL does not make you a truck driver, as you are finding out. To get hired by just about anyone in this industry you must have verifiable recent experience, or if you are a rookie, you must have a recent training certificate. You failed to fill us in on how you obtained your CDL, and that was some important information that would help us point you in the right direction. If you got your license without getting a certificate from a training program or truck driving school it is next to impossible to land a job as a driver. Your statement that you are not what all these schools are looking for confuses me, because all the schools will usually take someone with a CDL and just consider them as a refresher course student. It sounds like you were wanting local work, but the most practical way to get your experience established is to take an "over the road" driving job for your first year. I see no reason why you would be rejected by any of the Company-Sponsored Training programs as long as you reside in their hiring area, can provide them the information they need, and can pass the background check and drug test.

If you follow that link and apply to some of the companies there, I can assure you that once you've applied to their programs as a refresher, and you follow up those applications with a few phone calls you will be getting on a bus toward a new future in the trucking industry. Unless there are some glaring problems that you didn't tell us about they will gladly take you on. I'll go one further for you - If you will call Western Express and talk to a recruiter about their refresher program I can almost guarantee you that you will be earning training pay in just a matter of a few days from now, and in about six weeks time you will be running solo in your own truck. They don't start rookies out at the top pay of course. but there is no reason why a hard working individual can't be taking home 650 - 800 dollars a week there as a rookie driver.

Now, "over the road" may not be what you wanted, but that is the most practical way to get this thing started. If you want to try for a local job, you will have to attend a truck driving school and get that certificate - most of them offer refresher courses, but remember there are no guarantees that you can get a local job. You can get an OTR job if you are willing to go that route, and then after you have one year of experience you will find it much easier to get a local job. But, don't quit an OTR job until you are sure you have landed a local job. If you end up being out of the truck for an extended period of time you just end up right where you are now, unable to get anyone to hire you. Continuity in your driving experience is very important when it comes to staying employed in this industry.

If you start hitting snags after applying to the Company-Sponsored Training programs, then jump back in here and tell us what the problem is and we will be able to help you overcome the obstacles if possible. Remember after submitting an application give it about two days, and then call them and ask the recruiter that takes your call about the status of your application. That brings you back up to the top and keeps someone working on it. Those recruiters are sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer volume of applications that they are handling and sometimes the ones that need a little more work done on them to get them processed get shuffled so that they can get an easier one completed. The more people they bring in the more money they make, so they concentrate on the ones that require them the least amount of work. But, if you call them they will tell you what kind of information they need from you to get the thing wrapped up.

And James, welcome to the forum! I sincerely hope we see you land a driving job in the near future.

While Old School is wrapping up his day, (he always gives great advice, so I'm interested to hear what he says, too) maybe I can be of assistance. Unemployment rots and I understand. My fridge is not plentiful right now and I hate that more than anything when there are others to feed; but there's hope. You have a very marketable skill, now. You're just not employed with the organization you thought you would be with, at this point. Definitely start with the links to jobs here on Trucking Truth like How To Choose A Company and Apply For Truck Driving Jobs.

I'm assuming that since you were looking at a job with the city, you were mainly interested in working locally. You have options but you'll have to dig and keep your mind open. I have no idea where you live or how big of a metropolis you live in or near but start by taking note of all the different trucking companies you see on the road in and around where you live. Also start searching for local companies that haul LTL or "Less Than Load." The company I just got (conditionally) hired on with is Con-way. Check out Con-way. Who knows? It's a big, national company that also does hauling within my state. Look at UPS. Sometimes they advertise that they're hiring dock workers who also have CDLs because what they'll do is put you on a dock for a couple of months and then put you in a truck after you've proven yourself a bit. UPS is amazing because they have full benefits for everyone, including part-timers, after 5-6 weeks of employment. I do know that their hiring standards are higher than those required by the DOT , so they are tough to get into as a driver, but worth a try. Even the highest executives at UPS started out loading, I believe. Look at construction companies or sand and rock hauling companies that support the construction organizations. Look into local grocery store and super-market chains; also check out the major soda and beer companies. Those things still have to be shipped here and unloaded locally. I just heard 2 radio adds this morning, for drivers interested in Walmart.

If you're willing to go over the road , you shouldn't have a problem finding work. Just because these companies hire first and then train their new employees through to their CDL doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in someone who already has a CDL. If you paid for you own schooling, they may even offer you tuition reimbursement, or a signing bonus. I think this is a good start and will keep you very busy for the next several days. Fill out as many applications as you can stand filling out. Fill out the application on this website where trucking companies are listed in the job search section, so that other trucking companies can look at you and contact you. If you find a website that offers to put your application out there to several companies at a time, GO for it but be careful about divulging your SS# until you find out more about the company asking for it.

