Job search struggles
Posted by clarabraun@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 35 comments
Newly licensed, in the greater Lansing, MI area and no luck so far. I've interviewed with a food service company that didn't even send a rejection; farm company, rejected; beverage company "will let me know next week", which doesn't make me feel optimistic. I am getting to the point that I'm ready to take any job that doesn't take me away from my family. Turned down by a job that math'd out to 21/hr because I don't have 2 years of driving experience.
What the hell do I even do at this point? Do I have to do the boomer thing and drive around to different companies and start sweeping until they notice my work ethic? I've hit up everything local on Indeed, Glassdoor, and Craigslist. I check twice a day for new postings. If I don't hear from the shady company I interviewed with yesterday I might legitimately need to hit up Swift just to keep from going broke, and being gone for 5 days a week is not going to be sustainable.
Pam_P00vey@reddit
I started at a mom and pop company that only owned two semis. I started at $19 an hr 5yrs ago. I got the experience flatbed experience, I got to be home daily, I got OT after 40, and I never worked weekends.
Try for smaller companies.
Hungry-Wedding9406@reddit
How do you find them?
Pam_P00vey@reddit
You drive around and look for a small business that also happens to a tinny tiny fleet.
You can look on Indeed -that's where I found my first dump truck job and starting out, you're more than likely going to start the same pay regardless if you are hauling 80k with a 53' trailer or hauling in a dump truck. 4yrs in, I am making way more than the tractor and trailer -which a lot of visa holders have taken over (brining wages down) but they're not in the dump truck industry. There is always rubbish collection, cement trucks, vacuum trucks if you like being physical at work and don't mind creeping in mud and I think they do tunnels from time to time.
jabber1990@reddit
Swift is hiring
Fluxus4@reddit
Schneider is hiring.
jabber1990@reddit
oh I wish I could go back to SNBC
I got hurt when I worked for SNBC, got fired, they offered me a job at SNI and I said no
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit
And they're actually a good company to drive for too.
RuneScape420Homie@reddit
Try JB Hunt
king_rootin_tootin@reddit
Have you tried school bus drivers? They are hurting for people across the country for that and they will usually help you get a passenger endorsement.
Snappypants9@reddit
I just know Grand Rapids companies but you could try Holland Special Delievery or ALTL - both of these do some OTR. You might also try FedEx or other companies around the airport.
Outrageous-Computer3@reddit
I highly recommend starting with a concrete mixer company or a dump truck company to start.
clarabraun@reddit (OP)
I've been trying. No interviews yet from 10+ I've applied to.
Outrageous-Computer3@reddit
Central transport is usually pretty open to new CDL, then look into county / state roadway agencies, construction or crane companies are also usually pretty open, and crane companies once certified to operate the crane also generally pay amazing.
Naw_im_sayin@reddit
He’s got no Hazmat, so an LTL like Central Transport won’t be able to use his skills.
Pam_P00vey@reddit
I am in Toledo Ohio.I am a dump truck driver, not all companies are interested in someone who doesn't know dump truck work. I had to start at a shitshow asphalt company with POS dump trucks. I bailed after a yr.
Outrageous-Computer3@reddit
I'm aware but their are generally smaller companies that will take anyone with a heartbeat. I've done some consulting work for a few that had drivers with no CDL at all. I dropped them INSTANTLY.
Pam_P00vey@reddit
Just saying, the dump truck industry, majority want experience and they're all smaller companies. It wasn't easy to get hired, which is how I started with a shit show if a company. The only dump truck company in the Toledo area that will take inexperienced, their trucks may be newer but they take advantage of their drivers
Professional_Trade45@reddit
Not having the hazmat endorsement will limit your job opportunities. And whatever is keeping you from the endorsement is likely having an effect on why you're getting rejected.
clarabraun@reddit (OP)
Nope. Clean record, not even a parking ticket. Just something that happened over a decade ago that also keeps me from owning a firearm.
The-Shartist@reddit
Felony. Try getting off the job search websites. Search for local companies. Call them or show up in person. A lot of smaller companies don't post on Indeed and shit. A lot of these places do it the old school way. Showing up in person shows a lot more gumption than applying online. Check out waste management, dump, construction companies, building supply, septic service, local utilities, concrete companies, county and municipal...
The-Shartist@reddit
Steel hauling is big in Michigan, too... Find out who's running loads at the steel plants. It's hard work and not everyone is cut out for it. They may be willing to take a chance with you.
ForgottonTNT@reddit
Just go OTR bro , a job is better than no job
Aromatic_Addition204@reddit
No not if takes you away from your life and family etc - I’d apply for govt assistance before that….
ForgottonTNT@reddit
Family isn’t going to want to be around u if ur broke and a bum
jabber1990@reddit
Says all I need to know about you
COATHANGER_ABORTIONS@reddit
Lmao insane. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
tasselledwobbegong1@reddit
Plenty of good jobs besides truck driving do that though. Like airline pilots, stewardesses, the military, some railroad jobs, cruise ship jobs, and others as well. Good jobs, good money and benefits, and if you can do them and like them and if you also like money then they’re great.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
No, those are terrible jobs! No one wants those horrible, truly abysmal jobs!!!!!!
Government cheese only!
LoopDoGG79@reddit
I had young kids when I first started, had the same fears as you. Luckily my first job was a middle ground. Went with a place that did regional work. I live in California, they strictly did West Coast work, very rarely Arizona. 4 to 5 days out at a time, usually 4. Going local with zero experience is damn near impossible, unless someone can strongly vouch for you. You're going to have to put in time and miles under your belt before moving on to a decent local gig. I stuck it out 2 years with my first. After that, no issues getting a local job. If you can find a decent regional job, go for it and earn your stripes there
Packingheat248@reddit
They can be rough sometimes, but Amazon Freight Partners are not a bad place to work if you need experience.
truckensafely@reddit
👆👆👆
Kenworthsteve@reddit
The boomer thing worked for me.
possibly_lost45@reddit
Good luck. With no experience you're not gonna find a good company. You have nothing to back up that your a good driver.
TwoToadsKick@reddit
You turned down a job when you're struggling to find a job?
clarabraun@reddit (OP)
They turned me down.