Ex-Felon Looking For A Truck Driving Job

Topic 1132 | Page 1

Page 1 of 3 Next Page Go To Page:
Lee S.'s Comment
member avatar

Just got cdl , now learning real truth about felony convictions and getting hired...mine is over 20yrs old (1985)...multiple violent felony from when I was 17yrs old..spent 27yrs in prison....got out Sept./2012 @ 45yrs old seeking new start on life driving...need a chance..any drivers looking to hire a new driver out there?..I'm in N. Va. area. OTR is fine..working to get that first year in...any leads would be wonderful...not discouraged...worked too hard to get to this point in my life...

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.

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.

guyjax(Guy Hodges)'s Comment
member avatar

Many companies will hire drivers with felonies, I am proof of that, but the catching point is you need to be done with your completed sentence for a minimum of 5 years before anyone will seriously consider taking you on. You have only been out less than a year.

You can try applying at EVERY company out there and see if someone will take a chance on you but most company policies want a minimum of 3 to 5 years of clean living.

Sorry that I could not be more positive but that is how it is with companies.

HeavyHauler's Comment
member avatar

Look into local asphalt hauling or concrete carriers. Most hire felons (At least in Ok) regardless of length of time of incarceration or length of being out. Keep your head up and be honest with them.

Tim L.'s Comment
member avatar

I just read that a company based in Kentucky hires felons, Paschall Truck Lines. You might look at their website and give them a call.

Joe S. (a.k.a. The Blue 's Comment
member avatar

Try, I think it is called, Slurry Paving right there in VA.

They should have a website. They had an add in the local papers where I live, and it ain't real close to their offices.

Aces-N-eights (Dale)'s Comment
member avatar

I know of a few lumber companies that will hire just about anyone. One of my ex co-workers had a murder conviction and was working with us. They changed names and are located in Oregon, but I can get the info if you want it.

Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

Yap, try logging companies and local farmers also.

We have a new feature on the site where you can Apply For Many Truck Driving Jobs With One Application.

Also, check Craigslist. You might find a lot of smaller companies willing to give you an opportunity.

Starcar's Comment
member avatar

The oil fields may be a place to check out.I'm not real familiar with their requirements...but they are sure beggin' for drivers..

Tyler B.'s Comment
member avatar

I know that this is a subject that seems like its fathered quite a few threads... so I am going to open this up under an existing one... I need help. I was in the service for 9 years, but one and a half were spent in the Brig. I have a conviction under a UCMJ code, and a dishonorable discharge coming. I have been home for about 9 months now, but I am trying to find out how likely it is if I were to go about getting a CDL if I could get hired, or if I could get on a sponsored training program, with a conviction that translates into the civilian world as a Felony.

I see that most companies take felonies on a case by case. Anyone have any recommendations on where to start with this checkered past? I really just want to Work & get back on my feet, & I am looking for a career. Trucking would be my preferred option right now. Any help/information would be appreciated. #GodBlessAmerica I am a proud American. I served... I just hope that I can find a Career now. Again, thanks for any help/Prayers given

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.
Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

To be honest I don't recall ever hearing a company mention any specifics about that before. Everyone lists their requirements regarding felonies, DUI's, tickets, accidents, and all that kinda stuff but I've never heard mention of a dishonorable discharge. My guess would be that companies would investigate your situation and decide in a case by case basis how to handle it. Hopefully someone out there knows some specifics and can contribute but you'll more than likely need to speak with some trucking companies about it to see what they say.

I know they're going to require any written documentation you can give them. If there are any documents you might need to request from the military I would go ahead and do so now.

DUI:

Driving Under the Influence

Page 1 of 3 Next Page Go To Page:

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


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

This topic has the following tags:

Background Checks Becoming A Truck Driver Drivers Past Legal Issues Drivers With Felonies Getting Your CDL
Click on any of the buttons above to view topics with that tag, or you can view a list of all forum tags here.

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training