Question:
need advice on trying to get back to driving i have 7 yrs otr exp but have not driven in 3 yrs.i do have a clean and current cdl with haz mat, i do live in florida, what am i going to need to do to get hire back into trucking,and does anyone know of any companies that may want to take a look at me?thanks for all the help

Answer:
Hi Stretch! Welcome!
I am not sure of the policies of each company, but if you have seven consecutive years of OTR, you should be pretty good to go with just about anyone as long as your DAC is clean, as well as your work record, and you can pass a road and backing test.
Some companies may ask for you to take a refresher course with a trainer or something, but I am really not sure.
You could try to use some of the TruckNet online apps....Perhaps that would give you an idea of which companies are activly looking and what their req's are....I would if I were looking. What the heck. There is a shortage of good drivers. Go for it.
Personally, I would look into Crete. That is where I would have gone if I were still driving.
Answer:
I took 17 months off. I've been driving off and on since 1984.
I was told I just made it under the wire at 17 months to get hired where I'm working now. I worked for this company twice before, putting in 5 years with them in the past. Reason, The insurance companies are setting more and more rules.
If I had waited any longer, I would have been out of luck. I just did the 2 day orientation and I was off from FL to CA. on my first trip.
With 7 years exp. you wouldn't have any problem getting back into the swing of things. But your going to run into problems with the insurance companies.
More than likely your going to have to go through a refresher course and start over as a trainee with a trainer. Your training period should be very short.
Your not only looking at an employer who will take you, your also looking at their insurance company too!

Answer:
More than likely you are going to have to go back through driving school or some sort of refresher course (if you still have your CDL) and afterwards you will most likely go out with a trainer for at least a few weeks just to make sure you get the rust shaken off well enough and are familiar with all the new rules and regs that have went into effect since you were last in a truck.
The best thing for you to do is call some companies that hire from your area and see what they say. Who knows. You could luck out and may be able to skip part of the above.
Answer:
I don't know where you are in FL but I know my company, Old Dominion , has just opened a new terminal in Sarasota. I'm sure they're hiring there and possibly at our other FL terminals. It sounds like you might have to go out with a trainer no matter what.

Answer:
Lots of companies will take ya.. Most want 1 yr verifiable in the past 3 but there are some that will go 5 years, I know cause I took a break as well...


Answer:
do you know some companies that will take me thanks for all the replies

Answer:
What part of the Funshine state do you live in?
Below I4 is tough, the TPA, ST Pete, Lakeland area is better.
South Florida is no mans land!

Answer:
Dak1 and I both drive food-grade tankers outta FL, and life is great. If you went this route here's your company options:
Jim Aartman... http://www.jimaartman.com/
Indian River Transport... http://www.indianrivertransport.com/
Bynum Transport... http://www.bynumtransport.com/
Oakley Transport... http://www.oakleytransport.com/
Good luck getting back here, and be safe."Pain is weakness leaving the body."
"Nobody ever drowned in their own sweat."
U.S.M.C. '89-'95 0351, '95-'99 6531 (I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/cyanide971/Carlo8919.jpg

Answer:
hello all,thanks for the company info,i do live north of i 4 just south of jville,i will look into these companies,thanks again