How to Get Trucking Experience as New CDL School Graduates

I know, I know...How do I get experience when no one will give me for a trucking job where I can get the driving experience! It's frustrating, but your not alone. A lot of drivers are going through the same thing. So what does that mean....well that means you have to shine more than them to get the spots that's available!
Before trying to get truck driver experience, visit this page about good truck drivers so that you know exactly what type of driver the trucking industry (and every company) needs and then come back.

Now that you have learned what a company needs and wants, be sure to let it come across when your are interviewed or on applications that you fill out when it asks if you have further comments. Never leave that section blank on any application trucking or otherwise. Always take advantage of that to let the positive side of you shine and to thank them for considering you. That alone will put you ahead of some of your peers trying to get the job.

Also read a little background on a company before you go in to an interview so you can reference something about the company if you are asked why you want to go to work at that company. May good companies will ask this. Some to get a genuine idea of your interest, others to see how well you are at thinking or a being prepared.

These are little things in itself. Each thing you do right adds up in your favor. Don't take them for granted. Nail the little things especially if you need to make up for other things like a less that perfect driving or criminal record.

If you have a bad record your character and personality must carry a lot of weight to keep them interested in you because remember, they don't know you and only know what they see on paper and what you are able to tell them in your communication or on application.

Remember: You need to stand out from the others who are also seeking employment. Some ideas will follow.

How To Get Trucking Experience As a New Driver/CDL holder

Tips for New Drivers or CDL Training School Graduates

It's enough for a serious headache! Don't worry it will past.(the headache! LOL) First calm down and relax and stay positive, it's not a personal attack on you.

First - go to Vistaprint.com and order some free business cards with your name and contact information on it.

(Be for-warned vista WILL harass you with emails, so if you have an alternate email account use the alternate.)

If you have a few dollars maybe you may want to get some better cards from them without their advertising on the back.

Later you will use these cards to pass out to everyone you meet. (Whether they are affiliated with trucking or not. This includes everyone from trucking companies to other drivers and owner operators and even shipper or receivers in warehouses or managers who work at large manufacturers. (The reason I said do this first is because it takes time for the cards to come back.)

Second - Go to one of these trucking sites that will allow you to fill out one application and the trucking companies comb through and pic what drivers application they are interested in. This works for some applicants and not for some others because everything matters to make the best matches for you and the company. Your location, driving record, criminal record, endorsements, job history, military experience, volunteer work, (who knows what else a company prefer or for what reason, maybe in some area you will be exactly what a company is looking for but maybe not. The internet of course makes it easy to pick out a driver from all those applications that may suit their needs or desire so it's worth the time to use these databases as long as it's free. You DO NOT want to sit back and wait for one of the trucking companies from that one application to call you. Remember, there are a lot of drivers filling those out, that's just one step in the process.
Third - Go to the nearest truck stop to you and get some trucking magazines with the companies listed so you have a lot of trucking companies in one place on paper(If you find yourself waiting somewhere conducting business you can conveniently look through the magazine which is more difficult with the internet).

Your saying, "Why do I need to do this won't they call me from the application I just filled out if they want me?"

No, not all trucking companies use those services. Many of those listed these magazines will not use the service you just filled out that one application for. Some of those services cost the trucking company and some just prefer the old fashion way.
Plus, it's kind of cool for you to use the trucking magazine because you will see maps illustrating where the company is hiring and where the company runs (it's operating lanes, and hiring lanes too). This gives you a real good idea of who to call first. You ideally want a job at a trucking company near where you live or whose operating lane goes through where you live. This makes it likely that you will get home more frequently. But of course, if your are trying to get experience then you shouldn't be too picky yet. You have to be flexible and yes that means you will not get home as much.

For the rest of the steps, I hope your cards are back. If you plan on getting to this step rather quickly. You should check your Local Fed Ex Kinkos Center

Fourth - You want to pay attention to the manufacturers and/or distribution centers in your area with company trucks that haul their products over the road. Stop in and speak to their human resources to see if they are hiring. Take your business cards. If you meet people on your way in who works there, greet them with a smile, tell them you hope to be working with them someday and pass them a card.

(I know this is not usual, dont worry about that, we going to do this my way, what good is it to do what everyone else does?

Stand out. Create your own path. Be unique. And not just to get this job, I mean take on that characteristic in your personality that you don't worry so much as to whether you conform to what is perceived to others as being normal or standard as long as we are talking about action from a positive standpoint and not negative or in pursuit of drama)

Now, many of those companies will want experience but not all, it won't hurt and you never know who you will meet that could help you.

