And So It Begins...

Time has come to make a change in my future, I've been in the same career for 25yrs with past 10yrs at same employer. I'm not saying its a bad career I'm just not getting anywhere. It has always been a Future goal to go to Trucking and the time is now to start preparing. I am 55 yrs old live in Inwood WV, my children are grown and my wife wants me out of the house ( )!! My plan is to be in a school Jan.22' in order to get licensed before the Feb.22' DOT Changes...I want winter training for obvious reasons. now for the wake up call....

Criminal

1. 86' Misdemeanor Possession Marijuana less than 1/2 oz ( Which also ended my Military Career, as it should have I was a Moron) 2. 90' Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct {Bar Fight...charges dropped due to witnesses but still on record) 3. 94' Misdemeanor Disorderly Intoxication 4. 96' Misdemeanor Public Urination ( Not in downtown Mayberry but in a remote Beach Parking Lot, either way unlawful) 5. 10' Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia ( this incident ended my affair with Mary Jane, clean 11yrs)

MVR Suspensions

1. FL. 97' Speeding FL. 09' Failure to pay fine No DL Present ( was licensed) 2. FL. 03' Failure to Obey FL. 09' Failure to pay Fine No Seatbelt 3. FL. 04' Speeding 72/55 ( both from same traffic stop line 6 MVR) 5. FL. 06' Speeding 53/70 ( Not that it matters but the above was not me, my brother used my 6. FL. 09' Speeding 88/70 info to evade Jail because he was unlicensed) 7. VA. 13' Speeding 57/45 8. VA. 16' Speeding 79/70

My medical history suks also, had a Heart Attack in 2017 and have 3 Stents. On Meds for that and Blood Pressure but both my Cardiologist and Primary Care Doc have signed necessary paperwork for the FMCSA to take DOT Physical and see no reason I cant pursue this career.

There ya have it, my deep dark past that only I have to blame, so what's your opinions, wanna bust my balls about the Military and Marijuana stuff go ahead I deserve it and I'm a man I can take it. Do you see my future over before it starts? My Company list thus far is....

1. Prime Inc. (was denied due to something with a Misdemeanor, cant get a straight answer and I get it) 2. Wilson Logistics 3. Millis Transfer 4. DOT Foods (if I go private cdl school route) 5. Stevens Transport ( Have an invite to CDL School in Col. for Sept 20th class but had to put off because needed some Medical Clearances and my current job is relying on me to complete a project in November and I didn't want to let them down, just like I wouldn't let a Carrier down if given the opportunity.) 6. Western Express ( because of their 2nd chance)

Not ruling out others but starting here. I wanna thank you all for hearing me out and the info you leave behind will be appreciated. Every person on this site, at a company, or who reads this in the future understand This... I screwed up... I've changed my lifestyle and am as healthy as I can be. By no means am I a menace to Society. And my past discretions are just that...In The Past! I wish you all Safe Travels and A Great Day!!

Time has come to make a change in my future, I've been in the same career for 25yrs with past 10yrs at same employer. I'm not saying its a bad career I'm just not getting anywhere. It has always been a Future goal to go to Trucking and the time is now to start preparing. I am 55 yrs old live in Inwood WV, my children are grown and my wife wants me out of the house ( )!! My plan is to be in a school Jan.22' in order to get licensed before the Feb.22' DOT Changes...I want winter training for obvious reasons. now for the wake up call....

Criminal

1. 86' Misdemeanor Possession Marijuana less than 1/2 oz ( Which also ended my Military Career, as it should have I was a Moron) 2. 90' Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct {Bar Fight...charges dropped due to witnesses but still on record) 3. 94' Misdemeanor Disorderly Intoxication 4. 96' Misdemeanor Public Urination ( Not in downtown Mayberry but in a remote Beach Parking Lot, either way unlawful) 5. 10' Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia ( this incident ended my affair with Mary Jane, clean 11yrs)

MVR Suspensions

1. FL. 97' Speeding FL. 09' Failure to pay fine No DL Present ( was licensed) 2. FL. 03' Failure to Obey FL. 09' Failure to pay Fine No Seatbelt 3. FL. 04' Speeding 72/55 ( both from same traffic stop line 6 MVR) 5. FL. 06' Speeding 53/70 ( Not that it matters but the above was not me, my brother used my 6. FL. 09' Speeding 88/70 info to evade Jail because he was unlicensed) 7. VA. 13' Speeding 57/45 8. VA. 16' Speeding 79/70

My medical history suks also, had a Heart Attack in 2017 and have 3 Stents. On Meds for that and Blood Pressure but both my Cardiologist and Primary Care Doc have signed necessary paperwork for the FMCSA to take DOT Physical and see no reason I cant pursue this career.

There ya have it, my deep dark past that only I have to blame, so what's your opinions, wanna bust my balls about the Military and Marijuana stuff go ahead I deserve it and I'm a man I can take it. Do you see my future over before it starts? My Company list thus far is....

1. Prime Inc. (was denied due to something with a Misdemeanor, cant get a straight answer and I get it) 2. Wilson Logistics 3. Millis Transfer 4. DOT Foods (if I go private cdl school route) 5. Stevens Transport ( Have an invite to CDL School in Col. for Sept 20th class but had to put off because needed some Medical Clearances and my current job is relying on me to complete a project in November and I didn't want to let them down, just like I wouldn't let a Carrier down if given the opportunity.) 6. Western Express ( because of their 2nd chance)

Not ruling out others but starting here. I wanna thank you all for hearing me out and the info you leave behind will be appreciated. Every person on this site, at a company, or who reads this in the future understand This... I screwed up... I've changed my lifestyle and am as healthy as I can be. By no means am I a menace to Society. And my past discretions are just that...In The Past! I wish you all Safe Travels and A Great Day!!

