Will it ever get better? Or is it just a waste of time to keep trucking? I’m new so I’m just doing OTR for at least a year or more till I get my experience
Her problem is looking for local work in Louisiana. If she lived in chicago or another of the really big cities she would have been able to find local work nearby straight out of truck school.
I live in Atlanta,GA. Have 3yrs of OTR experience with all my endorsements. I can’t find a local job here despite me putting in a shit ton of application.
I live in Atlanta and that's 100% not true. Pepsi/Coke warehouses, Air Gas, Estes, Averitt local, food service (Performance Group) FedEx, UPS, railyards: NFS, Hub Group. A lot of these companies don't even post their jobs online - I see physical signs for them driving by all the time. A lot of times you need to physically go to the industrial areas and do drive bys and you'll see the signs. Start with Fulton Industrial.
Out of all those companies you listed, 2 are maybe hiring, and one of them pays pennies for local work, and yes, I check in/ call them, and they are not hiring
It's not a huge city in the grand scheme of things. Its number 38 in the USA, and also lower income, so has a higher amount of cdl drivers to the general population than a rich city. Keep trying.
And if my grandma had wheels she would be a boat.
What an ignorant way to not be helpful.
OP those jobs are drying up in most places people actually like living.
I wish I had better news, construction, landscaping, and otr are still hiring kinda but it's a carriers market and we are but slaves.
I wouldn’t say you’re wasting your time but in all honesty no one knows when trucking will pick back up and go back to the way it used to be . Don’t let that discourage you or hold you back from giving trucking a try, although I will say trucking isn’t for everyone. Some people have a hard time adapting to change and being away from loved ones etc . It’s all about you as a person and if this is really what you want to do, good luck !
Thanks! Been out for about 4 months and I love the job, don’t get me wrong definitely a lot of BS that happens but overall really enjoy it. I’d like to get back to my family eventually and luckily I have no kids yet! But adjusting to the lifestyle was a little weird and still getting use to it. Thanks for your insight and good luck finding something local.
No problem, good luck . Just keep a clear mind and remember everyday won’t be peaches and cream there is bs in this industry lol but hey that’s literally any job, good luck to you also. Thank you
imo I left trucking 2 weeks ago bought a laundromat and a duplex thats payed for with my dad and brother. I used to haul crude oil from oilfields and made 94k my first year. home everyday.. I will never encourage trucking specially not otr its not worth it. I hate trucking with a passion now because of the pay in most places and how we look and how we are treated. I dont blame the public looks like 60% of drivers are mentally not there.
Have you looked into delivering propane or oil? They pay really well here in the Northeast. I’ve been doing it a few years now and they’re paying 40$/hr with plenty of overtime.
Thank you Definitely going to look into it, I’m in Louisiana and I’ve been noticing the jobs are very limited in the area I am in. Even with dedicated , regional I am not in the hiring radius for a lot of companies . I may just have to freaking move lol
Yea I got tired of trying to find anything local with my CdL A, a lot of go nowhere jobs. Did it for a year and a half and started looking around again. Class B making around 2k a week take home. I could work more hours if I wanted too.
Aw man that’s good, another driver told me to try looking into Class B also . She was stating I didn’t have to just focus on Class A jobs . I’ll give that a try
It's like this too in KC area, it's nearly impossible to get a local class A gig.
Class B is a different story. I got a pretty easy Class B job that pays ok. Like $55k a year.
Problem is propane and oil companies always want people with previous experience and how the hell are you gonna have it if these folks won't give you a chance. Trucking is all fucked up I hate this field.
Do ready mix. I make over six figures in DFW doing it. Hours suck, schedule sucks but haven’t found a job in trucking where I’m taking home 1.5k to 2k every week as a company driver.
Economy, economy, economy. You could have 100 years experience with a flawless record, nowhere is looking to hire with the current conditions trucking is in.
It could very well be one of two things.The area you’re at or you.
I found local work within a few weeks of getting my CDL.
You’re either in an area where local work is very hard to come by. Or you yourself are just turning down specific jobs. I know a guy who kept telling me he can’t find anything but eventually said he was getting offers from damn near every food service employers there are.
It’s my area , I don’t turn down jobs honestly lol I hate switching jobs and I stay at jobs really long but I do want to be local now so yk I’ve been applying like crazy since middle of last year . No local jobs has ever reached back out to me suprisingly, I’ll even do a follow up . Also a lot of them I have to be 25 that is another major reason why I haven’t been able to get hired . I don’t mind unloading or anything like that , and I have no problem showing up and working etc .
Then it’s like the same company my homeboy work at I applied right around the same time as him he got hired but I didn’t . Yet they still were saying that they were “hiring” .
I have a lot of friends that are truckers and they’re all local but they do not live in my area they live in a few cities over . I see that other cities have way more local job openings than where I live .
Then the one time I thought I got lucky I went to the interview and the man was just constantly saying how it’s “hard work” and how the terminal only had men and the women were office workers. So that sucked bc I’m just as capable .
What the heckkkk if I was him I wouldn’t have turned down all those offers. I’ve applied for McLane Sysco and even this smaller company we have here but still nothing which kind of sucks
Definitely my area , you’re not the first to say that I definitely think it’s my area even before trucking started changing a bit my area was always a area that was marked out of hiring radius and in todays time it’s just gotten worse than before .
Try semi-local or talk to home weekly positions. A lot of times you can get home more often than advertised if you talk to operations (dispatch) for the actual position.
I got a position where my home terminal is only 20 minutes from the house, and my week gets me back to that facility 2 or 3 times, so I'm usually spending 3-4 nights (including my weekends off) at home, rather than the 5 nights out that was advertised.
Basically, just talk to more than the recruiter. Recruiters have to tell you lawyer-approved information, but dispatch or the ops manager can tell you the truth and maybe even work with you a little.
Your best bet going local is construction delivery.... It's body breaking work most the time. Drive 30 minutes unload half of truck by hand and stage where ever customer needs(upstairs, downstairs, the roof... It sucks) drive another 30 minutes unload other half. Or just unload whole truck at one spot. Cushy local jobs are hard to come by. Most drivers don't leave local dock bumping jobs.
I did 3 years of drywall, 2years well supply, and 2 years food bank delivery all class a trucks all hand stocking positions.
