Hi;

I am expressing my thoughts and views, so whatever I say is not directed at anyone, so please do not take it personally.

At the beginning of the year, I began a quest about changing careers. I have been in the same field now for 14 yrs, and @ 47, I am not making the kind of money that I should be making. I am as far as I can go, w/o further education.I haven't seen araise in the last 3 yrs. And, I probably will not, for a while.

So, I began to look into the Trucking industry. mainly about women drivers, and I found lot of information. I checked out the Trucking schools, but I didn't have the money to pay up front, or a co-signer; which I would not ask anybody any. So, that option was out.

then, I found out about Companies that have pre-hire programs. So, I checked that out. Looked over each one and compared everything they offered. Well, I picked a Company that was everything that I was looking for, as for as, close to my home, and the regional areas. I went through the process of appling. I was suppose to start my training in May. I began to prepare ofr eveything. When to turn my notice in, making sure things at home is set up for the change. ( It is a good thing that I did not turn my notice in!) I was told that they couldn't take me. I found out why. I totally forget the misdemeanor that I got 6 yrs ago.
Unfortunately, they did not care when I explained what happened. I was really shocked! More at myself, than anything. Because I forgot all about it!

If they turned me down, then who is going to give me a chance? I have this thing blocking my path! The more I searched, the more frustrating, I became. I probably could get it enpunged, but to me, that is saying that I have something hide and I am gulity.

I am not going to defend myself for something that happened 6 yrs ago. I never was arrested. I never served jail time, nothing. I paid a small fine. that was it. I got on with my life! I continued to work, I never got fired. I am a clean person! I do not go around to see if I can get into trouble with the law!

I am not going to beg and plea, to prove other wise. I work around people all day long. People play games. I went through that in high school! I work, go home! My misdemeanor is a lesser crime than the DUI, which I never have gotten one. Beleive me, I understand these companies have their polices.

I believe that people like me need to be listened to, to ee for themselves, of who I am.

I am a person who believes in faith, miracles, when one door closes, another on opens. I watch Joel Osteen whose messages encourages me. I will find a way to get my cdl license, somehow. I will keep looking. I see trucks pass me by everyday and see myself driving one.

Any way, I like this site, I want to stay , I feel everyone understands.

This is a lesson I will never forget, hopfully someone else will not make the same mistake.

Wanda

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JUST TRYING TO GET ROLLING!

hey why dont you come drive with me once you have your cdl and a few months exp you can go on your own if you dont like teaming the bigist problem for you is getting a hazmat alot of companies require this anyway good luck and whatever you decide keep seeking you will catch your dream.
PS Joel Esteem i watch him to and he gives great advise!!!!!

Hi Wanda,
I agree, no need to tell anyone else. Why? Because right now the econony is tough...and no one is hiring.....BUT....in a while(however long the economy takes) the transportation industry will be rockin and rollin....and if you have a pulse.....and are not crossed eyed. YOU WILL BE HIRED.

More advice (take what you need and leave the rest)

In a tight economy....some commodities sit...and wait for better prices....and some can't wait....
Fuel....everyone needs fuel....all kinds of fuel: Gas, Diesel, Propane, Aviation Fuel
Food....everyone HAS to eat....Coca Cola, Fruit seasons, Lettuce, (anything you find in a grociery store...a truck brought it)

Water products...everyone has to have water.

So narrow your search for companies that haul the above commodities.


Seasonal...Planting is starting.....Hopper bottom(grain trailers) will be hauling fertilizer.

Look at the newspapers and see which trucking companies have just gotten a contract.
For example: in Canada...Kindersley Transport is hiring 20 drivers, that tells me that they just got a contract of some sort.....

So, no need to confess your sins (and we have all made mistakes) ....it is the time we live in and NOT YOU.

Keep Looking.

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People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Thank you, Desiree, ncguy6767, drivingmylifeaway;


And to anyone else. It is good to know the support and encouragement that is given.

My brother who also is a truck driver, is helping me as well. He is getting me book with all the companies listings. he is also going to help quiz me for the cdl permit. I do not know how long the permit is good for, but it is the least thing that I can do, for now. Now if I just had a trcuk to practice with, then that would be even better.

I live in Jacksonville FL. I will keep searching. I am not a quitter. I have determination.

Thanks!

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JUST TRYING TO GET ROLLING!

Hi Wanda,
What commodities are shipped out of Florida? Fish, Nets for fishing(fishing supplies)....is there not a huge retirement community in Florida.....so there will be companies that sell....wheel chairs, disability products.....drugstore chains that need to stock up on 'elderly' supplies. And in Florida...are there a lot of pools at peoples houses(mansions ) so there will be companies that have trucks to haul in pool supplies..


Just some ideas to give to you to start you thinking??????.....!!!!!!!!

What about hauling cars....there are a lot of weathly people in Florida...and they will want to keep there lifestyle as efficient as possible.....


and which company hauls the mail.....I forgot that on my other list.....the mail has got to move.

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People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Have you a car you can use?

Grab a coffee..and a friend for company....go and sit at an idustrial fuel stop (don't wave at anyone b/c the guys will thinks you are a lot lizard..)....OR...go and sit by an interstate hiway....and watch.

Make sure you have a pen and paper....or your friend has one....and write down the hundreds of company names on the trailers and trucks....and of course be careful....someone might call the police.....b/c this will look suspcious....so don't stay long in one spot.

This is just one way/quick and easy / to find out trucking company names.

not all will be hiring.

There is an 80/20 rule. If you call one hundred people (about something)...80 will say no/get lost....and 20 will say yes.

This is called 'cold calling' it is hard work....and disheartening....but worth the time ......

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People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

There is a hiring freeze on many companies, they have hundreds of experienced drivers right now that have been laid off from LTL companies and drivers whose companies have gone out of business.

Myself, if you have a safe job right now, I would stay there until the economy picks up. And when you try again, make sure you tell them up front about any criminal record! Any little thing you forget to tell them, makes them suspicious. They probably would have looked at you a little longer if this had been 3 years ago when you were applying, but right now they have the pick of the litter and can afford to be choosy. Keep watching the economy, when new construction begins to pick up, start looking into applying again.

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Success is getting what you want, but Happiness comes with appreciating what you get!