Military Veteran 88M Motor Transport Operator Coming To Drive Civillian.

Hi Guys and Gals I went to Military truck driving course in FT. Leonard wood Missouri. I have lots of experience driving Heavy equipment transport vehicle with lowboy trailer, and 915 Detroit diesel Inline 6- Day cab using 40 foot flatbed's. I got out of the military roughly 2 years ago and have been in College. Now I'm in need of some income and have to go back to what I know and love. Trucking. I still have to take my pre trip and driving exam and I am noticing more and more how different things are driving civilian. If there are any of you old vet drivers that turned civilian or drivers in general that are willing to give a perspective. I would appreciate if you could share your experience being tested and what to look for. Thanx a lot in advance. Rodney Slone.

Sad thing is with all your driving experience in the military none of it counts towards getting a job in civilian life.

Sad thing is with all your driving experience in the military none of it counts towards getting a job in civilian life.

My driving course was a 9.5 week course very in-depth, Im seeing guys now talk about a 4 week schooling that's only geared towards passing the cdl test. Good for me because this test is going to be a warm piece of cake. More importantly though what do you think will happen when I fill out my application and provide my log/trip sheets with all my miles? I will have a new CDL, but Im experienced behind the wheel. In what regard will my experience not matter? Pay? New training? Thanx a lot for your feedback, Im trying to be prepared and gain some perspective.

Sad thing is with all your driving experience in the military none of it counts towards getting a job in civilian life.

My driving course was a 9.5 week course very in-depth, Im seeing guys now talk about a 4 week schooling that's only geared towards passing the cdl test. Good for me because this test is going to be a warm piece of cake. More importantly though what do you think will happen when I fill out my application and provide my log/trip sheets with all my miles? I will have a new CDL, but Im experienced behind the wheel. In what regard will my experience not matter? Pay? New training? Thanx a lot for your feedback, Im trying to be prepared and gain some perspective.

It may help, it may not. I think it could help a little. When was the last time you drove will be the big factor.

Dave

The very fact that you are a veteran will help you...and the fact that you were in the heavy haul motor pool as a driver will probably help also. But ither than that, you will have to go thru the CDL school just like any other rookie. The great thing is, I think the VA is offering to pay for that. Check with a VA rep. Also, the equipment, tho being civilian, won't be so foreign, and having driven, you will have the basics anyway. So IMHO, were I a recruiter, I'd sure try to get you into my school....get out there and start applying.. And Thank You For You Service

Oh you have the driving experience no doubt. Many companies will jump at the chance to hire you so that should not be a worry.

Now here is the kicker....with all the driving you have done it does not matter to companies when it comes to pay.you may have 65 years worth of experience driving in a foreign country but you will be paid like any other rookie driver out here just starting out. Why? Cause it was not in the states going across state lines. Dumb rule I know but that is the way it is.

By no experience I only meant as far as pay is concerned. Just remember though you have driving experience it just does not count on paper.

Sadly even driving in the military IN the states and crossing state lines funny enough does not count. I know legally you have the experience but trucking companies do not run trucking companies. The insurance companies do. The relationships between insurance and trucking companies are a twisted thing at best.