Need help on how to get my cdl (commercial drivers license) (sales, health insurance)

[TXcamSS]

I been in sales for the past 11 years and want to look into a diff career. I'm currently an agent for a major Health Insurance co. working in a call ctr for 5 years now and I am really needing a new change.

Any suggestions what co. to look into that hires and trains?

Any advice I'd appreciate!

Thanks

[Hedgehog_Mom]

St. Phillips southwest campus offers a truck driving course: http://www.alamo.edu/main.aspx?id=8983 They have different kinds of grants and financial aid available, you can call them to see if you'd qualify for any: 1-866-787-4454[SIZE=4] [/SIZE]

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by TXcamSS

I been in sales for the past 11 years and want to look into a diff career. I'm currently an agent for a major Health Insurance co. working in a call ctr for 5 years now and I am really needing a new change.

Any suggestions what co. to look into that hires and trains?

Any advice I'd appreciate!

Thanks

Find a different line of work for a change, driving a truck is not for the weak of heart and not as 'exciting' as the companies want you to believe.
I am a semi truck owner and wife and have been for many years so I actually know what I am talking about.

[JosephV55]

Originally Posted by TXcamSS

I been in sales for the past 11 years and want to look into a diff career. I'm currently an agent for a major Health Insurance co. working in a call ctr for 5 years now and I am really needing a new change.

Any suggestions what co. to look into that hires and trains?

Any advice I'd appreciate!

Thanks

Well, driving truck will certainly be very different from a call centre
position. It may turn out to be more of a change than you really want.

Google "new driver turnover", do some reading and realize many before
you have wanted that big change and turned their hands to the wheels
of a big rig only to washout a short time later.

The industry chews up new drivers and spits them out faster than they
can hire replacements.

[majormadmax]

Head south the where all the oil fracking is going on, companies there will train you and get you your CDL and the money is good!

Good luck! M2

[TXcamSS]

I don't plan doing interstate driving at all.
I'm staying local.

I was hoping to get into a good co. like bud, fedex, etc.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Originally Posted by TXcamSS

I don't plan doing interstate driving at all.
I'm staying local.

I was hoping to get into a good co. like bud, fedex, etc.

That's why a truck driving school would make more sense than going with one of the otr companies that offers training but wants you to work there for several years or pay them back for the training.

One downside to having a cdl is that you can't take defensive driving for any tickets you get, even in your own car.

[JosephV55]

Originally Posted by TXcamSS

I don't plan doing interstate driving at all.
I'm staying local.

I was hoping to get into a good co. like bud, fedex, etc.

A good number of the OTR (over-the-road) drivers who want out of
that are looking for those local driving jobs as well.

You as a newbie driver with zero experience will be competing with
those experienced drivers.

FedEx driving positions will require at least 1 year experience.

[CLR210]

Drivers have a tough gig but it can be pretty lucrative if you're willing to put in the work and effort. Lots of companies will train you and help you get your CDL but there is a commitment to their company as a result so if you go that route, research the company and be sure to talk to their existing drivers if possible to understand their practices and how they treat their drivers. If you go the driver route, regardless as to how you get in i.e. on your own through a driving school or with a company, be sure that you protect your CDL record with your life. The industry is highly regulated and dings against your record will hurt you. Be sure to pull your DAC report at least once per year. You can get that through HireRight. Your DAC report will have things like driving history (commercial and personal), CDL Employment, drug and alcohol test history, etc. etc. etc. If you are responsible, your DAC will help you where ever you go but if you aren't, your DAC will still go where ever you go but won't help you much. The industry has not had much turnover in the past 3 years because folks are too afraid to leave what they have due to the economy but as more boomers retire, the industry is going to be hurting for drivers big time. Eagle Ford Shale contractors are begging for drivers so that would be a great place to start but if you are looking for a good company locally, I'd recommend Sysco, Sygma, HEB for starters. All have great reputations for being good to their drivers. I'm not a driver but I support the industry as a vendor so I have a little bit of experience with these employers specifically with their fleets. Good Luck to you!!!

[ajeff99]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

Head south the where all the oil fracking is going on, companies there will train you and get you your CDL and the money is good!

Good luck! M2

Is there any specific advice you can give me about getting into the oil industry? company names, positions to apply for, in your post you mentioned companies that would offer training and help with getting a cdl, which ones would that be?
I'm ready to get into this field of work and am having a difficult time "getting a foot in the door". Thanks any and all "SPECIFIC" advice is greatly appreciated.