CDL Schools Criminal Background Checks

Patty, my recommendation would be to start out applying to companies now even though he doesn't have his CDL yet. Take a look at this information on Understanding Pre-Hires . If he can go ahead and get a few pre-hires in his hands (and by a few I mean at least three) then I would say it is safe to go to a private school and then try to get on with the folks who gave him a pre-hire letter. I would also try applying to Company-Sponsored Training programs, just because it would cost less, but while you may not get anywhere with them it's worth putting in the effort to try as many of them as you can - you might get lucky.

I don't recommend going to private school and then trying to get a job without already having some pre-hires. Work at it in the order above and you will find success. He may have to settle for less than what he originally wanted, but it won't take but about a year before he could probably go where ever he wants. I would definitely include Western Express in the mix of companies that you are trying to get a pre-hire from - they are much more lenient than others when it comes to issues such as yours.

See Also: Trucking Companies That Hire Drivers With A Felony

Do you know which company sponsored training programs would be the most likely to consider him?

That's two votes for Western, so if he goes to a private school he will definitely talk to them. Thanks for the info!

We got excited when we read that FFE does the background check before you get there. Then we read you need to be from Texas. Bummer! Some of the others may do it first too, but so far that's the only one that I've been able to find that does it for sure. If anyone knows of other companies please let us know!

Tell your Friend to be 100% open, honest and upfront with the Recruiters so they can do their job and make sure the Safety Director at the Company knows about the arrest and will sign off on it before they go to the school. Good Luck

Ken

Would the recruiter refer him to the safety director before he goes to school? That would be great!

Yes they will make the decision before he gets to the school....He'll have to send/fax the paperwork showing the outcome and that it was or is being expunged....My Recruiter at Prime is good with this kind of stuff but Honestly the age of the charge has more to do with their willingness to forgive and accept someone for training but I know Prime will take some Non Violent/ Non Drug Felonies as long as their has been 5 to 10 yrs or more since it happened.

Remember it's more important to be 100% upfront and honest because they will find out and then you are finished if they feel you were trying to hide something...Ask for Tammy Silk at Prime Recruiting and see what she can do..

Does it make a difference that it was an arrest but not a conviction?

I'm starting to get the impression that this isn't going to happen for him. It's really strange because he first started thinking about truck driving as a career when he got clean and started googling opportunities for people with a felony. Truck driver was on the list and he got really excited about it. He'll be disappointed, but he's young and he has time to figure it all out.

Thanks for the info. It wasn't what we were hoping for, but I am certain it saved us a lot of time and heartache.

He decided to research a little more before throwing in the towel. I wanted to update this for future "wannabes" who are searching for answers to my original question.

So far he has discovered that Millis and Roehl both do their employment and background checks before you head to the school. That doesn't mean they won't decline you, but at least you'll know before you rearrange your life to go to the school.

I am new to TT. I am and have been interested in becoming a Driver since I was 13. Im 30 years of age now. I was recently released from NC State prison in 2015. I served 8 years for a 2nd Degree Murder conviction in which I was NOT the shooter. I was simply in the vehicle with another guy who took full responsibility for the crime and was charged with 1st Degree Murder yet a was still charged and sentenced. Of course I fought but to no avail. Its been nearly impossible to find work here in NC and about the same with these trucking companies. Ive explained my situation hundreds of times but nobody will hire me. Guess they feel im too much of a risk. Not looking for pity, just help. Is there anyone out there whose been through the same or similar that can point me in the right direction. Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

I am new to TT. I am and have been interested in becoming a Driver since I was 13. Im 30 years of age now. I was recently released from NC State prison in 2015. I served 8 years for a 2nd Degree Murder conviction in which I was NOT the shooter. I was simply in the vehicle with another guy who took full responsibility for the crime and was charged with 1st Degree Murder yet a was still charged and sentenced. Of course I fought but to no avail. Its been nearly impossible to find work here in NC and about the same with these trucking companies. Ive explained my situation hundreds of times but nobody will hire me. Guess they feel im too much of a risk. Not looking for pity, just help. Is there anyone out there whose been through the same or similar that can point me in the right direction. Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

There are second chance companies. However, you may be permanently barred from getting a Hazmat endorsement. Here is the info. TSA Disqualifying Offenses.

Are you on probation? What part of NC are you living in? There are second chance companies out here who may give you a second chance. CFI and Western Express might. They will train you if they take you. Carolina Cargo, based in Rock Hill is a good second chance company, but you need to get your CDL first. Look for your WOTC person at your local unemployment office. You have a long road ahead of you. Good luck.