Employment History

I am about to start my CDL school in a Technical College. I am 57 year old with 29 years of verifiable employment. From 2012 to 2014 I was involved in a small business with my wife. She was the one holding the business license and we worked together for that period of time and we filed joint tax returns. For tax purposes, she had the business and I was unemployed/retired? My CPA knew we had this type of arrangement and at the moment I did not care. We were working hard and making a living and I did not care everything was under my wife name. Little did I know this was going to affect me negatively in trying to get a job in the trucking industry. We closed the small business back in December 2014 and moved to another state, to be closer to family. She found a job; but I have not. And, like a lot of other people have done, I decided to get into truck driving which is something I have been thinking about doing someday.

My question here is, "What in essence does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration intended with this requirement?" This matter is bothering me because I am afraid I am not going to be able to get an OTR job.

I will appreciate any input in the subject. I am keeping my expectations low and an open mind. OTR or no OTR I am going to give it my best shot at getting my CDL license.

Outside of a few very picky places, this shouldn't matter at all once you explain the situation. Take a deep breath and keep going!

Hiram, this shouldn't be a major obstacle for you.

First off the major reason for this past employment check required by the FMCSA is to make sure where you've been for the past few years. This was instituted immediately following the 9/11 attack on our country. The Feds wanted to keep terrorists from using tanker trucks in a similar fashion as they did with the planes.

Secondly a simple letter from a couple of your friends or customers and one from your accountant stating the facts just like you told us will in most cases suffice. Take the letters to a public notary and have them notarized. The letters must be from people who are not related to you.

I've helped several people get past this same situation, and this has always worked.

Use your past employment records with those letters for proof of the last few years and you should be in good standing.

Outside of a few very picky places, this shouldn't matter at all once you explain the situation. Take a deep breath and keep going!

Jrod, thanks for the words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.

Hiram, this shouldn't be a major obstacle for you.

First off the major reason for this past employment check required by the FMCSA is to make sure where you've been for the past few years. This was instituted immediately following the 9/11 attack on our country. The Feds wanted to keep terrorists from using tanker trucks in a similar fashion as they did with the planes.

Secondly a simple letter from a couple of your friends or customers and one from your accountant stating the facts just like you told us will in most cases suffice. Take the letters to a public notary and have them notarized. The letters must be from people who are not related to you.

I've helped several people get past this same situation, and this has always worked.

Use your past employment records with those letters for proof of the last few years and you should be in good standing.

Old School, Thank you for your answer! Should it be a general letter or do you think it should be addressed to each specific company I will be applying for?

Just a general letter that you can use wherever you need to.

Just a general letter that you can use wherever you need to.

Old School, Thank you very much!