Question:
hey i thought i would ask a question. i got my CDL in 1994 and i drove for about 6 months OTR then my better half had a child and instead of her leaving her job i left mine and did the house husband thing. now i am trying to get back into driving after 10 years off and i was wondering if there were any companies that would hire me on like this or if i should go back and take a refresher course and start looking from there. i havent really looked around other then online and in the trade magazines. i have no tickets accidents dui or any criminal record just the huge layoff and lack of exp. any help or ideas would be great Thanks in advance

Answer:
for any decent, respectable company you are going to need, at the very least, a refresher course if not the complete driving school course again.
You only had about 6 months experience and that was a long time ago so as far as trucking companies (or more acurately the insurance companies) are concerned you are a wanna-a-be right now just as anyone who is thinking about driving the big rigs and never have.
After you get that "diploma" from driving school you shouldn't have any trouble getting hired as a newbie with a training company.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Answer:
I agree with, uturn, on this one.
You have been out of the drvr's seat for too long.(according to Insurance Companies....you are a "Wannabe/Newbie".)
Therefore, you are in need of a refresher course & will have to go out with a trainer for your OTR training.
I really do not see any way around doing the refresher course thing.....unless, you can find a small ma & pa carrier to take you on.(and even then, you'll still have to go out with someone for OTR training.)
The reason the Insurance companies want you to take a refresher course is b/c ......
You may have forgotton a few things since the last time you were behind the wheel.(That is also the reason why most carriers do Not want you to wait more than 30 days after getting your CDL to get behind the wheel.... they want you to get in the drvr's seat within 30 days of getting CDL. )
If you would have had a few YEARS under your belt BEFORE you quit; you more than likely would Not have to take a refresher course.

Answer:
I would certainly talk to your prospective employer before the expenditure for a refresher course as their requirements may be different.
Ask first...

Answer:
I pulled a flatbed for about 6 years in the late 70's early 80's and had a chauffeurs license. I wasn't even looked at without going to a driving school. But that was a long time ago.
You only have 6 months experience that was 10 years ago. Most likely you will need schooling before a carrier will take you. But, it would be best to make some calls first and find out first hand. Carriers have different requirements. You might, although doubtful, find one that will take you.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
Call Transport America.If you still have your CDL they will probably throw you in their orientation class and then with a trainer.Wont cost you either.But if you have any felonies forget it because they need you to go to Canada and they are pretty strict.

Answer:
Am I misreading it? He said he had six months experience ten years ago. He's got nothing.
Sorry, but I believe you're basically starting from scratch, although those six months ten years ago do give you an some insight into what you're getting into.
Spread's right -- go straight to the employers and find out what they require. Call any of them you see referenced on this site, for example. They all have #800 numbers and will connect you to a recruiter. You don't even have to give them your name. Just tell them what you've got and see what they say.
Let us know, ok? I think they'll say, go get a new PDTI truck school diploma.

Answer:
What, WOLFCREEK, do you not have a SMART A$$ remark to add to this newbie as well?

Answer:
scott19,
I'm going through the same thing now, I've called
everywhere and the only thing to do is SCHOOL!
some companies will take you with just a refresher
others want the whole course.
if you want a list of co's you can e-mail me,
angeltat2@msn.com
best wishes to ya.
Rich

-Rich-