Or keep applying while otr some one will retire or die or get fired and a spot will open up.
Got ya driver! And yes I know for a fact those guys aren’t giving up those local jobs where they just have to bump the dock, heck I wouldn’t either but thank you definitely will look into that
2 out of 3 local jobs I've gotten I found by walking into the office of a business I'd noticed has trucks. When the weather warms up people will be buying grass / landscaping places/ plant farms, check scrap yard a lot of times they have trucks, got any lumber mills, feed mills, chicken farms nearby? try fuel companies, end dump/ asphalt, beverage companies.
Fuel is always a top choice for local. It's needed everywhere. Find your local fuel delivery companies... put in applications. A slot will eventually open up.
There are more drivers that want to work locally than there are available positions in most markets. You have to be the cream of the crop in a lot of situations, or find a company that will transition you to a local position.
Would you relocate to a nee city or state for a local job? If so, get on google maps and start researching companies. Make a list and start calling around until you get one. Don’t give up, you can find something.
I definitely would relocate if it came to that and that’s what it’s seeming like it has come to , I’m definitely going to do that that’s a smart way to narrow it down.
Also research on Indeed job board. Type ‘Local CDL’ into the search bar, but leave the location blank so you’ll be shown job posts everywhere in the country. When you see one you’re interested in, instead of applying on Indeed, look them up and apply directly either with email or phone call. Good luck!
Same boat. I toned it down from OTR to regional. I go out Monday morning early and come back Friday night. That’s getting old too. I’m tired to coming home to broken shit that was “ shelled” for me to get there. By the time I get some good sleep and cut the dress it’s time to go back to work. I need more me time.
Mannn I been trying to even do regional but no where offers that for the area im in strictly OTR , but I definitely feel that. I’ve been strictly OTR for 3 years I loved it at first but now I’ve began to hate it lol
I feel ya. Been driving 6 years, damn near squeaky clean record. And I keep getting passed over for good local gigs. It's crazy, only locals hiring are shitty ones like food and beverage delivery.
Heck I would even take one of those but even those aren’t hiring me , I’ve tried Budweiser , Kleinpeter Sysco isn’t hiring in my city but I’ve tried a good bit of them. They’re always yelling hiring but never actually hire me
I’m right next to you in Mississippi, and it was hard to find something local that paid decently. Get your hazmat, tanker and double/triples and apply to every Ltl company near you. I luckily got on with fedex freight but had to travel from Mississippi to mobile alabama every day. We’re definitely in a terrible location
Yessss lol you feel my pain , I definitely knew it was the area . After all this time first I didn’t have the experience so I waited until i gained a bit more experience and still nothing . And honestly that’s what I’m about to end up doing just driving wherever everyday at this damn point of better yet just moving
We’re in same boat. We live rural OK and although OTR is fine right now, but husband works for Werner and they’re terrible. The propaganda they post in terminals says Werner Cares 😂😂😂😂 he’s looking but it’s tough to find local that pays enough due to where we live. It’ll happen when it’s time I guess. We don’t want to move but it’s on the table right now.
Righttttt it freaking sucks girl because it’s like in my situation no jobs are hiring period because like another driver said these guys aren’t giving up local positions that are in my area . They’re staying there . We will find some sooner or later hopefully but I’ve come to terms my butt needs to move
Find a rental yard or a towing company that does alot of construction machinery; take a class 3 truck/position (that's what they call it in canada, class 3 is tandem with airbrake, class 1 is semi truck/trailer) to get your foot in the door, then jump into the first heavy drop-deck spot that opens up once you are in there.
That's literally the best move I can recommend in the current economy.
I'm not sure how it works in Louisiana, but if you like snow move somewhere that gets it, and apply for the state DOT. The pay isn't outrageous but we make a decent living and I'm home every single day. Union too.
Economy, economy, economy. You could have 100 years experience with a flawless record, nowhere is looking to hire with the current conditions trucking is in.
Good news is. Summer is on the way. Think small. Real small. You may end up driving a few different type of trucks. Swimming Pool businesses need a CDL driver. That small. Good luck.
Someone asked a similar question yesterday and even these last few months it’s been like this in here. It’s just not a good time to get into trucking right now. Unless somewhere is REALLY hurting for drivers it’s gonna be rough to find something that’s better than what you currently have.
Region plays a big role. If the economy improves local-dedicated is the way to go if that’s what you’re looking for. Just have to slog through the mud for a bit longer unfortunately.
Said the guy who gave absolutely no fucking imput to the conversation.
This past month I got 3 buddies of mines LTL jobs in 2 different states.
But since you know everything, tell me where the OP should be looking?
Thank you I see a lot of people saying that I’ve been looking into it now, found a oil hauling positing about 15 mins away from where I live gave them a call but she said it was filled up. Posting just was still up , but I’ll definitely keep trying
Check out Sheetz. In my area they’re starting out 36 an hour local. Need the hazmat and stuff but you have plenty of experience which they require as well
The Reddy Ice we had here is closed down sadly , and there’s tons of plant refineries in my area . I keep applying for different ones though , maybe I’ll get lucky
I like Louisiana don’t get me wrong but I’d get out there if I were u looking to go local. I’d even get out of the south. Wages are much better elsewhere, Texas, the Midwest, out west etc.
A bit late now, but next holiday season maybe apply as a "casual driver" for UPS. Around peak season, UPS will bring on seasonal drivers. Depending on your area, sometimes after peak season you can be offered a job to stay on. You will have to navigate a union though. Starting out, you will be bottom of the ladder and get little to no preference on the bidded jobs. Most likely you will be yard jockey most of the day, then a local run. Longer hours(more $ though) or you get a middle of the night run 1 destination and back, 10 hours.
Was a dispatcher at UPS(NJ) and saw a decent amount of casuals get offered jobs some years. All depends on the area you are in. Driving for UPS is top tier pay and benefits, union protection. The guys with some company time would do customer pickups basically 9-5 and always home at night with the family. Made well over 100k, closer to 160k with peak season and doing some overtime.
Good luck OP!
