TSA Background Checks... For Hazmat.

So, I talked to a few old heads who told me that because of my overseas government activities, I should do my TSA hazmat Background check (BGC) now while in trucking school because it may take a long time to get back.

I have a criminal history, but nothing is on the TSA block list TSA Disqualifying Offenses and Other Factors . However, when I went for the appointment, the TSA guy at the counter said the BGC only went back seven years ago and I didn't need to report any criminal history going back any further.

So 15 years ago, I became an RSO (sex offender), and I am still on parole and will be discharged five years early, most likely; 20 years ago, I was caught running 2 cases of m-16 and a case of pineapples and cherries, and 1600 rounds across state lines, and 30 years ago, I took a joy ride in a "Found" car. Also, at 16, I was charged and arrested for attempted first-degree murder; this has NOT EVER come up on any background check, not even for the State Department, but with recent laws, I worry it might.

Now, according to the TSA guy at the counter, none of this will count against me because it was much longer than 7 years ago, and didn't need to be reported to TSA because none of it was on the block list. I thought I had already passed it, but I found out Friday it is still in review.

Now I worry I made a mistake... by listening to this TSA guy at the counter.

What do you all think? Do you think it will matter to the TSA or future employers?

Also, I was told I would have a difficult time getting a job because of my criminal past. I admit I used to not be a nice or good person, but after many years of being a criminal, I am done. My life is in a good place. I work hard to repair and prevent the harm I have caused to others, and I just really want to live a law-abiding life of peace without violence or criminal activity. I know I will never fully get that in the USA... we don't forgive or forget, and we are the most hypocritical and judgemental country on the planet, at least from the many countries I have visited worldwide.

Didn't we have a conversation a few weeks ago about this? The Hazmat isnt going to matter if you cannot get hired.

Most likely you will NOT find a company to hire you until 10 years AFTER the end of your parole. You asked TSA... did you ask any actual companies about your situation? You could go through all of this deliberation and CDL school only to be nom hireable.

Research companies to get hired. Do so immediately

Your biggest hindrance right now is being on paper. Most companies won't look at you because of that. Only convictions will show up on most background checks. All you can do is go for it and see what happens. You first need to get out of your head. First you need to get your CDL.

It normally takes at least 30 days to get a hazmat and or TWIC background check back.

OK, thank you for the feed back, again it seems as if I am head of myself.

Update:

I have passed my TSA background check and my hazmat test. As soon as I get my license, I can haul hazmat.

That is if I can get downshifting. My instructor tells me I am moving too fast then too slow, I cannot seem to get the shifting tempo, and I think too much.

I have so much riding on this; it's unreal. I have quit my job to attend trucking school, hopeful I can pay my rent before I lose my house. Parole is on board but with many limitations... I worry I have risked everything to start this new career that may not work out...

I am not usually one to share such information, but to be honest, I don't know any other truck drivers or other people I could talk to about this who may understand the difficulty and stress of getting a CDL.

The "fast" and "slow" are a problem.

Timings from a song can help. The first one that came to mind was Jingle Bells. Try to make the shifting moves to the main beats - you don't have to sing the whole song, just repeat Jingle Bells at the song tempo while you

Jingle (clutch-neutral)
Bells (clutch-clutch)
Jingle (neutral-next gear)

Try not to think "Now I'm in neutral." You'll waste time, just yank the shifter into the middle then do the next thing.

Down shifting has that extra step to rev the engine while the shifter is in neutral:

(Off the accelerator, use some brake as needed, then)
Jingle (clutch-neutral)
Bells (clutch-rev)
Jingle (neutral-next gear)
Bells (repeat the brakes as needed)

I teach my students to watch the tachometer and work between 5 and 10 on the dial. That's the start. With only a little experience you be able to make smoother shifts.

Further update,

After acquiring my tanker endorsement here in California, while speaking to the DMV representative, I was informed that my online hazmat course has not reported the completion of the program to the FMCSA. While researching this problem, I discovered that the website I went to to take the course was a complete scam.

Now, I need a reputable company that can provide me with the online hazmat course before I am allowed to haul hazmat materials. The DMV messed up and allowed me to take the hazmat test, but because the course was never reported, I am forced to retake the exam and the course.

Question for any truckers out there who are all hazmat: What is a reputable online course or company that you have used to either recertify or acquire your original ELDT training?

Here ya go:

ELDT.COM/hazmat

I toik this course, the record was in the TPR the next day. Sweetest part: $25.

100% legit. Their quiz is way easier then the DMV 's hazmat test

Thank you, I will take it today.

Where to start ? Getting the Hazmat I guess was not the issue, though your background very well may be the issue. A Registered Sex Offender .... not helping you - still on parole..... not helping you - the guns and explosives is not good but not as bad as the other two I listed.

Trust me when I say this, EVERYTHING COMES UP ON YOU ON A GOV'T BACKGROUND CHECK ! If it's on file, record or convicted they know about it. And again trust me when I say this, certain offenses will NEVER leave your record, they're there for life and beyond. It's just a matter of what they can hold against you for the time length from when it happened.

Most GOOD Hazmat companies to work for do a throughly background check, and depending on what they do they will overlook certain felonys. Though that RSO label, has bigger companies to deny employment for insurance reasons. I don't know your story but that label is a huge hinderance to you which you already know. I've heard stories of high school teenagers in love (under 18)......... Boy turns 18 or later (not long) though they're still dating.... vengeful parents go after him and press charges... Guy gets RSO and F's his whole life up !

As for a Hazmat endorsement test, just go to the local DMV and take the test like you would for any other DMV test Class C or A or any other endorsements, its FREE.