Begining The Process Of Becoming A Truck Driver.

Everybody’s screen name is in blue next to their picture or avatar. Just touch it and it goes to their profile page. On mine, scroll down to BK On The Web. Click on that and it has my bio with my email address. But just to make it easier, it’s brucekelly780@gmail.com

Schneider is out of Green Bay WI. Make sure you apply to them. Schneider has good training if they are still accepting CDL students.

Also, Werner trains through their Roadmaster schools. They might be a good one to try.

Just wanted to pop in and say good luck to you sir. I have a lot of respect for people who turn their life around as it’s not easy and you still have to deal with the consequences of your previous decisions for years to come (as I’m sure you’re painfully aware of). I’ve known quite a few felons who drive trucks. Idk if I know anyone who was convicted of manslaughter but I’m willing to bet someone will hire you. As mentioned already, some companies don’t allow DUIs no matter how old they are. You’ll definitely encounter some closed doors but my fingers are crossed for you. Just apply everywhere and see who bites.

A big benefit of using the app here on this site is it sends it to companies not even on your radar, and one of those might be the one(s) who say yes.

I was thinking about using this sights 'mass mailer" to get as many apps out as possible from here, though I am reticent to do so until I have gotten closer to full filling the necessary requirements to be ready for school. I cant do much for a while no matter what I want to do now though I have a hernia surgery coming up in 2 weeks, gotta do that and I have total upper dental implants being done in a month and then I have to wait 4 months for those to be healed to get the permanent teeth in. All that crap is the real reason for my "delay". But I so want to put my name out there to see who would make an offer, only problem there from what I have tried is the companies wont do a background check unless I apply. I talked to a recruiter from Roehl and TMC already and told them I have a criminal back ground and that I could not apply right away because I could not go to orientation till I had some of the things done I need to get done. I was trying to get an idea of whether they would even consider me. My take was they might but the recruiter did say he couldn't really say.

A big benefit of using the app here on this site is it sends it to companies not even on your radar, and one of those might be the one(s) who say yes.

Learning new stuff can be so frustrating. I had a long reply and lost it trying to figure out how to get quotes so I can respond. So I don't know if what I started is lost in the electronic either or if it will show up some place when least expected as an unfinished product. ANYWAY.

I am getting the help I was hoping for so thanks to all who have responded. I recognize that I started out doing the very thing I was trying NOT to do. Looking through rose colored glasses. I do try very hard to be realistic. what made me realise this was a combination of

You have your sights set on 2 of the pickiest companies out here. TMC does not accept candidates with a DUI. I think prime has a 1 in lifetime policy.

Applications are typically only good for 30 days. Wait until you're ready to go before putting them in.

and this.

Also, Werner trains through their Roadmaster schools. They might be a good one to try.

I have researched almost every company that this site has posted and has a CDL school. I dismissed Werner CR England and Swift as places I would not like to work because I found enough negative things about them not just reviews as I take those with a grain of salt but because it seems to me they would take anybody and because my own self perception, I know I am a working machine, and I know I am reliable, and I know while I have no experience I learn fast and apply information objectively. I missed the part where NONE of the HR departments will know that and they will see the reports stashed away in the archives that point out how "risky" I am to have around. In short they wont know much about me in the real world. I can see that I have to lower my standards, or more likely deal with less than a perfect company or job until I have a track record in a truck. I hope that makes sense.

One thing I have done is call a couple of recruiters in an effort to sus out my chances telling them I could not start right away, and letting them know I have a less than stellar background as I have pointed out here. I didn't get negative vibes from them though, so perhaps I thought then, it would not be such a big deal. I was skeptical though since they did not come out and say my history would not be a problem.

I have read a lot of stuff here, on this forum, and the responses since yesterday made me see how I was being overly optimistic, aka the rose colored glasses. So a great thanks to all who have responded. You have given me exactly what I was looking for, the means to see things realistically and at the same time some reasons for optimism.

Let me know If this is the right place to keep writing or if I should be over on Diaries or a blog. I am basically trying to do a play by play as well as getting help. I know I am not the only one with difficulties, and I know how important it is for others with problems to find a place to get input. I am not even sure if I started writing out this process to early, but one of the things I am trying to impress on those who might need an objective view is that taking the time to research is all well and good but also that having a goal is only one part of reaching it. Taking the time to plan and deal with what might interfere with reaching the goal is the bigger part.

