How to Get Back into Trucking With No Recent Experience

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Been Out of the Game? Here’s How to Get Back Behind the Wheel

So, you hung up the keys for a while. Maybe life happened—family, a different job, an injury, or just plain burnout. But now you’re ready to jump back in, and suddenly, trucking companies are treating you like a rookie again.

“No recent experience? Sorry, we can’t hire you.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Thousands of drivers take time off and then struggle to get back into trucking. The good news? You’ve still got options. Let’s break it down so you can get rolling again—without dealing with endless rejections.

Why Trucking Companies Are So Picky About Recent Experience
Here’s the truth: it’s not always the trucking companies that don’t want to hire you—it’s the insurance companies that call the shots.

Most insurance providers require drivers to have recent verifiable experience, usually within the past 6 months to 3 years. If you’ve been off the road longer than that, you’re considered a higher risk. That means many large carriers won’t take the gamble, even if you’ve got a clean record and years of experience.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. It just means you have to be strategic.

Option 1: Go Through a Refresher Course
One of the fastest ways to get back in the game is by taking a refresher course. These short programs (usually 1-4 weeks long) are designed for experienced drivers who’ve been off the road and need to brush up on their skills.

✅ Pros:
Quickly gets you back on the road
Shows companies you’re serious about returning
Some carriers will pay for your refresher if you agree to work for them
❌ Cons:
Some refresher courses charge fees (anywhere from $500 to $3,000)
If a company pays for it, you may have to sign a contract
🚨 Pro Tip: If you don’t want to be locked into a contract, call around to local CDL schools. Some offer standalone refresher courses that aren’t tied to a job commitment.

Option 2: Apply to Smaller Companies & Owner-Operators
Mega-carriers follow strict hiring policies, but smaller companies and owner-operators tend to be more flexible. These businesses care more about whether you can actually drive than whether you have a recent pay stub from a trucking company.

✅ Pros:
Less red tape than big carriers
More willing to work with experienced drivers, even if you’ve been out for a while
Potentially better pay and home time
❌ Cons:
May not offer great benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc.)
Training may be less structured if you need a refresher
🚨 Pro Tip: Look for local mom-and-pop trucking companies. Many don’t advertise jobs online, so try calling around or checking trucker Facebook groups and Craigslist.

Option 3: Get Back in Through a Non-Traditional Gig
If nobody wants to give you a shot on big rigs, consider breaking back in through a different type of driving job.

🚜 Farm or Construction Hauling
Agricultural and construction companies often need truckers but don’t have the same strict requirements as major carriers. If you live near farms or industrial sites, check with them.

🚛 Hotshot Trucking
If you have a pickup truck and a trailer, you can start hotshot trucking without even needing a CDL. Once you build up some recent experience hauling, it’s easier to transition back into Class A trucking.

📦 Box Truck or Delivery Driving
Companies like FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and local delivery companies are always hiring experienced drivers. Some of these jobs can serve as a stepping stone to getting back into semi-truck driving.

✅ Pros:
Easier to get hired
Helps you get recent driving experience
Can be a good backup if trucking jobs aren’t available
❌ Cons:
May pay less than CDL trucking jobs
Not always considered “official” trucking experience
🚨 Pro Tip: If you go this route, try to drive commercial vehicles that require a CDL so the experience is more valuable.

Option 4: Rent Yourself Onto an Owner-Operator’s Insurance
If you have trucker friends or know an owner-operator, you might be able to work under their insurance and authority. Some owner-operators or small fleet owners will let you run under their MC number for a small cut of the load pay.

✅ Pros:
Skips the need for a company refresher
Gets you recent experience without dealing with recruiters
❌ Cons:
Not always easy to find someone willing to take the risk
Some companies may not recognize this experience when you apply elsewhere
🚨 Pro Tip: Some insurance policies require at least 1-2 years of recent experience for a driver to be covered. Always check before making a deal!

Final Advice: Get Back in Any Way You Can
Getting back into trucking with no recent experience isn’t impossible—it just takes a little strategy. Whether it’s through a refresher course, a smaller carrier, or a non-traditional driving job, the key is to get recent experience on paper.

Once you’re back:
✅ Keep your record clean (no accidents, no job-hopping too fast)
✅ Network with other truckers (word-of-mouth jobs are gold)
✅ Be flexible with job types (even if it’s not your dream gig at first)

And most importantly—don’t give up. Trucking needs drivers now more than ever, and if you play your cards right, you’ll be back in the driver’s seat before you know it. Unless things have happened that turns them away from you. In that case maybe you want to pursue another more open opportunity. And I'm sure you heard of of Artificial Intelligence. That could be your ticket. Start an AI Agency, that's what we are introducing to truckers at Trucker Side Hustles

What’s Your Story?
💬 Have you been out of trucking and made a comeback? Drop your story in the comments on Truckers Forum! Your experience might help someone else get back on the road.