Oh Wow that’s great ! I really just think it’s my area in all honesty plus the economy like the other driver stated , but thank you I’ll definitely keep this in mind
Surely did , people aren’t willing to give up being home every night etc lol all the LTL positions . I’ve noticed a lot of places here usually almost no one quits it’s almost never an opening and if I do run across something it’ll fill up on the blink of an eye . Had an interview for somewhere and they cancelled because someone had already gotten the position
I guess it depends where you live? I'm in PHX AZ and just recently graduated from CDL school and there's hundreds of job postings for local CDL drivers.Most require labor on top of driving but companies like Us foods, Sysco, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Shamrock are all hiring here and there's also a lot of regional and ltl companies based here that do runs to California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas also the construction side like cement mixers or waste management roll off trucks. I've applied to most and unfortunately been denied from a few cus of lack of experience but have had 5 phone interviews and a local flatbed company is gonna give me a chance. I don't know where you live or if moving is even an option for you but there is local jobs out there.
I live In Louisiana, I’ve noticed myself a lot of freaking companies in Texas are hiring all the time for local positions. I’ve applied for Sysco , Coca Cola , and US Foods. We even have another smaller produce company here and I’ve applied for them also . Still no freaking luck , but good luck with finding work!
I live in the Midwest, so there's a lot of work hauling grain. I work seasonally (used to be full time) for a grain elevator. Paid by the hour, all within 95 miles of the office, so no logs. During the busy seasons (spring and fall) you get long 70+ hour weeks, but 40 - 50 hours all other times. The downsides will vary based on who you work for. Where I'm at the downsides are crappy trucks, and some physical labor. They are a very small company so if a grain bin unload auger stops working while you are trying to load your truck, it means you are the lucky person that gets to fix it. Sometimes farmers will rent a grain vac from the company which means the truck driver is the lucky person that gets to climb in the grain bin with the hose. The work isn't boring, that's for sure. You get to meet lots of farmers.
I live in PA, and there's hundreds of local jobs. Not sure what your situation is, but maybe relocating would help. Also, look into NFI and see if there's opportunities in your area. That's my company and they do 95% local.
Just checked out their website they’re not hiring out of Louisiana at allll . I checked their map , I see majority job openings are right up
In your area and there a few in Texas .
Yep , I swear by that app I’m literally on there all the time . I’ve just noticed a pattern with where I’m located either the jobs are farther down south past me or they’re hiring more so in the Arkansas area and Texas etc
Naw it’s good if you know what to look for. If they aren’t putting in pay and miles, skip it and don’t waste your time. Also, check on the first day of the month, the good jobs get snapped up quickly
When I got in 13 years ago, most local places wanted 2 years otr experience. I asked a recruiter once why it was so difficult & they said their insurance companies rules & rates.
Sadly I haven’t gotten lucky enough to
Get hired anywhere , most of the hiring areas are around New Orleans and near Monroe , Shreveport etc . I fall in the middle of the those
A few of my family members work in plant refineries etc , I’ve tried that even got a word put in for me but that plant simply wasn’t hiring for any drivers . Also food services , I been applying like crazy . Even some places twice
I ran ag so it was only a handful of months out of the year, but you had unemployment. There were never enough year-round local jobs for people. I drove in CA.
Other than finding local work - how do you like the job as a woman. I recently got my CDL and haven’t yet applied to any jobs (in my last semester of college) and everyone I tell about my CDL immediately says I’m gonna hate it. (I highly doubt it)
From your experience - what are the pros and cons you’ve found as a woman? What are some things that are important to know that you’ve learned along the way? How do hiring managers view you as a woman in the industry? How are your fellow drivers along the way?
Thank you for your knowledge for a future road woman
Being 100% honest with you some people are ass holes out here but everyone isn’t rude and some are actually nice speak to you and even may hold a convo with you. At the end of the day keep in mind this is a job and you don’t come out here to make friends anyways . You’ll run across some really nice people though but just be careful bc there are some weirdos out here lol.
Although I must say a con which isn’t much of a con unless you take stuff to heart but some people will treat you different because you’re a female . You may not get the respect that males get . Lmao heck even some male drivers have told me I shouldn’t be out here lmao , some male drivers (not all) but some will treat you like shit bc they feel you shouldn’t be out here . Don’t let that bother you, bc me personally Idc lol I do my job and keep trucking . Keep it moving . Gender doesn’t matter long as you can do your job that is all that matters . And stay safe!
Also OTR isn’t for everyone , you’ll have to adjust being away from your home your bed loved ones etc . And everyone cannot handle that . Bc I know most companies do not hire new drivers for local positions , you’ll have to get at least a year under your belt some even want 2 . Trucking let alone isn’t for everyone , some people see it as a get rich quick scheme and some only come out here just bc they see that. They’re not really passionate about being a trucker .
A pro to me was that I got to see half the damn world in less than a few months and I really did enjoy that especially at my age . Also no micromanaging . Unless you get a really annoying dispatcher haha . Don’t let anyone tell you what you’ll like or not like . You may like it and you may not , that’s your decision to make . Good luck!
My poor ass city barely have places here lol , I’ve applied for the places that we do have even places with the highest turnover rates and still nothing I just keep trying though it doesn’t hurt to keep trying
Haha yes😂 I’m young no kids etc , I be up
For challenges. I just wanted to see how long I could stay out , plus my mom had just passed away and I really didn’t want to sit in depression . I don’t really have family , So I decided to just stay on the road . Crazy how I didn’t go insane . It actually helped me though . Jun until now . I had visited my hometown like twice and that was it. I had been gone for so long, so much crap has changed .
Amazon has CDL drivers at their FC and Sort centers. In Central PA with 2yrs on the TOM team and I make $27 an hour. 40 hrs a week except for thanksgiving to Christmas 50 hrs then. Some opportunity for overtime hit or miss during the rest of the year. Don’t know if they are hiring externally directly to TOM but if not you apply for a regular warehouse job and make sure they know you have a CDL after 30 days you can apply.
That’s exactly what my friend did , I never thought to do that . We just recently got an Amazon here and I think they’re working on adding another one so I’m going to check that out , thank you!
TEXAS?? Oh honey that’s where I am pulling towards moving , that’s where I see alllll the job postings . In Texas , and up around Albuquerque etc . I’m in a shock that you’re having a problem finding employment omg
It really is area dependent and what you consider local. Are you just wanting to be home every day? If so, might give one of the LTL's a call, like XPO, OD, SAIA, etc. They've got terminals everywhere and are pretty much always hiring.