What I am saying for instance is I know I have a background that is going to create problems, I also know that I am no longer young and I have been tossing Iron for most of my life which has taken a toll on me. I would like to be a flatbedder, but can I realistically do that at my age and with the things I already know might create a problem for me, my hernia, my bad knees and the assorted aches and pains from a life of tossing iron. I believe I can, but can I actually do it? Or is it better for me to try a dry van or a reefer , I don't know but I have to keep those things in mind for several reasons. One is starting over at 63 with zero experience in a way of life and the actual work involved, from what I have read so far there is a large difference in what the truck is pulling and what is required to operate it and deal with the load itself. Having worked in Construction I know how much fun it is to clime around on things and get a job done.

Point being do I still have the ability to do hard work for years to come, I think I do but then again what if I don't and I have to make a change, age plays in here. Something to consider when making a big life change. While I may be getting ahead of myself since I do not even have a CLP yet I do have to consider that part.

I have other things to consider, some I don't really have to that many do. For one thing I have no interest in home time, my drive is not to make a gazillion dollars, money is important of course but not the most important. For me not having to pay rent is most important in the money sphere. That alone makes a paycheck bigger in a way. I have spent the last 10 years on the road often paying rent in two places at the same time. I am almost out of character's so I will leave off here.

Michael, there is a lot to unpack in your last comment. First, continue to post here in the general discussions of the forum. I don’t think everyone reads the diaries on a regular basis and I for one don’t want to miss your comments. I’ve just got this gut feeling that you will be a great asset on the forum and a successful driver, so I encourage you to go through the process and jump the hurtles. I left a 49 year construction career at age 68 to get a CDL and become a driver. That was in 2018 and I’m very happy I stuck with it. Without this forum I’m pretty sure I would be saying “Welcome to Walmart” multiple times a day.

Try to get in with the company of your choice if you can, but if you only get one job offer, take it and run with it for a year. Then other doors will be open to you if you want to switch. Werner is not a bad company to start with. I have a good friend who is a. Instructor at one of their Roadmaster schools. I can put you in touch with him if you want some honest inside info about Werner.

I can’t do flatbed myself, but you might be able to hack it. I started out in dry van but switched to reefer and that’s what I would recommend. But Old School is flatbed and he’s in his sixties I believe.

Good idea to get your teeth fixed up before starting. If you are true to your teeth, they will never be false to you.

The three companies that recruited at the school I attended were Schneider, Windy Hill Foliage and HOW (now Bison) Veriha is a good company. Don’t fret about your first company, especially in this trucking economy. They will all serve the initial purpose.

Kudos to you for making the decision to do this. It sounds like you have definitely invested in living right and staying out of the system.

I have a lot of ex cons that are very dear friends. A lot that have overcome serious weight. It is possible.

I'd definitely recommend taking the shotgun approach with applying at multiple companies. It takes diligence and persistence. If you do find one that bites, seize it and do whatever is necessary to fulfill their requirements. Polite calm persistence has yet to fail me.

I'd also encourage you to read the cdl diaries section. I poured over it, really obsessed on it before I got into this.

Definitely stay active in this community and you'll get a great foundation to work off of.

Try to get in with the company of your choice if you can, but if you only get one job offer, take it and run with it for a year. Then other doors will be open to you if you want to switch. Werner is not a bad company to start with. I have a good friend who is a. Instructor at one of their Roadmaster schools. I can put you in touch with him if you want some honest inside info about Werner.

I have been looking into Roadmaster as you suggested BK, I am concerned with my status and in this economy, it is as I see it BAD. What I am wondering is if I just went ahead and pay my own way to get the CDL first, still wont have any experience of course but unless I am wrong having a CDL gives me a leg up. I have also found out that it is possible to get a waiver so to speak from the Canadian government for as they call it "Rehabilitation", though I suspect that is just a way to make a lawyer money, as with the Pardon process in Minnesota. Being able to tell a carrier I can go to Canada even though I have a felony might make them consider me more seriously.

I think I am sort of screwed over all though especially in this economy, I am afraid to jump ship right now since I do make 70K a year and am "safe" for now with the job I do have, I just freckin hate it now. It took 40 years but I finally hate going to work fixing things other people break, and while there is more to it at this particular job, I really just want out so I can do something different.

What I am wondering about Roadmaster is if you have to attend as a potential company hire or if I can just say hey train me and I will pay for it. I also cant find out what it actually costs, the Community Colleges are all about 8K which I can swing but would have to hang my A** out there and quit my job and hope to get a driving job. But if I can do it right after my surgery I might be able to pull it off and keep my job, and that only if I can get in to a school without having to wait too long. I already told the Dr. I want 3 weeks off work so I am for sure healed before I go back to work, I think I can get a month though.

No, even if you can swing it, do NOT pay for a private school. Their only goal is to get you your CDL. Some do have companies come in and talk with you, but there is no guarantee of any job from those places. The longer you do not get a CDL job, it becomes stale and you have to repeat the training over again at a company.

Laura