Question:
I am probably the ultimate newbie.
I got my CDL about 10 mos ago hazmat/tanker et al.
no school or real training, just read the state manual, hopped in a truck for a couple weeks and took my tests.
passed most all on first try. Please understand, I have only what I read or ask people to go on.
I am open to advice of any sort. titps,tricks etc.
I consider myself to be a professional driver, or working to be.
I noticed,to get a good job, those companies insurance companies require 1 or 2 ( mostly 2) years experience of verifiable drive time.
the catch, how do you get drive time if no one will hire without it?
over the road is not a good option for me because i have a family, small kids, wife, dog, etc and I don't want to leave them alone. but I need to find options.
anyway, feel free to tell me how to improve, or even how to take a hike, just tell me.
buh bye.
Neza
"I am the one who can crush you into a fine powder."

Answer:
You got a BIG Problem.
Probably 99% of companies that hire new drivers are OTR companies.
99% or more of those companies require a person to have attended an approved driving school.
Your only hope here for a local type driving job is probably going to be straight trucks. Try getting on with a company that delivers produce or furniture, etc using a straight truck. This of course will not give you any tractor trailer experience.
Your only other possibility is find a farmer who owns a tractor trailer or a farm service that uses them and see if they might be willing to hire and train you, but I wouldn't hold my breath on this one.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
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Truck safe.
I like all dogs I meet, and some people too!!

Answer:
look for companies that have trucks and hire non driving workers,start off in a non driving job and wave your CDL in their face offen,hey I'm a good worker,you know that and I want the next driving job that opens up.
My first delivery boy job was at 19 and when the insurance company found out they hired a 19 year old,they told them to get rid of me.The company paid a premium to keep me,so the problem is only the price of the insurance,not that they can't hire you,they will just have to pay a larger premium.
They enlisted the Teamsters’ help after the company decided that it would no longer pay them hourly wages but compensate them based on mileage, which would have cut their income in half
http://www.teamster.org/03news/hn_030110_1.htm
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Answer:
Well,
Thank you all for the input.
I worked those 10 mos for a conrete construction supplies store.
I have been unemployed for a month now.
I have just been hired by a concrete block company to drive their semi to deliver block, driving a straight boom truck when no loads for the semi.
good news.
I hope to stay here as long as I can to build up drive time.
Yes, I am in Omaha, NE and you would think there would be many shag jobs etc. However, there seems to be a glut of CDL drivers in the area. I have heard from some hiring managers that the local schools are just shooting out drivers and not always with somewhere to go. This not only takes up jobs, but lowers the pay scale for the market, as they have and abundance of drivers to choose from.
ANyway, I am open to advice and maybe even I might be able to help with something sometime.
Hope to hear from ya.
Neza
"I am the one who can crush you into a fine powder."

Answer:
Another good idea is try driving a school bus...
It's local, lets you drive a large vehicle (usually larger than a straight truck), and they will train you in how to do it right.
Only thing is, you have to know how to treat kids... and just like an adult, if you scream at them, they won't do what you want... :-)
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Fun - (n) - Driving a 14.5 ton Blue Bird full of 11 Year-old know-it-alls while navigating sub-urb traffic consisting of teen-age showoffs, mini-van soccer moms, Rex the dog and the occasional big rig.

Answer:
Originally posted by Name-Brand:
Only thing is, you have to know how to treat kids... and just like an adult, if you scream at them, they won't do what you want... :-)
I know an a-hole dispatcher who could use this training!
If his mouth is moving, he's screaming at his driver. And then he wonders why no one does what he yells at them to do.
WHY IS MY BEER DARKER THAN YOUR COFFEE??
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@#*!%$^@!

Answer:
Another possibility is chip hauling, if they have it in Ne.
As to the glut of CDL's, like your self alot folks want to drive local. Lots of OTR available.
Rowdy
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Pumpkin Drivers Rule!!

Answer:
There are local jobs around. You just have to keep your ears open. Check the newspapers, internet ads a couple of times a week, talk to other drivers, and be patient. It might take awhile to find a decent local job, but if you keep doing your homework, you'll find one.
The experience factor isn't always that big a deal if you show them that you've got some common sense and will work.

Answer:
nezahualcoyotl
I started out as a local driver knocked on some doors until some would give me a chance.
10 months might be a bit of a gap?
You might also consider dock worker and work your way into a driver.
Also when filling out an appt. try puting down under job title that you applying for...
driver/dock worker
TR