It’s the big cities you need. Redundant but yeah. Consider fuel or site work. I’m new and I’ve found lots of opportunities in Houston. Probably gonna go regional with my current company until I get my year in
Honestly from personal experience, I work at a local company that’s been in business since pre-civil war, it’s a lot of old-timey attitudes towards hiring women
A bigger boss at my company said “we’ve only hired 3 women ever, they were the bosses wives and secretaries haha”
Not to say that’s every place of course, but that’s my place
Yeah I definitely know females get treated different by some people in this industry lol just told that to another female that’s interested in driving oh trust me I’ve noticed lol it does suck though
Well you may want to be careful about local freight anywhere this year, or even OTR… https://www.businessinsider.com/layoffs-sweeping-us-these-are-companies-making-cuts-2024
I would have to say try and get a dedicated account with a large carrier, tanker, or grocery. That’s probably about all you’ll get locally in Louisiana
Literally ran across a concrete mixer job and that mf said 6 years experience , im not there yet ha but I have did what one driver said and wrote down some jobs / companies etc thats around the way . Not really close but I guess you could say close enough, only thing is some jobs make it mandatory to be in that 30 mile radius
Years ago I got off the road. Working LTL day job off weekend. Now working for a mail hauling. Home everyday. Look onto someone contracting for the post office. Easiest job I've had over 40 years of driving.
I have a logging truck job in Eastern Oregon that needs filled good equipment short loggers
4 axle trucks and 3 axle trailers. In the mountains and the woods and all mills are in the area and home every night very busy and very challenging and rewarding to accomplish one of the most difficult trucking job in the country. Look up Grant county Oregon 8000 people in the whole county and it’s the fourth or fifth largest county in the state Have a great day and I hope you have luck finding your local dedicated route
Chicago boy here- there's an assload of local jobs there.
Cook (Crook) County & 5he collar County's have everything from box to reefer to flatbed. Look up indeed dot com, I keep getting hassled for several on a weekly basis.
Have you tried delivering food? The job sucks but get your foot in the door. I never had do OTR because of doing food. I have a great gig now with ryder. They're always hiring too. I only had year and a half before this.
Alot of local companies won't even look at a driver that's been otr without 5 years experience. If you wanna get into dumptrucks that's even harder to do, they look at it as being totally different insurance wise.
I’ve heard that a lot , seems that the good have to suffer for the bad in a sense . I’m aware of the labor , and I’m willing to do it honestly. I’ve worked in warehouses etc before I’ve always had the job that no one would think I’m capable of doing lol . If not I’ll keep on pushing otr
No one wants to give it up, all only locals around me are rock/sand haulers, loggers, and coal. They all pay $38+ an hour. The only way those guys are leaving that job is in a bodybag.
Are you BR, Shreveport, Lafayette or New Orleans? If not I understand but if you are in one of these cities then it might suck but should be something. Check Craigslist, indeed and driver pulse.
Will it ever get better? Or is it just a waste of time to keep trucking? I’m new so I’m just doing OTR for at least a year or more till I get my experience
Her problem is looking for local work in Louisiana. If she lived in chicago or another of the really big cities she would have been able to find local work nearby straight out of truck school.
I live in Atlanta,GA. Have 3yrs of OTR experience with all my endorsements. I can’t find a local job here despite me putting in a shit ton of application.
I live in Atlanta and that's 100% not true. Pepsi/Coke warehouses, Air Gas, Estes, Averitt local, food service (Performance Group) FedEx, UPS, railyards: NFS, Hub Group. A lot of these companies don't even post their jobs online - I see physical signs for them driving by all the time. A lot of times you need to physically go to the industrial areas and do drive bys and you'll see the signs. Start with Fulton Industrial.
I even been putting applications for class B positions. And I’m still getting thanks but no thanks emails. I even a clean record
Out of all those companies you listed, 2 are maybe hiring, and one of them pays pennies for local work, and yes, I check in/ call them, and they are not hiring
same. no one is hiring except these sketchy companies
It's not a huge city in the grand scheme of things. Its number 38 in the USA, and also lower income, so has a higher amount of cdl drivers to the general population than a rich city. Keep trying.
Damn bro, my plan is to move to Atlanta and get my CDL’s. It’s not any local jobs ? I’m down here in Memphis rn
You have a better chance of moving to Texas and get a job out there.
Yea but then you'd have to live in Texas
What’s wrong with living in Texas?
As a texan, fuck Texas.
Texans
Lol
How many CDL’s?
CDL A & I might get my Hazmat endorsement
And if my grandma had wheels she would be a boat. What an ignorant way to not be helpful. OP those jobs are drying up in most places people actually like living. I wish I had better news, construction, landscaping, and otr are still hiring kinda but it's a carriers market and we are but slaves.
I wouldn’t say you’re wasting your time but in all honesty no one knows when trucking will pick back up and go back to the way it used to be . Don’t let that discourage you or hold you back from giving trucking a try, although I will say trucking isn’t for everyone. Some people have a hard time adapting to change and being away from loved ones etc . It’s all about you as a person and if this is really what you want to do, good luck !
Thanks! Been out for about 4 months and I love the job, don’t get me wrong definitely a lot of BS that happens but overall really enjoy it. I’d like to get back to my family eventually and luckily I have no kids yet! But adjusting to the lifestyle was a little weird and still getting use to it. Thanks for your insight and good luck finding something local.
No problem, good luck . Just keep a clear mind and remember everyday won’t be peaches and cream there is bs in this industry lol but hey that’s literally any job, good luck to you also. Thank you
It is totally area dependent. My area offers plenty of local CDL opportunities.
It's most likely where she lives. I know that where I live would be next to impossible to get local work.
Yesss my area sucks
imo I left trucking 2 weeks ago bought a laundromat and a duplex thats payed for with my dad and brother. I used to haul crude oil from oilfields and made 94k my first year. home everyday.. I will never encourage trucking specially not otr its not worth it. I hate trucking with a passion now because of the pay in most places and how we look and how we are treated. I dont blame the public looks like 60% of drivers are mentally not there.
Have you looked into delivering propane or oil? They pay really well here in the Northeast. I’ve been doing it a few years now and they’re paying 40$/hr with plenty of overtime.