Let your good positive attitude and smiling face shine and impress everyone you talk to starting from the receptionist.If you came up from the streets where you were taught that smiling was a sign of being soft you need to realize that your not on the street and trying to be hard is only intimidating in an office or as an employee (even if your faking, just joking)you want to show that you are easy to get along with and not a threat to a peaceful and productive work environment.

Note: If they say something about needing a local truck driver or yard switcher but experience is required and you want a local trucking job, this may be an rare opportunity for you to get trucking experience and land a local job if you want and are willing to take a small hit. Think about this....

Tell them you will work for free for 2 weeks training at that job with the person they already have and after the two weeks they can decide if you are someone that they can use. You never know what their response will be until you ask.

At that point they either need to decide if they will pay to continue training or letting you get good at it or they can let you move on. This is just a thought but a powerful one. Thinking outside of the box is what creates opportunity for people not sticking to doing what everyone else does or doing things the way they have always been done just because.

Fifth - Last but not least (unless you think of some other things)depending on your financial situation and free time. Sign up for self improvement classes that may be free or cheap as continuing ed coursed at community colleges or Small Business Centers. Also ask people as the education center if there are classes given for people in the transportation industry or for personnel management, time management, etc.

These are classes that will not only better you as a person which will only add to the value you could bring to a company willing to give you a chance, but you never know who you will meet in these classes. Remember your business cards?

Mingle and hold natural conversations with these people, find out who they are and what they do. Tell them about your ambitions to start your career in trucking. Let them know about the wall you have hit and how anxious you are to get started but how aware you are of the need to have patience and be persistent. How you know you will make someone a great driver because you know what is important to the job and the needs of the company.

Now in the process of these conversations if you indeed are the person that I hope you are or will become, if there is someone there that can help you get a job or introduce you to someone who can, trust me they will. Most people like to help people, once you show that you are good people and trying to better your life plus you seem like you would make an employer a great employee your card will be passed on automatically.

Now I think you have some tools at your disposal to try and get yourself some good trucking experience as a new CDL holder. Be patient, keep your head up and stay at it.

If you haven't read this page about being a good truck driver by now you should she that you should so go read it.

You may also submit your name and contact information below so that visitors who may need drivers can contact you from this site if you want.

We can't be held responsible for what happens with your email you list. I recommend that you create new email account that you only use for posting to avoid your main email being spammed, etc

New Drivers With Little or No Experience Needing a Trucking Job

If you are a new driver needing a trucking job feel free to list your contact info below.

Hiring Companies or Owner Operators remember two things.

1. You were once inexperienced and the fact that your are now in the position to hire means that you have excelled.

2. These drivers that are here on this site have read a lot of positive and insightful information which gives them the advantage of wanting to began their trucking career the right way.

The potential that these guys will make you good drivers is high.

Give them a chance.

David Sloat
I just obtained my CDL A on July 15th and am currently looking for an opportunity to gain some experience. My current and former employers will all attest ...

machael g smith/ wadesboro,nc
mike here,i have 1 year driving exp hauling logs and equipment.looking for good company to start work asap.clean mvr.

I have a lot to bring to a company ...

Durward Davis 14 months exp over the road
I have 14 mons OTR However I was terminated for what they deemed misconduct. I got my tractor stuck,and a Tow truck was needed.

I have no speeding tickets,...

anthony glisson 2yrs exp otr
hello: My name is Anthony Glisson.

I HAVE A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS EXP DRIVING FOR THREE D CARRIER OVER THE ROAD.FOUR MONTHS AT WESTERN EXPRESS.I ...

Thomas John HULLIGAN NY Class A 7 mnths exp. otr. current casino bus driver want otr job
As a Legal Green-card Holder I chose to go through every single Driving Test up to and including a CDL-A...the only Endorsement I have allowed to lapse ...

Shao Chang merced Ca. Western Trucking School
Hi, my name is Shao Chang. I am 23 years old, currently attending western truck school right now.

I will be graduating soon. I need you to help me ...

Phuong Ho Tran
To Whom It might concern:
I'm Phuong Ho Tran a CDL graduated. I understanding that, ex-felon like me seem hard to find work at
trucking industry when ...

Ralph Gilbert Class A 20yrs experience driving just not otr
Farm trucking for 20 Years but no OTR time. Class A with X,T indrosments, Dot Card, TWIC And HTAP Card. Drove Flat bed,Tanker, and grain Huler....

Class A CDL, Hazmat and Tanker Endorsement. Hamilton, Ohio.Email and Number
Hello! my name is Jeremy Cornett and i have a class A CDL but can not obtain employment with a company.

I also have hazmat and tanker on my CDL. I ...

alex from New york
I recently acquired my cdl DEC/09 looking for a lot of experience I will work for free as a team driver OTR for as long it is neccesary not time limit ...

