'Violent' Criminal History And Getting Hired As A Truck Driver?

Hey everyone,

I am about to start truck driving school here in a little over 2 weeks. I do not want to go on a massive tangent here so I will give a run down of my issue.

I have 2 assault charges in the State of Iowa (home) and they are within the last 3 years. The first charge being in 2013 and the second in 2014. These are both misdemeanor charges and I have a certified copy of criminal record for reference (they do not make it easy to read) My second charge was actually a charge for a domestic and was knocked down to an assault in court (it was BS charge and it didn't hold any weight). I did do two years of probation but that ended Dec of 2015. So I do not have any legal obligations, I have done my time, but I DO have the record.

I am not proud of any of this, my record is all BS if you ask me. But I did commit these crimes and I did my time and I usually bring it up and explain it to any potential employer so there is no confusion when the record check comes back to HR. I am a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, have a solid resume, I am brutally honest, and I like to think I am stand up guy. But a lot companies have firm policies on not hiring people with "violent" records.

I will graduate truck driving school at the end of this coming July. I have been doing my research here and on other websites. I worked for TMC as a trailer mechanic for a year back 2013, and one of my parents is OTR.

I am looking for a companies that run flatbed or at least a flatbed division OTR. This would be my first company so they have to be willing to hire with no experience. I talked to Keim TS a few times and sent them my resume and app to try and get a pre-hire. They told me that openly disclosing my criminal record to them was a good thing and would further my chances with Keim. I Haven't heard back from them (was supposed to be contacted earlier this week). So its anyone's guess whats going on there.

I am getting some cold feet here because after looking at System Transports website their requirements state you cannot have a " unapproved misdemeanor or felony convictions within the last (6) years". I am sure companies and recruiters I talk to will be more ambitious about me after I graduate truck driving school but I am starting to wonder if I am going to just be wasting money on a CDL I can't use?

So in short, where can a guy with two misdemeanor assaults go to get started in flatbed?

Anyone have any input?

First off, I am not a driver, but am working towards that goal. Being open and honest is the best thing to do. Always tell the truth, but tell the best truth you can. Don't give up easy. Most companies state that they hire felons on a case by case basis.

I don't think it will be too much of a hindrance. Some companies may have a problem with the felony charge that was reduced to a misdemeanor, but you should be able to find employment somewhere if you're no longer on probation. Off the top of my head, flatbed companies you could try would include Swift, TMC, Prime, Knight, and Melton. I would apply to any company you are interested in, be completely honest and see what kind of results you get.

First off, I am not a driver, but am working towards that goal. Being open and honest is the best thing to do. Always tell the truth, but tell the best truth you can. Don't give up easy. Most companies state that they hire felons on a case by case basis.

That's pretty much been the plan, talked to Maverick the other day and they told me that even Felonies are case by case basis with them. I only have misdemeanors but my criminal history coupled with my work history will be the deciding factor for them when I apply.

I don't think it will be too much of a hindrance. Some companies may have a problem with the felony charge that was reduced to a misdemeanor, but you should be able to find employment somewhere if you're no longer on probation. Off the top of my head, flatbed companies you could try would include Swift, TMC, Prime, Knight, and Melton. I would apply to any company you are interested in, be completely honest and see what kind of results you get.

Luckily I was not charged with a felony, just charged and convicted of misdemeanors. I talked to Melton and their policy is all misdemeanors and felonies have to be older than 6 years. The more I look around I see more and more companies have similar policies. So far I am have been automatically DQ'd from Melton and System. I am unsure of where Keim TS is as I never heard back from them. I have not given TMC much thought as I worked for them as a mechanic and I quit because of an indifference with my direct supervisor there. Might give Decker a call next week though.

Old School was successful with Western Express. Might also check out Jones Brothers.

Old School was successful with Western Express. Might also check out Jones Brothers.

I vaguely remember seeing somewhere that Western Express has a MVR expectation that goes beyond 3 years but I could be wrong, I got few too many speeding tickets a couple years ago. They seem to have a pretty good setup and I hear good things.

Well hell, you have to tell the whole story. Those tickets can be worse than the convictions.

Well hell, you have to tell the whole story. Those tickets can be worse than the convictions.

I got three tickets in 2013 (10 & under) but 2 of which were in may so thats put me only 1 ticket in three years. Some of these places go back 5 + years. I have never had an at fault accident or OWI/DUI, etc.

I have a back ground as big as Texas it's was hard for me but there is some who will give a rookie with no exp a chance just don't give up this August will be a year for me so I can do it with my back ground u can you just have to keep at it good luck