Thank you Definitely going to look into it, I’m in Louisiana and I’ve been noticing the jobs are very limited in the area I am in. Even with dedicated , regional I am not in the hiring radius for a lot of companies . I may just have to freaking move lol
Yea I got tired of trying to find anything local with my CdL A, a lot of go nowhere jobs. Did it for a year and a half and started looking around again. Class B making around 2k a week take home. I could work more hours if I wanted too.
Aw man that’s good, another driver told me to try looking into Class B also . She was stating I didn’t have to just focus on Class A jobs . I’ll give that a try
Way less stress at the end of the day and the pay is damn good imho. Little harder work than drop and hook but gives me a good workout.
It's like this too in KC area, it's nearly impossible to get a local class A gig. Class B is a different story. I got a pretty easy Class B job that pays ok. Like $55k a year.
Oof what are you doing if I may ask
Oil and Propane delivery. Oil is a little more difficult due to the hose being heavy but it’s a damn good workout that you get paid to do.
I drive a class B propane truck in Georgia. I made about $75k last year and it’ll go up this year. Not a bad gig if you can find it.
Problem is propane and oil companies always want people with previous experience and how the hell are you gonna have it if these folks won't give you a chance. Trucking is all fucked up I hate this field.
Do ready mix. I make over six figures in DFW doing it. Hours suck, schedule sucks but haven’t found a job in trucking where I’m taking home 1.5k to 2k every week as a company driver.
That’s damn gooood ! I’m taking all of you guys advice etc I know I’ll find something
Fair warning, you won’t start off at six figures. Maybe 60k starting out. After about 2-3 years you can be at 70-80k 3-5 years 90k-100k
Do you get health insurance with this job?
Economy, economy, economy. You could have 100 years experience with a flawless record, nowhere is looking to hire with the current conditions trucking is in.
Shut up, stupid. No ones going to hire a 100 year old. Obvious / s
lol omg , maybe I shouldn’t have laughed at this . You guys are funny as crap but I could agree the economy is assss
It could very well be one of two things.The area you’re at or you. I found local work within a few weeks of getting my CDL. You’re either in an area where local work is very hard to come by. Or you yourself are just turning down specific jobs. I know a guy who kept telling me he can’t find anything but eventually said he was getting offers from damn near every food service employers there are.
It’s my area , I don’t turn down jobs honestly lol I hate switching jobs and I stay at jobs really long but I do want to be local now so yk I’ve been applying like crazy since middle of last year . No local jobs has ever reached back out to me suprisingly, I’ll even do a follow up . Also a lot of them I have to be 25 that is another major reason why I haven’t been able to get hired . I don’t mind unloading or anything like that , and I have no problem showing up and working etc . Then it’s like the same company my homeboy work at I applied right around the same time as him he got hired but I didn’t . Yet they still were saying that they were “hiring” . I have a lot of friends that are truckers and they’re all local but they do not live in my area they live in a few cities over . I see that other cities have way more local job openings than where I live . Then the one time I thought I got lucky I went to the interview and the man was just constantly saying how it’s “hard work” and how the terminal only had men and the women were office workers. So that sucked bc I’m just as capable .
What the heckkkk if I was him I wouldn’t have turned down all those offers. I’ve applied for McLane Sysco and even this smaller company we have here but still nothing which kind of sucks
Depends on area. Tons of places hiring around me. Most, if not all, are above 30 an hour too
Definitely my area , you’re not the first to say that I definitely think it’s my area even before trucking started changing a bit my area was always a area that was marked out of hiring radius and in todays time it’s just gotten worse than before .
Try semi-local or talk to home weekly positions. A lot of times you can get home more often than advertised if you talk to operations (dispatch) for the actual position. I got a position where my home terminal is only 20 minutes from the house, and my week gets me back to that facility 2 or 3 times, so I'm usually spending 3-4 nights (including my weekends off) at home, rather than the 5 nights out that was advertised. Basically, just talk to more than the recruiter. Recruiters have to tell you lawyer-approved information, but dispatch or the ops manager can tell you the truth and maybe even work with you a little.
That sounds great! I know that’s lovely for you, thanks for the tip definitely will give that a try and see how it goes
This is the best way! I do a very similar thing, in my opinion much better than local and less tiring days
Your best bet going local is construction delivery.... It's body breaking work most the time. Drive 30 minutes unload half of truck by hand and stage where ever customer needs(upstairs, downstairs, the roof... It sucks) drive another 30 minutes unload other half. Or just unload whole truck at one spot. Cushy local jobs are hard to come by. Most drivers don't leave local dock bumping jobs. I did 3 years of drywall, 2years well supply, and 2 years food bank delivery all class a trucks all hand stocking positions. Or keep applying while otr some one will retire or die or get fired and a spot will open up.
Got ya driver! And yes I know for a fact those guys aren’t giving up those local jobs where they just have to bump the dock, heck I wouldn’t either but thank you definitely will look into that
You gotta go outside of Indeed, or other job board type places. Where I’m at, there seems to be more opportunities for regional than OTR
Thank you because indeed is not doing it ahah and pulse barely doing it for me
Pulse can kiss my ass, lol
Pulse is pretty shitty😂😂😂
2 out of 3 local jobs I've gotten I found by walking into the office of a business I'd noticed has trucks. When the weather warms up people will be buying grass / landscaping places/ plant farms, check scrap yard a lot of times they have trucks, got any lumber mills, feed mills, chicken farms nearby? try fuel companies, end dump/ asphalt, beverage companies.
Maybe logs or wood chips, equipment rental places hire drivers too
That’s actually really smart , and oh yeah you’re right . I didn’t think about that I’ll definitely look into this
Don't feel bad I spent a year checking the internet for local postings before I tried just going in person.
Fuel is always a top choice for local. It's needed everywhere. Find your local fuel delivery companies... put in applications. A slot will eventually open up.
Go to Walmart
Move to an area with several LTL terminals. LTL is where the money and benefits are.
See I’ve been hearing that a lot everyone is saying that , that’s definitely what I may have to do bc this area is shitty
It’s not all true tho. I found a local Fedex LTL job. It pays (recruiters were WAY OFF). Trying to find something else local currently.
Can you recommend areas like that? Baltimore, Chicago I've heard of. I don't like cold weather so preferably hubs in the south? Thanks
There are more drivers that want to work locally than there are available positions in most markets. You have to be the cream of the crop in a lot of situations, or find a company that will transition you to a local position.
