Very, very true. My class started with 130 people, last I checked there were less than 20 left, this being after 3 or 4 months. Of course 1/2 of them were gone the first two weeks due to drug tests, lying about their criminal background, etc.
It's like companies are panning for gold with new recruits, just hoping to find a few who will stay at least a year. It seems like a pretty convaluted and laborious process, but there must not be a better way.
Having done OTR before I knew exactly what I was getting into. But it's not something everyone, or really most people, can do. That's not a slam against those who can't, probably more of a testement to the slightly crazy nature of those of us who can .
It's a lonely, dirty and stressful life out here. If you're a slobby introvert like me it's an acceptable tradeoff for providing for your family. But I do wish that people who, like all of us, only want to take care of their family had some resource available that laid out both the good and bad before they dedicated money and time to this career path.

 

I fail to see how an insurance company can even suggest that a fresh graduate would have more experience than someone who's been driving class A for 5 years.
I'm pretty sure that a new graduate doesn't have the stamina to drive for 11 hours straight.
I'm pretty sure that a I have more log experience than a new graduate.
I'm pretty sure I've done more backing than a new graduate.
Not to mention how many loading docks I've bumped.
My last ticket was over three years ago, for losing a piece of cardboard out the back of a 40 yard garbage container.
But, you can't fight City Hall. Or the insurance company for that matter.

 

Knowing very little, :shock: however...a recent conversation with Interstate Distributor resulted in this statement from the recruiter:

- Need 6 months OTR or a minimum of 1-year local experience
- No felonies within last 5 years

I've seen some recent posts that they're a pretty decent company and treat drivers well...family owned.
Of course, I'm not out there - just the other half of someone who is!

 

Personally, I would prefer having someone with several years of local experience than a newbie fresh out of school with no experience. Perhaps it is time for the trucking industry to stand up to the insurance companies and let them compete for their business. Tell them that this is what we need, if you can meet our needs at a price we feel is fair, then we can do business. Otherwise, just walk away. That is what happens with shippers and brokers with freight. The problem with that scenario is that there are too few insurance companies who will even insure carriers. Those who do charge heavily for their coverage. I understand that much of the high cost has to do with inexperienced drivers and greedy lawyers. Lawyers can make most anyone a victim and squeeze the insurance company until they yell "uncle." There are too many insurers who will settle when they should fight. These lawyers understand that and that is the main reason our rates are so high and why insurance companies dictate who they will cover. Without insurance carrier's lose their authority and cannot continue in business.

 

Am in the same shoes your in splitter. When i wanted to go OTR like 2 months ago i called TMC and they said i would have to go back to CDL school. But once i really got thinkin i dont think OTR is for me anyway. I think alot of companys miss out on good drivers with these dumb rules.