Howdy, Todd....and welcome the heck to Trucking Truth!!!!

First of all.. we ALL have skeletons, and checkers. (Even though life FEELS like a chess game, anymore, haha!)

Did you read our pertinent starter kit? This really says it all:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

AND, did you apply with 'our' link???? This might help ya . . . TRY IT!

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Sir, you are NO menace to society, anymore than I am, for being a trucker's wife for 20 plus years, and a 2 time CDLP driver, myself! Please check out the above, and don't be an OSTRICH!! (Get your HEAD outta the sand!!!! You'll be fine!)

Anne

Thanks Anna for the Reply, I guess I just need to play the cards I'm dealt and see where it leads me. I know when my records came back I was somewhat Horrified at my Wild 90's, I knew there were some things on there but...WOW. Its gonna be on the back of my mind until the day comes that I'm awarded my own Truck..."Is the rug gonna be ripped from under me during training because of the background or MVR?"...We shall see I guess. And by the way...I'm not sure what happened to the Paragraph on MVR and Suspensions, I surly didn't write it that way when sent in but it got all outta wack when it hit the forum, sry that was a hard read but you get the just. As far as the Links you suggested I will check them out, Thanks. Going forward I welcome more comments on the subject, Any current Drivers for the Companies I mentioned feel free to offer your opinion on my chance of getting on there with said background...Thanks Again!!

I would try CFI they are more forgiven than other companies, as you know there is a lot on there but most is older than 10 years.

Also don't waste money on private CDL school, just in case companies pass on you you'll have wasted money.

I would try CFI they are more forgiven than other companies, as you know there is a lot on there but most is older than 10 years.

Also don't waste money on private CDL school, just in case companies pass on you you'll have wasted money.

Todd W. I think Bobcat makes an excellent point on the company sponsored training. If a company has all your information and is still willing to put you through their CDL training, they’re going to have a longer look at your commitment level.

If your rehabilitation is as you say, you’ll be a great employee for the company who gives you another chance. Make the most of it!

It seems like the stuff is pretty far back from what Ive read, Certainly wouldnt hurt to batch apply. I had trouble with speeding tickets, but eventually got hired at Knight (whom have a reputation for being pretty picky about hiring). Can not recommend going with company provided training as recommended here enough. They and a lot of other companies were concerned about tickets in the last 3 years. If I recall correctly most looked for no criminal cases in the last 3 to 5 years. Each company is different though and have different requirements.

Thanks for your info all, CFI and Knight are companies I will put on my list as well. As far as CDL Training by the Carrier wouldn't that be a risk as well...I mean I have read stories on here of all being peaches and cream until you receive the License and during orientation something miraculously comes up and your not hired but on the hook for school. I guess when your past is sketchy these are the chances you take. The Private vs. Company Training debate is a good one, my view is if i an get some sort of funding that greatly reduces the cost, then if I cant land a job I'm out less but already paid for. Different strokes for different folks, at this point gang I just want the opportunity in this field and don't particularly care if its Private or Company. I wish it was November so I could start applying and get this ball rolling but I have a commitment that takes me until then. Oh well keep em coming gang if you have some input otherwise, be safe! Oh yeah alittle off topic but pertaining to winter training...does training typically take longer to complete in the winter because of weather or freight if at all?

As far as CDL Training by the Carrier wouldn't that be a risk as well...I mean I have read stories on here of all being peaches and cream until you receive the License and during orientation something miraculously comes up and your not hired but on the hook for school. I guess when your past is sketchy these are the chances you take.

One of the great things about Paid CDL Training Programs is that they reduce the risks of you not being able to land a job. In your situation the company sponsored training is ideal. They will vet you first before inviting you to their program. When they invite you they are committing themselves to you. They have already made up their mind about your background issues and determined that they will give you a shot. It is highly unusual for you to get sent home unless you hid something or lied about something. You can also get sent home for acting like a fool, but we know you wouldn't do that! The only reason something may "miraculously come up" is if you concealed it in the first place.

As long as you have told them everything and been honest about your past mistakes, and they do the background check and see that you were completely honest, there is no way for something else to come up. Honesty and being trustworthy are highly sought after characteristics in this field. They will determine that before you ever get to orientation. That is why it is ideal for your situation. They have already approved you before you start the training. Don't hide anything and you have nothing to fear.

As Old School points out, you are worrying about an urban legend that is not reality. It is like saying that companies are making money by training new drivers and then cutting them loose. Training new drivers is a big expense for the companies that do it and the only way they get paid back is by putting you in a truck and HOPING you become a safe, reliable driver.

Just DO NOT drink ANY alcohol while in training. Get caught, get sent home.

Oh yeah alittle off topic but pertaining to winter training...does training typically take longer to complete in the winter because of weather or freight if at all?

I don't know about winter training as I went to a private school and it was one of the stupidest things I've done. However, for my company, we don't slow down much in winter...there's plenty of freight to keep us running 11,500 miles/mth....WY and other States permitting.

Laura