Considering A Career In Trucking

Ok maybe, it's more than a consideration. So here's the reason for this post, a couple of years ago when I was in the Marines I got kicked out for drug related charges, I've done a couple background checks on myself, as well as through my state. I haven't been able to pull anything up concerning those charges. I wasn't planning on doing anything for the state and hadn't really considered HazMat transport. So my question is do you think a company would hire me?

Ok maybe, it's more than a consideration. So here's the reason for this post, a couple of years ago when I was in the Marines I got kicked out for drug related charges, I've done a couple background checks on myself, as well as through my state. I haven't been able to pull anything up concerning those charges. I wasn't planning on doing anything for the state and hadn't really considered HazMat transport. So my question is do you think a company would hire me?

Here is the main problem. Because of your background of being in the military you will have to provide you DD214. Not sure if all companies require this but I know all the companies I have worked for require the DD214 to prove military background and to show weather or not it was honorable or dishonorable discharge. I am not sure what info is included in the DD214 (full service record I think) including this one thing that I looked up........

Separation information (date and type of separation, character of service, authority and reason for separation and separation and reenlistment eligibility codes).......

So I would be prepared to tell the truth cause the military will be sure to list the reason why behind your discharge. This will work the same as if you had something on your criminal background.

So my best advice is to be completely honest. Not sure how common it is but I have seen a few guys over the years not land a job due to their discharge status of dishonorable. Something to be aware of.

Ok maybe, it's more than a consideration. So here's the reason for this post, a couple of years ago when I was in the Marines I got kicked out for drug related charges, I've done a couple background checks on myself, as well as through my state. I haven't been able to pull anything up concerning those charges. I wasn't planning on doing anything for the state and hadn't really considered HazMat transport. So my question is do you think a company would hire me?

Here is the main problem. Because of your background of being in the military you will have to provide you DD214. Not sure if all companies require this but I know all the companies I have worked for require the DD214 to prove military background and to show weather or not it was honorable or dishonorable discharge. I am not sure what info is included in the DD214 (full service record I think) including this one thing that I looked up........

Separation information (date and type of separation, character of service, authority and reason for separation and separation and reenlistment eligibility codes).......

So I would be prepared to tell the truth cause the military will be sure to list the reason why behind your discharge. This will work the same as if you had something on your criminal background.

So my best advice is to be completely honest. Not sure how common it is but I have seen a few guys over the years not land a job due to their discharge status of dishonorable. Something to be aware of.

Thanks for getting back to me, my discharge wasn't honorable nor was it dishonorable, I was in between. When I looked up my re-enlistment codes and type of separation it said it was a court martial for drugs, and it was. I just popped hot a urinalysis, I was young and dumb, and from what I've read military convictions don't have an equivalent to a civilian charge, ie what I did, that it doesn't show on the civilian side.

from what I've read military convictions don't have an equivalent to a civilian charge, ie what I did, that it doesn't show on the civilian side

Unfortunately I think it did just show up on the civilian side. If they can look it up, they'll know about it unfortunately. You won't be charged or prosecuted for anything on the civilian side of course, but it still shows up and will certainly be considered by trucking companies.

Guyjax will have more on this. He knows a lot more about it than I do because I was never in the military. But my guess would be all you can do is apply for a bunch of pre-hires and see what companies say. We have an article on Understanding Pre-Hires if you'd like to read more about them.

The thing is it does not matter weather it's on the civilian side or military side. The point is it did happen. You could try and hide it but know from the start they will find out. Best to be honest up front cause they will ask about pass military. If your up front then there will be no surprises later down the road and some companies will take you regardless. And there will be a few that will say no. Better to know before hand.

If it doesn't come up on a regular employment search, it will surely come up on a HM,or TWIC check....so be honest, and just explain it...since there is no charge on your civilian record, it will be a company decision, probably not a insurance decision...