About

[pbear]

In my due diligence, I have been reading back through the myriad posts hoping to glean that "perfect" bit of info for me. But alas, I have been unable to answer the question of experience. I have read several posts by hotfr8recruiter where he states that "most carriers" require a year's experience, but I see from many people that they were able to jump into expediting with no previous truck driving experience. Can someone enlighten me as to the actual truth? Thanks in advance...

Don (pbear)

 

[TeamCaffee]

First you must acquire the correct license for the vehicle you are planning on driving. With FedEx you will then have to take a drive test with an approved instructor.

 

[jaminjim]

Panther will take you on as a driver with no experience in a "d" truck, if you have a class B lic.

 

[mrgoodtude]

Supply and demand, associative experience....
My mom only said one thing to me that is emblazened in my memory...
Can't never could do #####....
If you want it grab it.
Find a connection to your real world experience, push it and go with it.
Wait Colorado...
You won't see home much are you OK with that?
Mike

 

[pbear]

Thank you all for your replies to my post. We understand that when this happens for us, we will have to <mostly> be "back east" (as they say out here) for this to work. That's not a problem.

Again, thank you all. I hope to post more questions and comments over the coming months as we prepare for our new business/lifestyle.

Don (pbear)
Still in Research Mode...

 

[bigjoep89]

If you want to go the truck driving school route you can call FedEx and the recruiter will give you the name of FedEx approved driving schools. To find the information you are looking for call the recruiters, of the companies you are interested in. Most of the bigger companies advertise here on this site. Good luck.
God bless our Military and Vets!

 

[JohnO]

I hired a truck and driver from a local driving school in NJ for the weekend before my CDL driving exam. We drove over the course and also did pre trip inspection countless times until he figured I had it under control. That Monday I passed the driving exam getting my class B CDL.
Previous to getting CDL I had secured employment as a driver with a FedEx CC O/O. FedEx advised me I would need to take their driving test before being qualified with them. None of the driving schools in my area were approved so I had FedEx contact the outfit I hired for my CDL test and they agreed to follow their requirements and give me the driving test. FedEx faxed them the requirements and I took the test passed it then started driving for O/O. O/O drove with me for about a week and then I was on my own what a scary feeling.
I was charged $200 for weekend instruction plus a fee for NJ exam and FedEx driving test.

 

[pbear]

Thank you BigJoe and John. Although I already have my CDL-A, my wife does not. We are working out the plan now, which will allow us to drive as a team. At this point, the plan is to get into a B-Unit.

I appreciate your input. It's all very helpful and encouraging. -Don

 

[JohnMueller]

PBear;

Contact each expediter company that you are interested in leasing onto - they, and only they, will be able to tell you exactly what their specific hiring criteria is. Again, some companies can and do hire, with no experience. These are typically "self-insured" carriers. Many carriers are bound to hire by agreements they have with their insurance company.

This will save you much time as opposed to browsing through many posts that may or may not answer your questions.

I hope this helps you.

Good luck in your expediting endeavor.

Regards,

HotFr8Recruiter

 

[pbear]

Thanks, HotFr8...

I appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. I appreciate your interest and support. ~Don

 

[arkjarhead]

I'm not trying to get into your business, but from what I've heard people saying recently I don't know weather or not I'd want to climb into a cargo van. Alot of people have been saying that they haven't been getting the miles they need. Just some advice.

 

[pbear]

Thanks Arkjarhead,

I'm with you. We are looking exclusively toward a straight truck. I think it's the way to go - for us anyway... ~Don

 

[arkjarhead]

well you said something about a b unit which is a van. you must have meant a d unit.

 

[pbear]

You are so right! My thanks for catching my goof... I was probably thinking CDL-"B" and wrote B Unit. We definitely want a D-Unit Truck!!

Thanks again.

~Don