Refresher Course? - Page 1 (2024)

');}else {$('.followThisTopic').text("Add To Favorites");alert("Something is wrong with the network. Try again.");}},'json');}// stop following topic buttonif ($(target).hasClass('followingTopic')) {e.preventDefault();$('.followingTopic').text('...sending');var topic = $('.topicHeading').data("topic");var options = {"stopFollowingTopic":1, "topicId": topic};$.post('/truckers-forum/includes/php/setUserPreferences.php', options, function(data) {if (data.status == "success") {$('.followingTopic').replaceWith('

Add To Favorites

');}else {$('.followThisTopic').text("Add To Favorites");alert("Something is wrong with the network. Try again.");}},'json');}// show tag list buttonif ($(target).hasClass('showTagList')) {$('.newTopicWrapper').hide();$('.tagListWrapper').fadeIn();}});$('.editorButtonDiv').on('click', function(e) {var closestDiv = $(e.target).closest('div');if ($(closestDiv).is('.tableFormatButton')) {var textAreaBox = $('.textAreaBox');var commandBefore = ($(e.target).closest('.tableButton').data('commandbefore'));var commandAfter = ($(e.target).closest('.tableButton').data('commandafter'));var selectionStart = $(textAreaBox).getSelection().start;var selectionEnd = $(textAreaBox).getSelection().end;if ($(textAreaBox).getSelection().length == 0) {$(textAreaBox).focus();var textToInsert = commandBefore + '' + commandAfter;$(textAreaBox).insertText(textToInsert, selectionStart);if (commandBefore == "

