Retired FD Looking For Part Time CDL Job

I retired from the Fire Department in 2012 after 33 years. Now after 2 years "goofing off" I want to do something I've always wanted to do. Realistically I don't need to run 3000 miles a week and I don't need medical and lots of benefits and stuff. So what I'm asking is...are there really part time semi-truck jobs for someone coming out of an 8 week school? I live in the Atlanta, GA area and have just started looking at job boards and mostly everyone wants a minimum of 1 year unless you go with Prime, CR, Swift, or one of those types of companies and they want you full time.

Any help is appreciated!

Check out Roehl Transport. They offer a 7 day on/7 day off schedule (among others). Thats about close as you can get to part time in the OTR world. They are also one of the top starter companies out there and have a terminal near you in Ellenwood Ga.

Frank, I think Weatherman's suggestion is a good one. It's really difficult finding true part time work in truck driving. Even when it is available it is usually only offered to drivers with experience. The insurance on new commercial drivers is cost prohibitive for most businesses.

Weatherman made the right suggestion, Frank.

Roehl's 7 days on, 7 days off schedule is about your only option for part-time that I know of (that's still about 180 days a year of work). You will, however, have about a full month of training (assuming you are already licensed) before you can get on that gig. And, it will be a slip seat situation where another driver will be out with your truck while you are off. Also, you will have to leave from their terminal each time that you go on duty as that's where the truck stays, even if there is not another driver in the truck while you are off.

I do see ads occasionally on Craigslist for part-time drivers, but never for a driver with no experience. Roehl will get you off to a good, safe start and, as already mentioned, they do have a terminal in Ellenwood on the South side of Atlanta.

Thanks guys. I've been looking at lots of ads today. Someone on another site was talking about "out and back" runs like Fed Ex or US mail, but it looks like they want at least 1 year. Well, it's early in my journey and at the very least I am going to have some quality training and a Class A CDL for hardly any money at all (Hope Grant) so it can't be all bad.

Here's the breakdown of some of the home time options for Roehl Transport:

7-On/7-Off Fleet

Exclusively from Roehl, our 7-On/7-Off Fleet drivers drive seven days and then they are home for seven days at a time. If you choose a 7-On/7-Off Fleet, you’ll have 26 weeks a year off. You must be fully rested prior to dispatch. Space in the 7-On/7-Off Fleets may be limited in some areas of the country.

7/4-7/3 Fleet

Getting more miles is a key feature of our 7/4-7/3 Fleets. When you join a 7/4-7/3 Fleet, you’ll drive seven days, then be home four days, then you’ll drive seven days followed by three days of home time. That’s an average of 120 days off and mileage goals between 95,000 and 105,000 per year. You must be fully rested prior to dispatch, and space in the 7/4–7/3 Fleets may be limited in some areas of the country.

14/7 Fleet

Roehl’s 14/7 Fleets are unique options that combine the mileage goals of a 7/4-7/3 Fleet (between 95,000 and 105,000 per year) with the extended home time of a 7/7 Fleet. You’ll drive fourteen days and then be home seven days. Space in our 14/7 Fleets is available in limited areas, and you must be fully rested prior to dispatch.

Thanks Brett. I appreciate your help and this site. Lots of info from people who really want to help.

Thanks guys. I've been looking at lots of ads today. Someone on another site was talking about "out and back" runs like Fed Ex or US mail, but it looks like they want at least 1 year. Well, it's early in my journey and at the very least I am going to have some quality training and a Class A CDL for hardly any money at all (Hope Grant) so it can't be all bad.

Hi, just wondering what you ended up deciding to do. Sounded like there were a couple of options you were exploring - Roehl and various Craiglists ads. I'd like to be in the same position you are someday and am curious as to the path you chose. Best of luck to you and safe driving!

Yes, I've been wondering the same. I also see that Schneider National has quite a few part time options depending on where you reside. Some are very similar the Roehl. I've seen where they have some as needed /ad hoc work as needed and also have seen some where you are out 3+ days a week.