I just noticed you posted your home area as being in N. Carolina. Check out Research Triangle Park and see which companies are shipping in medical supplies and if that's close to you, that might be another way for you to find work, too.

I'm a newbie but I've searched locally and know how tough it's been for me. When going through this you need a lot of patience and persistence.

The best of luck to you, Richie, and keep us posted.

-mountain girl

The fact that this post has been up this long without a single reply speaks volumes about the current state of this industry.

1st off chill! all of them are doing their respective jobs by moving frieght.....

2nd congrats on ur cdl... 3rd start by looking for ltl jobs regional trucking companies that can give u a job.

James, this industry is hiring like crazy, but you took some bad advice from someone about how to get a job and now you're suffering the consequences. The only reason your post has set here so long is that it may have been worded a little clumsily so that I think most of the new drivers in here didn't really understand what you were asking. I'm sure I can help you, but i'm trying to secure a load right now - I promise I will give you some good solid advice tonight when I shut down. It may not be what you are wanting, but it will point you in the direction to land a job in just a matter of days. Hang on, I'll be back!

My advice from a new drive like yourself. Apply any and everywhere that's searching for a CDL driver. Even the ones looking for more experience. At worst is they're going to say no, but if a company isn't having any luck with candidates you may get an interview. Also always make calls after you apply to keep yourself at the top of the pile. You're really going to have to work at it if you want to stay local and in the city.

My other advice would be to cool the attitude a little bit. It's certainly not going to get you anywhere this business. A lot of the members on here are new or fairly new like us and prefer not to give advice yet. And the top dogs like OldSchool, Brett, Star, Daniel, etc are very busy people and respond when they can, and it's when they have advice that will actually help you. I hope what I offered up will help and good luck in your search.

Indeed I apologize for missing that question. It got right by me the first time. I fall behind in here sometimes and miss some.

Yeah, once in a while you'll hear about someone who found a local job straight out of school but it's normally either a connection they had somewhere or they dug really hard all over town until they found something. But it will likely take some digging and some persistence. Most local companies want to see some OTR experience first because the conditions are kinda tough for most of those jobs. You have a lot of heavy traffic to deal with and often times there are many stops every day to locate. Then of course you have to back into a lot of difficult docks. Even three months of OTR can make a difference in your chances of getting hired for something local. But if you're within commuting distance of a decent size city you can probably dig up an opportunity.

Now if you don't mind the idea of running OTR you should have no problem at all getting a job and gettin out on the road assuming your background is pretty solid.

Since I already have the CDL I'm not what all these schools are looking for

Ok, I'm not sure why you mentioned schools if you already have your CDL. Are you referring to Company-Sponsored Training Programs like Prime Inc and Swift Transport?

If you have your CDL you should be able to apply directly for a job. Your schooling should be finished. You'll have to go out with a trainer when you first get started with a company but it's paid on the job training - you're an employee, you're not in school.

Help us understand the main challenges you're facing a little better and exactly what type of job you're looking for.

I've held a class C CDL in the past and looking to go to a school here soon. My advice to you would be think of yourself as a non CDL holder and go to the class with a company. How did you get a class A CDL without driving a truck? I guess you had to drive one lol, I didn't think any place let you borrow a truck for the test unless they trust you. Do you have the permit or the actual license?

I would apply to the companies and just explain where you are at, either a permit holder or license holder. You will be that much ahead wherever you go with those done. The CDL portion is the small part of the schools though, any company will want you to go through their training before they let you take the reins solo.

While Old School is wrapping up his day, (he always gives great advice, so I'm interested to hear what he says, too) maybe I can be of assistance. Unemployment rots and I understand. My fridge is not plentiful right now and I hate that more than anything when there are others to feed; but there's hope. You have a very marketable skill, now. You're just not employed with the organization you thought you would be with, at this point. Definitely start with the links to jobs here on Trucking Truth like How To Choose A Company and Apply For Truck Driving Jobs.

I'm assuming that since you were looking at a job with the city, you were mainly interested in working locally. You have options but you'll have to dig and keep your mind open. I have no idea where you live or how big of a metropolis you live in or near but start by taking note of all the different trucking companies you see on the road in and around where you live. Also start searching for local companies that haul LTL or "Less Than Load." The company I just got (conditionally) hired on with is Con-way. Check out Con-way. Who knows? It's a big, national company that also does hauling within my state. Look at UPS. Sometimes they advertise that they're hiring dock workers who also have CDLs because what they'll do is put you on a dock for a couple of months and then put you in a truck after you've proven yourself a bit. UPS is amazing because they have full benefits for everyone, including part-timers, after 5-6 weeks of employment. I do know that their hiring standards are higher than those required by the DOT , so they are tough to get into as a driver, but worth a try. Even the highest executives at UPS started out loading, I believe. Look at construction companies or sand and rock hauling companies that support the construction organizations. Look into local grocery store and super-market chains; also check out the major soda and beer companies. Those things still have to be shipped here and unloaded locally. I just heard 2 radio adds this morning, for drivers interested in Walmart.