") {$(textAreaBox).setCursorPosition(selectionStart + 12);}else if (commandBefore == "") {$(textAreaBox).setCursorPosition(selectionStart + 8);}else {$(textAreaBox).setCursorPosition(selectionStart + 3);}}else {$(textAreaBox).focus();$(textAreaBox).surroundSelectedText(commandBefore, commandAfter);}}if ($(closestDiv).is('.tableLinkButton')) {$('.tableFormEntryButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.formatForm').hide();$('.tableLinkButton').addClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.linkForm').fadeIn();}if ($(closestDiv).is('.tableImageButton')) {$('.tableFormEntryButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.formatForm').hide();$('.tableImageButton').addClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.imageForm').fadeIn();}if ($(closestDiv).is('.tableLinkTTButton')) {$('.tableFormEntryButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.formatForm').hide();$('.tableLinkTTButton').addClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.linkOnTTForm').fadeIn();}if ($(closestDiv).is('.tableSmileyButton')) {$('.tableFormEntryButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.formatForm').hide();$('.tableSmileyButton').addClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.smileyForm').fadeIn();}});$('.formatFormCancel').on('click', function() {$('.tableFormEntryButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.formatForm').hide();});$('.previewButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();$('.previewButton').html('...Creating Preview')var comment = $('.textAreaBox').val();var dataToSend = {"comment": comment, "createPreview":1};$.post('/truckers-forum/includes/php/admin.php', dataToSend, function(data) {$('html, body').animate({'scrollTop':'+=300'}, 600);$('.previewButton').html('Preview');$('.previewDivInner').html(data.comment);$('.previewDiv').fadeIn();},'json');});$('.previewCancel').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();$('.previewDivInner').html('');$('.previewDiv').fadeOut();});$('.previewReply').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();$('.previewDivInner').html('');$('.previewDiv').fadeOut();$('.replyButton').trigger('click');});$('.replyButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();if ($('.textAreaBox').val().length > 5500) {alert('Your post is too long. Please reduce the size to below 5,500 characters. The count is shown below the window you\'re typing into.');}else {$('.replyButton').html('Sending...');var topicBody = $('.textAreaBox').val();var categoryID = $('.categoryHeading').data('category');var topic = $('.topicHeading').data('topic');if ($('.subscribeButton').hasClass('subscribedToTopic')) {var subscribed = "yes";}else {var subscribed = "no";}var dataArray = {'categoryID': categoryID, 'comment': topicBody, 'topic': topic, 'subscribed': subscribed};$.post('/truckers-forum/includes/php/insertNewComment.php', dataArray, function(data) {var dataReturned = $.parseJSON(data);if (dataReturned.status == "success") {$('.replyButton').html('Success! Reloading page...');location.reload(true);}// if they posted too recentlyelse if (dataReturned.status == "timeLimit") {alert('Sorry, you can only post a new comment every two minutes. Please wait a short time and hit Submit again.');}else if (dataReturned.status == "moderation") {alert('Your comment is awaiting moderation. We will send you an email if it is approved. Hopefully it will only be a few minutes but it could be a few hours so we appreciate your patience. We\'re doing all we can to keep this a friendly and helpful community for everyone. Thanks!');location.reload(true);}else if (dataReturned.status == "commentLimit") {alert('Sorry, you have too many comments in moderation right now. Please be patient while we get caught up and submit this again in a little while. Thanks.')}else if (dataReturned.status == "banned") {alert('Sorry, you have been banned from posting in our forum.');}else {alert('There was an error of some sort. Please hit the "Submit" button again. If this error continues, contact brett@truckingtruth.com and we\'ll get it straightened out. Thanks.');}});}});$('.tagListUL').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();var $target = $(e.target);if ($target.hasClass('btn')) {$target.toggleClass('tagged');}});$('.submitTagsButton').on("click", function(e) {e.preventDefault();$('.submitTagsButton').html('...sending');var taggedElements = $('.tagListUL').find('.tagged');var tagArray = [];for (i=0; i\n\n'; var selectionStart = $('.textAreaBox').getSelection().start;$('.textAreaBox').insertText(insertedHtml, selectionStart, true);$('.imageForm').fadeOut();$('.tableImageButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.urlForImage').val('');}img.src = imageUrl;}$('.submitImageButton').on('click', function() {var imageUrl = $('.urlForImage').val();validateImageUrl(imageUrl); });function validateLink(link) {return fetch(link, { method: 'HEAD' }).then(response => {return (response.status === 200 || response.status === 301 || response.status === 302);}).catch(error => {console.log('Error:', error);return false;});}$('.submitLinkButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();var textForLink = $('.textForLink').val();if (textForLink.length < 4) {alert('Please put a description for the page you\'re linking to in the "Link Text" field.');}else {var linkUrl = $('.urlForLink').val();var linkHtml = '' + textForLink + '';var selectionStart = $('.textAreaBox').getSelection().start;$('.textAreaBox').insertText(linkHtml, selectionStart, true);$('.linkForm').fadeOut();$('.tableLinkButton').removeClass('tableButtonPressed');$('.textForLink').val('');$('.urlForLink').val('');}});$('.ttLinkButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();var link = parseInt($(this).data('link'));// we have to subtract 1 from link to get the proper array indexvar linkHtml = ttLinkButtonArray[link - 1];// var linkText = $(this).html();// var linkHtml = '' + linkText + ''; var selectionStart = $('.textAreaBox').getSelection().start;$('.textAreaBox').insertText(linkHtml, selectionStart, true);});$('.smileyForm').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();if ($(e.target).data('name') == "cancel") {return;}var imageName = $(e.target).closest('img').data('name');if (imageName !== 'cancel') {var imageHtml = ' ';var selectionStart = $('.textAreaBox').getSelection().start;$('.textAreaBox').insertText(imageHtml, selectionStart, true);}});$('.quoteButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();$('.newTopicWrapper').show();var comment = $(this).parents('.commentWrapper').find('.commentText');var commentor = $(this).parents('.commentWrapper').find('.nickname').html();$('html, body').animate({scrollTop: ($('.newTopicWrapper').offset().top)}, 500);// gotta get the glossary .definitionTerm spans and .tooltipElements out of the quote$(comment).find('.tooltipElements').remove();$(comment).find('.definitionTerm').each(function(i,v) {$(this).replaceWith($(this).text().trim());});$(comment).find('.viewMoreQuoteButton').remove();// $(comment).find('span[itemprop="text"]').unwrap();// $(comment).trim();var commentWrapped = "

" + $(comment).html().trim() + "