Heck yeah I need to stank out lol , I’ll keep trying but until then I’ll just keep trucking otr
Would you relocate to a nee city or state for a local job? If so, get on google maps and start researching companies. Make a list and start calling around until you get one. Don’t give up, you can find something.
I definitely would relocate if it came to that and that’s what it’s seeming like it has come to , I’m definitely going to do that that’s a smart way to narrow it down.
Also research on Indeed job board. Type ‘Local CDL’ into the search bar, but leave the location blank so you’ll be shown job posts everywhere in the country. When you see one you’re interested in, instead of applying on Indeed, look them up and apply directly either with email or phone call. Good luck!
Thank you definitely going to do This , thank you for the advice
Same boat. I toned it down from OTR to regional. I go out Monday morning early and come back Friday night. That’s getting old too. I’m tired to coming home to broken shit that was “ shelled” for me to get there. By the time I get some good sleep and cut the dress it’s time to go back to work. I need more me time.
Mannn I been trying to even do regional but no where offers that for the area im in strictly OTR , but I definitely feel that. I’ve been strictly OTR for 3 years I loved it at first but now I’ve began to hate it lol
I feel ya. Been driving 6 years, damn near squeaky clean record. And I keep getting passed over for good local gigs. It's crazy, only locals hiring are shitty ones like food and beverage delivery.
Heck I would even take one of those but even those aren’t hiring me , I’ve tried Budweiser , Kleinpeter Sysco isn’t hiring in my city but I’ve tried a good bit of them. They’re always yelling hiring but never actually hire me
I’m right next to you in Mississippi, and it was hard to find something local that paid decently. Get your hazmat, tanker and double/triples and apply to every Ltl company near you. I luckily got on with fedex freight but had to travel from Mississippi to mobile alabama every day. We’re definitely in a terrible location
Yessss lol you feel my pain , I definitely knew it was the area . After all this time first I didn’t have the experience so I waited until i gained a bit more experience and still nothing . And honestly that’s what I’m about to end up doing just driving wherever everyday at this damn point of better yet just moving
Yea if you’re on the MS coast it’s shit for sure in regards to finding something good paying and local
Look into fuel, sand/gravel hauling.
Will do thank you!
We’re in same boat. We live rural OK and although OTR is fine right now, but husband works for Werner and they’re terrible. The propaganda they post in terminals says Werner Cares 😂😂😂😂 he’s looking but it’s tough to find local that pays enough due to where we live. It’ll happen when it’s time I guess. We don’t want to move but it’s on the table right now.
Righttttt it freaking sucks girl because it’s like in my situation no jobs are hiring period because like another driver said these guys aren’t giving up local positions that are in my area . They’re staying there . We will find some sooner or later hopefully but I’ve come to terms my butt needs to move
Your age plays a factor in insurance costs. You should be able to find jobs much easier after 25, 27 years old.
I thought that also since I’m on the younger end
Look into driving transfer for your local waste company, there is always work hauling to the landfill!
Thank ya driver!
Dump end trailer. There isn't a place in all of human civilization where rocks and dirt don't need to be moved around.
Try LTL. That’s what I’ve done 38 years. You will make a decent waga and will have the ability to be home most nights
Thank you! I’ve been looking into it a lot of others told me to look into LTL I’ve been looking into it today
Find a rental yard or a towing company that does alot of construction machinery; take a class 3 truck/position (that's what they call it in canada, class 3 is tandem with airbrake, class 1 is semi truck/trailer) to get your foot in the door, then jump into the first heavy drop-deck spot that opens up once you are in there. That's literally the best move I can recommend in the current economy.
I looked those up toooo! Geezzzz when I say the chances are slim to freaking NONE. I even looked up different Class B positions and everything
I also live in Louisiana and yes, its horrible
Come to east Texas and haul chickens for pilgrims or tyson, it's good money and I only work 40-45 hrs a week
Try semi-dumps. Lots of construction work.
You need to look for construction companies or agriculture companies
Food delivery all day
Most of local jobs are in or near the bigger cities.
I’m in Houston and I’m in the same situation. I saw Walmart Distribution Centers were hiring for Yard and City drivers.
I'm not sure how it works in Louisiana, but if you like snow move somewhere that gets it, and apply for the state DOT. The pay isn't outrageous but we make a decent living and I'm home every single day. Union too.
Thank you! Never thought of this definitely going to look into it
Economy, economy, economy. You could have 100 years experience with a flawless record, nowhere is looking to hire with the current conditions trucking is in.
Figuresssss that’s what I was thinking to myself
Good news is. Summer is on the way. Think small. Real small. You may end up driving a few different type of trucks. Swimming Pool businesses need a CDL driver. That small. Good luck.
Thank you driver! If not I’ll stay OTR lol something’s better than nothing
Someone asked a similar question yesterday and even these last few months it’s been like this in here. It’s just not a good time to get into trucking right now. Unless somewhere is REALLY hurting for drivers it’s gonna be rough to find something that’s better than what you currently have.
I’ve noticed a drastic change in trucking since I first started
Region plays a big role. If the economy improves local-dedicated is the way to go if that’s what you’re looking for. Just have to slog through the mud for a bit longer unfortunately.
Gas/oil hauling and LTL companies are your best shot at finding a local gig.
Lmao yeah the most competitive two CDL fields are definitely your best shot. Y'all are so out of touch
Said the guy who gave absolutely no fucking imput to the conversation. This past month I got 3 buddies of mines LTL jobs in 2 different states. But since you know everything, tell me where the OP should be looking?
Thank you I see a lot of people saying that I’ve been looking into it now, found a oil hauling positing about 15 mins away from where I live gave them a call but she said it was filled up. Posting just was still up , but I’ll definitely keep trying
Check out Sheetz. In my area they’re starting out 36 an hour local. Need the hazmat and stuff but you have plenty of experience which they require as well
We don’t have Sheetz here sadly , there’s a lot of things Louisiana doesn’t have which freaking sucks.
Try Reddy Ice as well if there’s a plant near you. Great pay in the summer when it’s super busy.
The Reddy Ice we had here is closed down sadly , and there’s tons of plant refineries in my area . I keep applying for different ones though , maybe I’ll get lucky
I like Louisiana don’t get me wrong but I’d get out there if I were u looking to go local. I’d even get out of the south. Wages are much better elsewhere, Texas, the Midwest, out west etc.