Joyce Foreback
I am a fairly new driver with very little experience. I have worked for a couple of companies but only for a short time. I want to go solo, but don't have ...

edward jano grier jr
I'm currently seeking an otr position i recently acquired my cdl July 2009 have one felony conviction for if fraud would like an opportunity to become ...

Dwayne Culbreth
Hi my name is Dwayne Culbreth, and I'm a former driver.I've been out of the Trucking Industry for over a year. My last trucking job i worked for only six ...

3yrs exp Class A CDL Ellery emitchell7606@live.com
I HAVE 3 YRS OTR EXPERIENCE.I GOT OUT OF PRISON IN SEPT-4-2009.I DID 8 YRS FOR AGG. ASSAULT.I'M LOOKING FOR A SECOND CHANCE.WILLING TO RUN OTR.

Ellery ...

Kyle Norris Not rated yet
I am currently working for an otr trucking company. the have not treated me good at all! i am looking for a company or someone that will treat me with ...

Dondrick L. Banks Not rated yet
My name is Dondrick Banks I live in Los Angeles. I am a resent graduate,as of 05/12/10. Looking for a regional run or OTR. Hard working, reliable willing ...

william d graham Not rated yet
need help with otr exp cdl grad willing to pay dues
hard worker wants a good long term company to drive for and excel within your company.I am a people ...

Steven Myers Not rated yet
I have a Class A CDL w/ Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles and Triples. Clean MVR, No accidents, 1 Felnoy 16 years ago, Live in Ocala Florida, and will do anything ...

bernandas mcneal Not rated yet
i have a class a cdl new gradguate looking for good pay and routes to georgia and virgina im a quick learner safe driver never been in a vehicle accident ...

Wayne Mathews Jr. Not rated yet
I just received my CDL and am looking for an otr position. My past employer can attest to the fact that I work hard and can drive.

Email: wmathews1971@...

Alain LaBranche Not rated yet
Hello, am 45 years old,I move from Canada to the USA when i was 20 years old,I'm coming from a family that owns a sawmill and we did logging and excavation ...

Edward Hampton Jr. Ex Military. 3yr OTR Exp Chicago IL Not rated yet
Seeking a over the road trucking position, dry van, reefer, flatbed really does not matter. I am a new CDL Holder although I have driven over the road ...

Steve Myers. Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles, Triples. Not rated yet
Class A CDL with Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles and Triples. I used to team with my Dad until he passed away, with no CDL. Now that I have one, I can't get on ...

michael farnworth Idaho driver Not rated yet
I am a 33 year old man from Idaho. i have my Idaho cdl, i have experience driving a flatbed, crane truck, and have hauled cows before, Have driven most ...

Barry Cantrell 2.5yrs exp Over The Road. currently in FL Not rated yet
I am seeking an Owner Operator that is looking for an experienced long haul truck driver.

I have been driving for 2.5 years OTR and have a current ...

MARCO Ca. Ready for the Road. Class A, all endorsements Not rated yet
IM A CLASS A DRIVER LOOKING FOR WORK.IM FROM OAKLAND,CA.& IM READY TO GET ON THE ROAD.IM A NEW DRIVER. I HAVE ALL MY ENDORSEMENTS,PLUS TWIC CARD.IM WILLING ...

T H trucking Not rated yet
need work for my truck

VICTOR B LEWIS Class A CDL in Forida Not rated yet
FIRST OF ALL,I'M SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A CHANGE TO Make a DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE.I ONCE TRAINED, WENT TO TRUCKING SCHOOL AND GOT MY CDL (CLASS A),BUT ...

Hasan Cherry Plainfield Jersey Not rated yet
Im just looking for a rewarding career and have the ability to take care of my family.

What I can bring to a company is a hard and tireless worker. Im ...

David Walker Raleigh NC Not rated yet
I am looking for an OTR position with a good, solid, company. I have been working with a team-oriented company for the past 3 months, but am looking to ...

James Blue Jr. Tn class A Not rated yet
I have held a Class A CDL licence since 2006 with my past employer of 15 years. I did some driving within the state of TN, where I currently reside. However ...

Michael L Robinson Class B experience in Colorado. Graduated trucking school for Class A, Looking to drive. Not rated yet
My name is Mike Robinson I graduated USTDS in Midway CO on 1/25/2010 with A 94 average and am having a hell of a time finding a job I have some experience ...

kevin webb knoxville tn Not rated yet
hi, my name is kevin i live in knoxville tennessee. i got my cdls at CR england and my first day out he slept 10 hours while i drove and had no clue ...

Lenox and Nicole husband and wife from Ga. seeking team opportunity Not rated yet
My wife and I are wanting to run teams. We are very flexible just looking for an opportunity. Already have our CDL Through Central Truck Driving Academy....