\n\n";var uidOfSender = $('.uidDiv').data('uid');// we have to get the current content of the textarea then append this quotevar currentTextAreaVal = $('.textAreaBox').val();var newTextAreaVal = currentTextAreaVal + "\n\n\n\n" + commentWrapped;// $('.textAreaBox').val(commentWrapped);$('.textAreaBox').val(newTextAreaVal);textAreaCheck(0, 1);});// this is the report button$('.reportButton').on("click", function(e) {e.preventDefault();$thisButton = $(this);if (confirm("Just confirming that you would like to report this comment?")) {$thisButton.text("..sending");var $commentWrapper = $(this).parents('.commentWrapper');var commentId = $commentWrapper.data('commentid');var commentText = $commentWrapper.find('.commentText').html();var nickname = $commentWrapper.find('.nickname a').text();var topicID = $('.topicHeading').data('topic');var topicHeading = $('.topicHeading').text();var page = $('.topicHeading').data('page');var uidOfSender = $('.uidDiv').data('uid');var options = {"reportComment":"1", "topic":topicID, "nickname":nickname, "commentText":commentText, "commentId":commentId, "uidOfSender":uidOfSender, "topicHeading":topicHeading, "page":page};$.post('/truckers-forum/includes/php/setUserPreferences.php', options, function(data) {$thisButton.text('Report');if (data.status == "success") {alert("Thanks! We've received your report about this comment and you can be certain we'll be taking a close look at it. We appreciate the help!");}else {alert("hmmmm....that didn't go through for some reason. Try hitting the 'report' button one more time. Thanks.");}},'json');}});$('.subscribeButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();$(this).toggleClass('subscribedToTopic');});$('.goToPageSubmit').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();var topic = $('.topicHeading').data('topic');var page = $(this).parents('.topicPaginationWrapper').find('.goToPage').val();var subjectString = $('.topicHeading').data('subjectstring');var locationString = "https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-" + topic + "/";locationString += "Page-" + page + "/" + subjectString;location.href=locationString;});// this looks for the first blockquote in each commentTextWrapper and shortens it if it's really long$.each($('.commentWrapper'), function(i,comment) {// console.log($(this));var $quote = $(this).find('blockquote:first');// console.log($quote);// if the quote is taller than 450 pxif ($quote.height() > 450) {// create the "View More" buttonvar a = $("").addClass('btn btnDarkBlueArrowDown viewMoreQuoteButton').attr('data-id', i).html('View More');// add the heightReduced class to the quote$quote.addClass('heightReduced');// append the View More button and clearTall$(a).insertAfter($quote);$('').insertAfter($(a));}});// this will expand the blockquote which we shortened with the previous .each function$('.viewMoreQuoteButton').on("click", function(e) {e.preventDefault();// find the blockquotevar $blockquote = $(this).parents('.commentText').find('blockquote:eq(0)')// if the height is currently reducedif ($blockquote.hasClass('heightReduced')) {// remove the height restrictino$blockquote.removeClass('heightReduced');// convert the arrow down to an arrow up$(this).html("View Less").removeClass('btnDarkBlueArrowDown').addClass('btnDarkBlueArrowUp');// scroll to the top of the blockquote$('html, body').animate({scrollTop: ($($blockquote).offset().top - 20)}, 500);}// if it's currently at full heightelse {// add heightReduced to reduce the height$blockquote.addClass('heightReduced');// convert the button to arrow down$(this).html("View More").removeClass('btnDarkBlueArrowUp').addClass('btnDarkBlueArrowDown');// scroll back to the top of the quote$('html, body').animate({scrollTop: ($($blockquote).offset().top - 20)}, 500);}});// if there are new comments this will scroll the page to themif ($('.topicHeading').data('pagename') == "Newest" && $('.newTopic').length) {$('html, body').animate({scrollTop: ($('.newTopic:eq(0)').offset().top - 20)}, 500);}// this creates a searchable list out of the tags with List.js (/includes/js/List.js)// and the fuzzysearch plugin (/includes/js/fuzzysearch.js)var listOptions = { valueNames: [ 'sorted' ], listClass: 'tagListUL', page: 500, plugins:[ListFuzzySearch()]};var tagList = new List('tagListInnerDiv', listOptions);// this is for the page button// make an array of elements that should be included in page menuvar inclusionArray = ["h1","h2","h3",".commentInfo",".nextPageButton",".prevPageButton",".startNewTopic",".returnButtons"];// make an array of elements that should not be included in page menuvar exclusionArray = [".mobileShortcutDiv",".tooltipElements",".previewDiv",".jumpDiv",".newTopicWrapper",".tagListWrapper"];// createPageMenuButton(inclusionArray,exclusionArray);// this is for submitting ratings and tags for each conversation$('.ratingSubmitButton').on('click', function(e) {e.preventDefault();$(this).html('...sending');var rating = $('.ratingSelect').val();var topic = $('.topicHeading').data('topic');$.post('/truckers-forum/includes/php/updateTags.php', {"rating":rating, "topic_id": topic}, function(data) {$('.ratingSubmitButton').html('Success!');setTimeout(function() {$('.ratingSubmitButton').html("Submit");}, 600);});});});

Topic 34229 | Page 1

• Trucker's Forum

• General Category

• Refresher course?

Page 1 of 1

Mike J.'s Comment

Mike J.

reader

Posts: 4

Joined Us:

2 months ago

3 days, 10 hours ago

Hello y'all. I'm Mike.

I got my cdl-A several years ago. I drove locally for 1 1/2 yrs, then quit to fix my house and sell it and move out of state. Drove b's with booms and moffetts, a's with & w/out moffetts, automatics, manuals, oldies and nearly brand new trucks too. Fast forward 2 1/2 yrs and I'm ready to use my cdl once again. I haven't worked or drove for 2 1/2 years. I can only work locally. I've applied to around 15 different jobs so far and got 1 interview but I backed out of it because it was low paying and more lumber yard work then actually delivering. That job was through a staffing agency and through another staffing agency, I think my resume was sent out to 4 and then I applied to 10 via Indeed. No luck, save the 1 ****ty job I passed on.