If you're willing to go over the road , you shouldn't have a problem finding work. Just because these companies hire first and then train their new employees through to their CDL doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in someone who already has a CDL. If you paid for you own schooling, they may even offer you tuition reimbursement, or a signing bonus. I think this is a good start and will keep you very busy for the next several days. Fill out as many applications as you can stand filling out. Fill out the application on this website where trucking companies are listed in the job search section, so that other trucking companies can look at you and contact you. If you find a website that offers to put your application out there to several companies at a time, GO for it but be careful about divulging your SS# until you find out more about the company asking for it.

I just noticed you posted your home area as being in N. Carolina. Check out Research Triangle Park and see which companies are shipping in medical supplies and if that's close to you, that might be another way for you to find work, too.

I'm a newbie but I've searched locally and know how tough it's been for me. When going through this you need a lot of patience and persistence.

The best of luck to you, Richie, and keep us posted.

-mountain girl

Thank u mountain girl for your encouraging words.really made a difference to me and show me i can do it .Just one step at a time one day at a time. my issues are i dont have any cash to go to college run trucking school, so i decided on a company based training . problem i gotta narrow my choices down ..

to me its something im new at this so i appericate the help anyone is willin to give me

Since I already have the CDL I'm not what all these schools are looking for.

James, I think maybe that statement makes your post a little confusing as to what it is that you are trying to accomplish. I mean, I understand you are trying to get a job so you can put a few beans on the table, but there are trucking jobs everywhere. So let's start out by getting a good understanding established as to what the most practical approach is to landing a truck driving job. If you start out with the proper foundation then it is easy to build on that.

Just having a CDL does not make you a truck driver, as you are finding out. To get hired by just about anyone in this industry you must have verifiable recent experience, or if you are a rookie, you must have a recent training certificate. You failed to fill us in on how you obtained your CDL, and that was some important information that would help us point you in the right direction. If you got your license without getting a certificate from a training program or truck driving school it is next to impossible to land a job as a driver. Your statement that you are not what all these schools are looking for confuses me, because all the schools will usually take someone with a CDL and just consider them as a refresher course student. It sounds like you were wanting local work, but the most practical way to get your experience established is to take an "over the road" driving job for your first year. I see no reason why you would be rejected by any of the Company-Sponsored Training programs as long as you reside in their hiring area, can provide them the information they need, and can pass the background check and drug test.

If you follow that link and apply to some of the companies there, I can assure you that once you've applied to their programs as a refresher, and you follow up those applications with a few phone calls you will be getting on a bus toward a new future in the trucking industry. Unless there are some glaring problems that you didn't tell us about they will gladly take you on. I'll go one further for you - If you will call Western Express and talk to a recruiter about their refresher program I can almost guarantee you that you will be earning training pay in just a matter of a few days from now, and in about six weeks time you will be running solo in your own truck. They don't start rookies out at the top pay of course. but there is no reason why a hard working individual can't be taking home 650 - 800 dollars a week there as a rookie driver.

Now, "over the road" may not be what you wanted, but that is the most practical way to get this thing started. If you want to try for a local job, you will have to attend a truck driving school and get that certificate - most of them offer refresher courses, but remember there are no guarantees that you can get a local job. You can get an OTR job if you are willing to go that route, and then after you have one year of experience you will find it much easier to get a local job. But, don't quit an OTR job until you are sure you have landed a local job. If you end up being out of the truck for an extended period of time you just end up right where you are now, unable to get anyone to hire you. Continuity in your driving experience is very important when it comes to staying employed in this industry.

If you start hitting snags after applying to the Company-Sponsored Training programs, then jump back in here and tell us what the problem is and we will be able to help you overcome the obstacles if possible. Remember after submitting an application give it about two days, and then call them and ask the recruiter that takes your call about the status of your application. That brings you back up to the top and keeps someone working on it. Those recruiters are sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer volume of applications that they are handling and sometimes the ones that need a little more work done on them to get them processed get shuffled so that they can get an easier one completed. The more people they bring in the more money they make, so they concentrate on the ones that require them the least amount of work. But, if you call them they will tell you what kind of information they need from you to get the thing wrapped up.

And James, welcome to the forum! I sincerely hope we see you land a driving job in the near future.