Richard Adam Tindal Not rated yet
Hi my name is Richard Tindal, I recently graduated from Ogeechee Technical College Truck Driving School. I have 300+ hours of training. I am 31 yrs old,...

Kenneth Gregory Not rated yet
The ability and the discipline of a Marine to never give up but adapt. Have been out of work since my newbie mistake in November 2009 struck a low bridge....

James Roy Alexander. References, Clean MVR. 6 Exp with 26ft box doing local Deliveries. Now Has Class A and Want OTR Not rated yet
Recently obtained my c.d.l.. Looking for on the job training.I have six years of experience local delivery. "26 ft. box truck. Have done a few jobs O.T....

Robert Cox ohio. Roadmaster grad class a end. haz, tank Not rated yet
Contact me at (513)284-4946
or
nrcox1025@hotmail.com

Driving School : Road Master, Columbus, Ohio 3/5/10

License/End : Class A CDL /Hazmat/Tanker
...

Class A Ca. E. MOINA JR / MOLINA JR TRUCKING 6 month exp. Not rated yet
LOOKING 4 A OPPORTUNITY IN THE TRUCKING FIELD.

CURRENTLY HAVE 6 MONTHS EXPERIENCE:
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA UP 2 SALT LAKE CITY, OGDON & LOGAN, UATAH....

Corey Mcgregor class a cdl 3yrs dump exp want semi Not rated yet
Hi. My name is Corey Mcgregor. I currently hold a valid Class A Cdl license in the state of Indiana. I've obtained a cdl license since 9/2001 through a ...

norman lutz Exp. driver from 5yr break. Ready to Roll Not rated yet
UNHAPPY DECISIONS looking to get back out there,someone must need a safety minded driver, never had one accident, i believe in the smith system, it opened ...

dontey lott sr class a lakeland fl Not rated yet
well i have a class a cdl/with no exp.

Army Veteran wants to drive Not rated yet
Getting ready to retire from the US Army after 22 total years of service. I have 4 plus years of driving experience in all weather conditions in many ...

Seungjoo Ham Trucking School Grad. Not rated yet
Hi,
My name is Ronnie Ham, and I recently graduated truck driving school and already have class A CDL with double/triple, tank vehicle.

I have ...

Rustynail Columbia SC Class A Experienced Clean Driving Record Not rated yet
I HAVE AN EXCELLENT DRIVER REC>1YR.VERIFIABLE NO ACCIDENTS I GOT 3YRS.

SUSPENDED TO 5MONTHS TIME SERVED NO PAROLE/PROBATION. WELL EVERY SINCE THEN ...

Dennis Durham NC Class A Recent Trucking School Grad Not rated yet
I just Graduated from SAGE Truck School in Roxboro NC. I am looking for an OTR position with a reputable company.

I can be reached at; dwgikaru@yahoo....

Carl David Garner Not rated yet
Truck Driver Class A License Tanker & Hazmat
Diesel Driving Academy 04/27/09—09/10/09
501-9456-0964 ...

8 months class a michael goodman Not rated yet
my nane is mike i have a class-A CDL i have not driven a truck sence 05/08. Im having troulble getting a job. I have about 8 months experience. And never ...

Mike Kay Ohio Class A Driver Not rated yet
I have Class A with all endorsements but no experience. I am looking to just start a driving career anywhere.
encubus28@hotmail.com

Chicago Class A CDL - 1 year Class B CDL School Bus Exp - Martin Pumphrey 773 216-6065 mrmpumphrey@yahoo.com Not rated yet
I Martin Pumphrey am currently a school bus driver in Chicago IL. I been driving school buses for a year. I just got my Class A CDL in Dec 2009 and I am ...

Louisville Kentucky USA Rick OTR Not rated yet
Have my CDL class A. Now I need finish up training. Will work free for 2 weeks as team driver OTR. Dependable and mature. Louisville Kentucky email RICK445566@...

Ellery Mitchell(832-451-9390)(emitchell7606@live.com) Not rated yet
I LIVE IN HOUSTON,TX.I HAVE 3 YRS OTR EXPERIENCE IN VAN,FLATBED,CONTAINERS,AND TANKS.WILLING TO RUN OTR.~THANKYOU~

Long Island, New York Class A Driver. I Am Peter Not rated yet
I hold a Class A license with endorsements for Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles-Triples but do lack experience. I am seeking a position that offers a trainer/finisher ...

Center, Tx Class A Driver. I am Timothy Not rated yet
I am a single man,Never been married,and therefore can offer you a flexible working schedule.

I feel like I can make you a very good hand/driver. I ...

How To Get Trucking Experience As a New Driver/CDL holder

Tips for New Drivers or CDL Training School Graduates

New Drivers With Little or No Experience Needing a Trucking Job

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