Do I need a refresher course? I've read some write that very thing on other threads, but I'm pretty sure I'm special and don't need to do that kind of bull****. If I need a refresher, how long must it be? In my area (southern MO), I've got trucking schools offering 1 week for $1,750, 2 weeks for $3,000, one offers a 3 fricken week refresher for $3,200. It took me a month to get my cdl and I probably could've gotten through it in 2 weeks, so I cannot imagine 3 f'n weeks. It would be horrible and my wallet would be so ****ed.

The school offering 3 for $3,200 claims that this long period is for insurance purposes. I said, who's insurance? She said the trucking company. I said got damn it!

So, am I wasting my time trying to save some loot and sanity by choosing the 1-2 week course or am I wasting my time because either automated trucks or illegal alien invaders are going to take my job pre-2030?

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

• Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
• Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

BK's Comment

BK

Madison, WI

Experienced Driver

See Also

🔴🟡🟢 JUNK REMOVAL 🔴🟡🟢 FLAT RATE & FREE QUOTES 🔴 - labor / hauling / moving - craigslist🫥🥴🫥 ONLY MOVING A FEW ITEMS AND NEED HELP TODAY? 🫠WERE AVAILABLE!!! - labor / hauling / moving - craigslist#PTonICE Daily Show - Friday, July 19th, 2024 - Front or rear mount trainer: which one is right for me? | Institute of Clinical ExcellenceSeattle WA Real Estate - Seattle WA Homes For Sale | Zillow

Posts: 5572

Joined Us:

7 years, 5 months ago

283 Photos

3 days, 10 hours ago

You can probably start over anew with paid training from a company that trains drivers who already have their CDL. Your experience should be an advantage. Check out the links from this site:

Paid CDL Training ProgramsApply For Paid CDL Training

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

• Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
• Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

RealDiehl's Comment

RealDiehl

Moderator

Woodstown, NJ

Experienced Driver

Posts: 1673

Joined Us:

6 years, 9 months ago

159 Photos

3 days, 8 hours ago

Do I need a refresher course? I've read some write that very thing on other threads, but I'm pretty sure I'm special and don't need to do that kind of bull****.

Some companies, maybe most, will require X amount of experience within the past X years. They want recent experience.

Is driving over the road an option you are willing to consider? You can get paid training with an OTR company. I think Schneider has a relatively short training period. They might even have positions in your area for more local or regional drivers. You'd have to ask them about that if you speak to a recruiter.

It might be beneficial to approach any interviews as if you are a new driver looking to brush up on skills that may have diminished over time. It's good to be confident but you definitely don't want to give the impression that you are above that sort of thing. Or else you might be viewed as a driver who is unwilling to adapt to new methods or learn new skills.

Companies can afford to be more picky about who they hire bc currently there is a lower demand for drivers. Your experience might benefit you, but you still want to show that you are willing to learn.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

Over The Road:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

PJ's Comment

PJ

Moderator

Elberton, GA

Experienced Driver

Posts: 3253

Joined Us:

10 years, 9 months ago

75 Photos

2 days, 13 hours ago

Check indeed or craigslist. Your local only requirement will certainly narrow your options.

Check schneider and tmc. I know in the atlanta area they both do local delivery for home depot. If they do it in your area maybe that would be an option for you. Those positions often are area specific.

Both will probably put you through a refresher so I would not waste money doing it without securing a position.

In terms of the big carriers you don’t have enough experience for the time frame you listed. Just the way they look at it right or wrong.

Small companies are solely at the discretion of their insurance carrier. Mine requires 2 years experience within the past 4 years to accept. Insurance carriers are not all equal, so another may accept your experience.

You just have to keep beating the bushes.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

Mike J.'s Comment

Mike J.

reader

Posts: 4

Joined Us:

2 months ago

2 days, 3 hours ago

Thanks for the links BK.Thanks for the advice RealDeihl.Thanks for the names and advice PJ. I was wondering why I couldn't get companies like xpo to call me back. I did get some feedback from a carrier that works for fed-ex and it's been too long since I've driven.I will call schneider and tmc. I'll call Wilson's too. I know they train otr.I'm not bummed about it. I chose the route I took and got important things done and it will cost me some time and/or money. You guys are great.

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

Page 1 of 1

Return To General CategoryTrucker's Forum Homepage

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold

Italic

Underline

Quote

Photo

Link

Smiley

Links On TruckingTruth

Done

Done

Reply:

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.

Notify Me Of New CommentsSubmitPreview

Preview:

Submit

Cancel