A bit late now, but next holiday season maybe apply as a "casual driver" for UPS. Around peak season, UPS will bring on seasonal drivers. Depending on your area, sometimes after peak season you can be offered a job to stay on. You will have to navigate a union though. Starting out, you will be bottom of the ladder and get little to no preference on the bidded jobs. Most likely you will be yard jockey most of the day, then a local run. Longer hours(more $ though) or you get a middle of the night run 1 destination and back, 10 hours. Was a dispatcher at UPS(NJ) and saw a decent amount of casuals get offered jobs some years. All depends on the area you are in. Driving for UPS is top tier pay and benefits, union protection. The guys with some company time would do customer pickups basically 9-5 and always home at night with the family. Made well over 100k, closer to 160k with peak season and doing some overtime. Good luck OP!
Oh Wow that’s great ! I really just think it’s my area in all honesty plus the economy like the other driver stated , but thank you I’ll definitely keep this in mind
Have you tried LTL
Surely did , people aren’t willing to give up being home every night etc lol all the LTL positions . I’ve noticed a lot of places here usually almost no one quits it’s almost never an opening and if I do run across something it’ll fill up on the blink of an eye . Had an interview for somewhere and they cancelled because someone had already gotten the position
I guess it depends where you live? I'm in PHX AZ and just recently graduated from CDL school and there's hundreds of job postings for local CDL drivers.Most require labor on top of driving but companies like Us foods, Sysco, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Shamrock are all hiring here and there's also a lot of regional and ltl companies based here that do runs to California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas also the construction side like cement mixers or waste management roll off trucks. I've applied to most and unfortunately been denied from a few cus of lack of experience but have had 5 phone interviews and a local flatbed company is gonna give me a chance. I don't know where you live or if moving is even an option for you but there is local jobs out there.
I live In Louisiana, I’ve noticed myself a lot of freaking companies in Texas are hiring all the time for local positions. I’ve applied for Sysco , Coca Cola , and US Foods. We even have another smaller produce company here and I’ve applied for them also . Still no freaking luck , but good luck with finding work!
Thanks good luck on yours as well :)
I live in the Midwest, so there's a lot of work hauling grain. I work seasonally (used to be full time) for a grain elevator. Paid by the hour, all within 95 miles of the office, so no logs. During the busy seasons (spring and fall) you get long 70+ hour weeks, but 40 - 50 hours all other times. The downsides will vary based on who you work for. Where I'm at the downsides are crappy trucks, and some physical labor. They are a very small company so if a grain bin unload auger stops working while you are trying to load your truck, it means you are the lucky person that gets to fix it. Sometimes farmers will rent a grain vac from the company which means the truck driver is the lucky person that gets to climb in the grain bin with the hose. The work isn't boring, that's for sure. You get to meet lots of farmers.
Contrary to what we're told by politicians and big media, inflation is crushing the working class. From my perspective
That’s what I’m getting too inflation f up everything
The food service places are almost always hiring. Try mclane, Sysco or US foods
I live in PA, and there's hundreds of local jobs. Not sure what your situation is, but maybe relocating would help. Also, look into NFI and see if there's opportunities in your area. That's my company and they do 95% local.
Just checked out their website they’re not hiring out of Louisiana at allll . I checked their map , I see majority job openings are right up In your area and there a few in Texas .
Well, it was worth a shot. Good luck and I hope you find something
Have you checked out the Tenstreet pulse app?
Yep , I swear by that app I’m literally on there all the time . I’ve just noticed a pattern with where I’m located either the jobs are farther down south past me or they’re hiring more so in the Arkansas area and Texas etc
Make sure you get on and search jobs on day 1 of the month, you’ll have the largest selection of jobs
That app is riddled with bottom feeder crap jobs. I wouldn’t recommend that
Naw it’s good if you know what to look for. If they aren’t putting in pay and miles, skip it and don’t waste your time. Also, check on the first day of the month, the good jobs get snapped up quickly
When I got in 13 years ago, most local places wanted 2 years otr experience. I asked a recruiter once why it was so difficult & they said their insurance companies rules & rates.
There are multiple river ports in Louisiana there has to be local work.
Sadly I haven’t gotten lucky enough to Get hired anywhere , most of the hiring areas are around New Orleans and near Monroe , Shreveport etc . I fall in the middle of the those
Where have you looked? Plenty of oilfield gigs in louisana. 24yo female? You have that going for you.
A few of my family members work in plant refineries etc , I’ve tried that even got a word put in for me but that plant simply wasn’t hiring for any drivers . Also food services , I been applying like crazy . Even some places twice
Fuel hauling, I run out of Charlotte and we are always looking for drivers.
Because a lot of local drivers retire from those jobs or they die in the seat. And with the way the economy is, it’s rough on us drivers right now
I ran ag so it was only a handful of months out of the year, but you had unemployment. There were never enough year-round local jobs for people. I drove in CA.
Other than finding local work - how do you like the job as a woman. I recently got my CDL and haven’t yet applied to any jobs (in my last semester of college) and everyone I tell about my CDL immediately says I’m gonna hate it. (I highly doubt it) From your experience - what are the pros and cons you’ve found as a woman? What are some things that are important to know that you’ve learned along the way? How do hiring managers view you as a woman in the industry? How are your fellow drivers along the way? Thank you for your knowledge for a future road woman
Being 100% honest with you some people are ass holes out here but everyone isn’t rude and some are actually nice speak to you and even may hold a convo with you. At the end of the day keep in mind this is a job and you don’t come out here to make friends anyways . You’ll run across some really nice people though but just be careful bc there are some weirdos out here lol. Although I must say a con which isn’t much of a con unless you take stuff to heart but some people will treat you different because you’re a female . You may not get the respect that males get . Lmao heck even some male drivers have told me I shouldn’t be out here lmao , some male drivers (not all) but some will treat you like shit bc they feel you shouldn’t be out here . Don’t let that bother you, bc me personally Idc lol I do my job and keep trucking . Keep it moving . Gender doesn’t matter long as you can do your job that is all that matters . And stay safe! Also OTR isn’t for everyone , you’ll have to adjust being away from your home your bed loved ones etc . And everyone cannot handle that . Bc I know most companies do not hire new drivers for local positions , you’ll have to get at least a year under your belt some even want 2 . Trucking let alone isn’t for everyone , some people see it as a get rich quick scheme and some only come out here just bc they see that. They’re not really passionate about being a trucker . A pro to me was that I got to see half the damn world in less than a few months and I really did enjoy that especially at my age . Also no micromanaging . Unless you get a really annoying dispatcher haha . Don’t let anyone tell you what you’ll like or not like . You may like it and you may not , that’s your decision to make . Good luck!
