Question:
Hello,
I have read a lot of posts in these forums and they have been helpful in identifying my "ideal" job. I really want a regional job (I just relocated to Pittsburgh) where home time is a priority. My problem is that most of the local carriers all require 6mo-1 year experience. I don't really care what type of truck I drive (flatbed, tanker, etc.).
One thing I noticed is that a lot of people agree that it is best to work for a smaller carrier. So, how do I find them in my area? I looked at fleetdirectory.com and some others, but they list the major and minor carriers together and it is hard to tell from some of their websites which area they cover.
Just so you know, I took the written test on my own and hired someone with a start-up cdl training company to pass me on the road test. Great guy, but I am sure his company is not on a lot of the list of "approved schools" list many of the big companies have for recent grads.
Any input is welcome.
Thanks

Answer:
Have you tried looking in the classfieds of the local paper? How 'bout your local "one stop"?
"hired someone with a start-up cdl training company to pass me on the road test" Did you actually do a road test, or as was said in the Navy, was it "gun-decked"? No wonder a reputable company won't touch you. BOL

Answer:
Wow, I didn't expect such a nasty response my first time here. He is a certified trainer for Central Refrigerated and has started his own company. He trained me and then administered the road test, which I ACTUALLY passed. Great guy that I would recommend to anyone.

Answer:
First, where do you live? Second, you need to search this forum for different "topics" regard jobs. Third, since you are "noobie" driver it will be hard for you to get a driver job because of the lack of experience. Many of the old timers on this board will agree. Check you local job centers in your area. Good luck. Late.Ivey EnviroTech Services
Start Up date: 3/1/06

Answer:
i graduated last summer myself and wasnt able to find a local job. i put maybee a dozen apps out but no one would hire without any experience, i could have gotten on otr no problem but the pay was kinda low for what it was and i would have been away from home for 2 weeks at a time.i finally landed a delivery route with a beer distributer thorough my brother who works for a grocery store and knew the supervisors. its brutal work but the benefits are good and they are a teamster company. i would like to find a less labor intensive driving job later, at least im getting the experience.

Answer:
Check your local classifieds is your best bet. You will get an idea of who is hiring in your area. There should be some regional carriers up in your neck of the woods that might be able to get you home. I am not sure what freight looks like up in PA, but it sound like there is plenty up in the NE or should I say lots of folks that don't like running the NE. So start looking around and find your "niche".

Answer:
Thanks for the replies they are very helpful.
Does anyone have any information about CRST Van Expedited? They run teams only and if you don't have a partner they pair you with someone. That is both attractive as a new trucker, but also a little stressful to think about working so close with someone I never met before.
Also an FYI for others like me, JB Hunt just started taking recent graduates. Those are the two companies I am looking at now for otr if I can't find something local.

Answer:
You might want to try your local unemployment office? Sunday newspaper ??
Also try and look for maybe some dirt / dump truck work.. Class B to start and if you do alright they can move you up to trailer dumps or the like? (Same goes for cement trucks).
Or.. landscaping companies, lumber yards, Grocery warehouses.. (They might need a yard jockey or local delivery driver..)
Answer:
You can also try for a Teaming position at the large LTL carriers
including the Union carriers.
http://www.myyellow.com/dynamic/services/conten...istings/index.jsp
Answer:
Put a resume on classadrivers.com. Also are you in Pittsburgh or near it? I know Galliker dairy in Johnstown is always looking for drivers for delivery routes. That's where I'll be in a year, and home every night too.