Can a "felon" get a break?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by paradimethyl, Dec 3, 2008.

  1. paradimethyl

    paradimethyl Bobtail Member

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    Dec 3, 2008
    Martinsburg, WV
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    I wasn't able to find work in my previous occupation, and was told that there was a huge demand for truck drivers, and so I attended a 12 week truck driving school and earned my CDL with HM/tanker/double/triples endorsements.

    Now I find out that because I was once (2002) provoked into a bar fight and have a felony assault on my record (and my inexperience), none of the companies I have applied to (Maverick, CR England, Conway, Werner, JB Hunt, US Xpress, Western Express, USA Truck, Schneider, Marten, Arrow, etc) are interested in hiring me.

    I have 24 years of serving my country in uniform, a college degree, a 130 something IQ, and a government clearance, but I'm not moral enough to deliver freight because some idiot decided to pick a fight with me one time? The really ironic thing is that I went back to court in 2006 and the conviction was STRICKEN, so the courts don't even consider it a conviction, but apparently every trucking company in America does.

    So... did I waste 12+ weeks trying to get into this industry? Or is there someplace that can look at the total person and not just what happened on one crappy day long ago?
     
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  3. MGASSEL

    MGASSEL Road Train Member

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    Yes you wasted your time because you will find it will be next to impossible to get a job driving a truck when you have a felony.
     
  4. 04FLHRCI

    04FLHRCI Bobtail Member

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    Dec 1, 2008
    Litchfield, CT
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    It would appear from the info you've given that you can answer the question, "have you ever been convicted of a felony?", no. But check with your lawyer if it should not be on your record but still is.
     
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  5. paradimethyl

    paradimethyl Bobtail Member

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    Dec 3, 2008
    Martinsburg, WV
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    It IS still on the record, because in MD you have to wait 3 years from the time it is stricken before you can request expungement.
     
  6. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    Well, the good news is that sometime next year you'll be able to begin the process of expungement. Until then, keep looking. What you might want to look at in the meantime is a local job doing shunt work. You will gain some experience and a foot in the door in the industry. You'll also get the opportunity to meet and talk to drivers from a multitude of companies to find out about which companies you might, or might not, want to work for. In addition to all that, you'll have wicked backing skills. :biggrin_25525:

    HTH, I am assuming that most shunt jobs have relaxed requirements compared to OTR.
     
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  7. rwings

    rwings <strong>"Jet Force"</strong>

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    Portales, NM
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    I think you should look into a small company. They tend to evaluate you on an individual basis, instead of following set company rules/guidelines. It might not be your dream job but you should be able to find work hauling locally for a decent wage.
     
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  8. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    You have to look at the company. Some will say never and some will in the pass 5 years or so. If I were you I'd really look into getting it off your record if it's even there. So you didn't waste you time and there is hope. You just have to do some extra work to make it happen. Good luck.
     
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  9. Muskywin

    Muskywin Bobtail Member

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    Jun 14, 2008
    Columbus, Ohio
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    Sometime ago I was listening to Road Dog Trucking on Sirius and they were having a discussion about hiring felons. They had a spokeswomen from a company I can not remember but she assisted ex-felons in getting into the trucking industry. By the sounds of that topic and discussions there are companies that will hire ex-felons but each hire is judged on its own. I would guess certain crimes are going to prevent you not only from driving a truck but ever pursuing gainful employment. I would suggest contacting Road Dog Trucking via email and asking about that specific show and the person who assists ex-felons in job placement. I wish I could offer you more but I hope this helps. We all make mistakes, I hope you get a second chance. Best of Luck!! Thank You for your 24 years of service to our country, it is Greatly Appreciated!!
     
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  10. cpassey

    cpassey Light Load Member

    paradimethyl

    Do your home work and check every company web site you can. Alot of companies wont even consider you but some will. Be honest and up front about the felony. Some companies work that sort of thing on a case by case deal.:biggrin_255:
    I used to be in the same situation, only my felony was in 1987:biggrin_25510:
    Good luck!!!:biggrin_25525:
     
  11. javelinjeff

    javelinjeff Medium Load Member

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    if you relocate to california,Gardner Trucking out of Chino Ca. will hire you as they hire many ex-cons to run their freight.when i was pulling their trailers i met drivers who had drug convictions,counterfeit money convictions,assault with deadly weapons, one guy was one of those caught for soliciting young girls on NBC Dateline that was caught and shown on TV and last i heard he STILL HAD HIS JOB!!...try some of the smaller reefer outfits as they usually will overlook that stuff(barfight). that's how i got started after i went through d&a rehab,i had the same problems with the big carriers-you don't really want to work for them anyways,,good luck and don't give up-you will find work
     
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