USA CDL JOBS TRUCK DRIVER FORUM

Which come first? The job or the experience?

It seems the minimum experience companies are looking for is six months OTR and few are hiring inexperienced drivers. At this point I'm looking for something local or regional - no more than a few days to a week out before returning home... Also, while I live on Long Island, I can travel to lower New York State or New Jersey in order to be flexible on departure point...

While I'm sure everyone thinks they are unique, I have pulled over 630 10,000 lb -16,000 lb 25' - 35' ball hitch trailers locally on Long Island in the last two years. This has to translate into valid experience somehow... After all, each load represents a hookup, unhook and maneuvering at each end. Why does the distance in between matter? I have received deliveries on my job from OTR drivers that don't hold a candle to me as far as maneuvering goes... No offense but there ARE drivers (OTR and local) that can only go forward...

Any ideas on the magic words to get a company to take a chance? Are there companies that will 'test' drivers they aren't sure about? When I took individual lessons to get my Class A, all of my instructors said it was clear I knew how to drive even though I was stepping up from the ball hitch to 45' trailers...

Thanks...

Major companies ONLY recognize OTR experience as a driver pulling a 53 ft trailer in an 18 wheeler 5 states or more PERIOD, Nothing else matters, a drivers actual experience DOES NOT start until you SOLO out in your own truck. Your time with a trainer DOES NOT count and nothing else you pull counts except what is stated. Also there is a HUGE difference in a 80,000 pd 53 ft trailer than a 16,000 pd ball hitch or anything for that matter. I wouldn't even mention that experience to a major company as driving experience I would list that as work history. There is a difference in pulling a 48 ft box trailer than a 53 ft box trailer.Most companies don't even recognize log / rock trucks because the trailers are so short, and its not OTR ...That's just the way companies look at it, and they all view experience that way. If you are looking to get a Regional/Local position I am not telling you it cant be done but keep in mind there are probably 1,000 other experienced OTR drivers looking for a position like that as well, and companies are going to hire them before you. That's why most ads say somewhere ( MUST HAVE AT LEAST 1 YEAR VERIFIABLE OTR EXPERIENCE) What that means is one year, by yourself, driving a big truck with a sleeper, pulling a 53 ft trailer, that anyone can verify by way of DAC or the USDOT. That is the ONLY experience that most companies accept. Please don't take this as a rude reply its not meant to be, Its just your question gets asked ALL the time, so hopefully everyone that reads will understand what that statement means! Be safe and hope this helps !