I need a job!

[njhonker]

hey everybody....lost my job of 21 1/2 years at home in NJ.....came out here last November and was just laid off here.......if you know of anything...I mean ANYTHING....part time..whatever...I'm kinda desperate right now...thanks...

[Blazing Saddles]

I'll keep my ears open. Good luck.

[njhonker]

thanks....

[trucktrain]

Where ya at? Got a CDL? Clean record. Might be able to hook you up if Litchfield, IL is'nt too far.

[trucktrain]

PM sent to ya Joe.

[njhonker]

I'm in Pittsfield....no CDL...I'm willing to get one.....I have a clean record

[trucktrain]

Sorry Honker, they require experience. Pittsfield would be a LONG commute. If you want to drive a truck, talk with some of the local farmers, get your CDL, drive for them to get exp. Not great pay, but ya gotta start somewhere.

[njhonker]

thanks.....I was just looking into what to do to get a CDL.....how long does it usually take to get it?

[trucktrain]

How long's it take? That's up to you. Get a CDL book from DMV, free, and study it. You take your written test, pass it, get a permit so you can drive supervised. Basically the same deal as when got your regular DL. Only catch is, you have to take the driving part of the test in the truck. That's why I suggested the farmers in the area. Get to know them, they may let you drive on the farm to get the feel of it.

Another option is to sign on with one of the big companies. They used to, I don't know with economy like it is now, but they used to send you to one of these CDL schools for a week or two to get your license and basic training. Then you would got out with a trainer for 8-10 weeks, then get your own company truck. While your with the trainer, you get paid, but a lesser rate. They pay for the school and training. The catch here is that you sign a contract that guarantees that you will work for them for x amount of time. If you quit or get fired before that time is up, you owe for school. That gives you experience and training. The trainer you get is the luck of the draw. You have to spend that time in the truck with him. If he's ahole, it can be a long 8-10 weeks. Another catch is that it will be over the road, meaning that you'll be gone from home, a lot. But I figure that's how I paid my dues to get a local job.

Hope this helps. If I can help you any more, let me know.

[njhonker]

thanks alot for the info...I'm going to give it some thought.....doesn't sound like such a bad thing.....maybe it could be my new start....I really appreciate all your help....

[ralesage]

I always tell guys, once you get that CDL, You will always be able to find work. It may not be work that you want at that time, but you can always get a check coming in.

Roger

[trucktrain]

Honker, I did a little research. Seems like the company sponsored training may be a thing of the past. Be careful, don't get scammed. I did a Google search "company sponsored truck driver training" and it pulled up some options.

[njhonker]

THANKS....... guess everybody is cutting back huh?

I've been looking into this CDL thing...I think I have another problem...since my drivers lisc is a NJ one....can I get one in IL or do I have to go back to NJ to get it?