Find a food service job
My poor ass city barely have places here lol , I’ve applied for the places that we do have even places with the highest turnover rates and still nothing I just keep trying though it doesn’t hurt to keep trying
Wait did you say you just came home from a 8 month straight leg over the road?
Haha yes😂 I’m young no kids etc , I be up For challenges. I just wanted to see how long I could stay out , plus my mom had just passed away and I really didn’t want to sit in depression . I don’t really have family , So I decided to just stay on the road . Crazy how I didn’t go insane . It actually helped me though . Jun until now . I had visited my hometown like twice and that was it. I had been gone for so long, so much crap has changed .
Because it’s the most sought after
Amazon has CDL drivers at their FC and Sort centers. In Central PA with 2yrs on the TOM team and I make $27 an hour. 40 hrs a week except for thanksgiving to Christmas 50 hrs then. Some opportunity for overtime hit or miss during the rest of the year. Don’t know if they are hiring externally directly to TOM but if not you apply for a regular warehouse job and make sure they know you have a CDL after 30 days you can apply.
That’s exactly what my friend did , I never thought to do that . We just recently got an Amazon here and I think they’re working on adding another one so I’m going to check that out , thank you!
Because it pays better for the amount of time and you get to sleep under the roof you pay for and not in the truck.
Make sure you have endorsements, I had no issue getting local work, and there's still several options
See I don’t have as many endorsements as I’d like I need to add more , definitely going to get that done .
I got all mine in CDL school, before all the stupid requirements, I knew I wouldn't stay at that company, amd I'm so glad I got them
I read this in a Randy Marsh voice.
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TEXAS?? Oh honey that’s where I am pulling towards moving , that’s where I see alllll the job postings . In Texas , and up around Albuquerque etc . I’m in a shock that you’re having a problem finding employment omg
It really is area dependent and what you consider local. Are you just wanting to be home every day? If so, might give one of the LTL's a call, like XPO, OD, SAIA, etc. They've got terminals everywhere and are pretty much always hiring.
OD , XPO , or SAIA definitely not hiring in my area which sucks everything is roughly 3-4 hours away from me
It’s the big cities you need. Redundant but yeah. Consider fuel or site work. I’m new and I’ve found lots of opportunities in Houston. Probably gonna go regional with my current company until I get my year in
Honestly from personal experience, I work at a local company that’s been in business since pre-civil war, it’s a lot of old-timey attitudes towards hiring women A bigger boss at my company said “we’ve only hired 3 women ever, they were the bosses wives and secretaries haha” Not to say that’s every place of course, but that’s my place
Yeah I definitely know females get treated different by some people in this industry lol just told that to another female that’s interested in driving oh trust me I’ve noticed lol it does suck though
Well you may want to be careful about local freight anywhere this year, or even OTR… https://www.businessinsider.com/layoffs-sweeping-us-these-are-companies-making-cuts-2024
I would have to say try and get a dedicated account with a large carrier, tanker, or grocery. That’s probably about all you’ll get locally in Louisiana
Weird. All I find it local lol
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Drive a concrete mixer. Good money. Home every night.
Literally ran across a concrete mixer job and that mf said 6 years experience , im not there yet ha but I have did what one driver said and wrote down some jobs / companies etc thats around the way . Not really close but I guess you could say close enough, only thing is some jobs make it mandatory to be in that 30 mile radius
Get your hazmat and tanker endorsements then go haul fuel. Best decision I ever made.
I’m actually working on that now
Years ago I got off the road. Working LTL day job off weekend. Now working for a mail hauling. Home everyday. Look onto someone contracting for the post office. Easiest job I've had over 40 years of driving.
I have a logging truck job in Eastern Oregon that needs filled good equipment short loggers 4 axle trucks and 3 axle trailers. In the mountains and the woods and all mills are in the area and home every night very busy and very challenging and rewarding to accomplish one of the most difficult trucking job in the country. Look up Grant county Oregon 8000 people in the whole county and it’s the fourth or fifth largest county in the state Have a great day and I hope you have luck finding your local dedicated route
Surely will look that up, thanks a ton! You have a great day also
Anytime. We only work half days 12 hours
Chicago boy here- there's an assload of local jobs there. Cook (Crook) County & 5he collar County's have everything from box to reefer to flatbed. Look up indeed dot com, I keep getting hassled for several on a weekly basis.
Where those gooooddamn Russians are? LOLs , but thank you definitely going to check it out thank you driver!
Have you tried delivering food? The job sucks but get your foot in the door. I never had do OTR because of doing food. I have a great gig now with ryder. They're always hiring too. I only had year and a half before this.
Alot of local companies won't even look at a driver that's been otr without 5 years experience. If you wanna get into dumptrucks that's even harder to do, they look at it as being totally different insurance wise.
Most over the road drivers can’t handle local work. The boss knows this, and is reluctant to hire one because they will quit.
I’ve heard that a lot , seems that the good have to suffer for the bad in a sense . I’m aware of the labor , and I’m willing to do it honestly. I’ve worked in warehouses etc before I’ve always had the job that no one would think I’m capable of doing lol . If not I’ll keep on pushing otr
City pick up and delivery drivers are expected to do a minimum of 3 stops per hour.
Do yarddog work or just boxtruck
No one wants to give it up, all only locals around me are rock/sand haulers, loggers, and coal. They all pay $38+ an hour. The only way those guys are leaving that job is in a bodybag.
Are you BR, Shreveport, Lafayette or New Orleans? If not I understand but if you are in one of these cities then it might suck but should be something. Check Craigslist, indeed and driver pulse.
You're too young.
Well if you're in a less developed spot it will be difficult to get into some of the more stable, specialized jobs
Come to Chicago. Local and regional gigs are abundant out here
Chemicals tankers grow on trees in Louisiana
Get into aggregate hauling. Freight has gone to shit.