Orientation For New CDL Graduates Or Students

I was told recently by a recruiter, that even though I was accepted to go to their orientation, I would still be subject to several background checks and other processes and I would not be officially hired until after that process was over AND after OTR training. I completely understand why a company would want to do that, but was wondering if it is standard for all companies. I wouldn't want to go to Joplin, MO or Des Moines, IA or wherever USA for a few weeks of orientation and then go OTR training for several more weeks only to find out that I wasn't going to be hired for some reason or another. Just seeing if anyone there has heard of this, and as I said: if this is pretty much standard operations for all OTR companies' orientation and hiring process? Thanks. -TT

I can only give you my experience from CRE training.More than half my original class got sent home for one reason or another. Some failed the physical,some for drug testing,some for improper paperwork,and one had his paperwork messed up at the dmv and had to wait a week for them to fix it. I'm guessing back round check costs money,and they want to see if you flunk out for some other reason. I too,question how they can wait so long to verify the info they've received.Makes sense not to waste time verifying infoi from someone who flunks the drug test.They will give you a bus ticket home...if they send you home.

Terry, that is pretty much how it works everywhere. You are not considered an employee until they hand you the set of keys to your truck. But, I will qualify that with the fact that usually if you get past the first three or four days of classroom or orientation stuff then you should be fine, it is very rare for people to go out with a trainer and then not be able to get started on their new job. It happens occasionally, but for the most part it will be because that person was a trouble maker, or just could not begin to even get the basics down of handling a big truck.