Hi, everyone. Just joined this forum. So I just completed truck driver training in northern California and I'll be taking my CDL test soon. I can drive a 10-spd Freightliner (although I still grind some of my downshifts). Yay me!
I'm looking for honest, non-judgmental feedback on what my options are, and what the outlook is, for people who have, should I say, legal baggage- i.e. a felony conviction. And in my case, it's the type of felony that carries the most stigma- a dreaded sexual offense. But before anyone freaks out, and without belaboring my point going into details, it had nothing to do with rape or young kids, and the date of conviction was almost 10 years ago. I am aware that some or many employers won't touch me (I've already called May Trucking, and they have a company policy barring anyone w/ a violent or sexual offense- no exceptions), but I'm hoping a smaller employer would give me a chance to explain the situation and consider the fact that I'm in a lower tier category, which does not publicly disclose my employer or home address and I am NOT on probation. I'm clean-cut with no tattoos, I come from middle-class suburbia, I have a professional and mild-mannered demeanor, and I feel like these would be good points from an employer-customer/public standpoint. Basically I don't have the stereotypical "convict" look and I don't have that mindset.
Are there companies that would give me a chance, or do they have some sort of insurance policies that prohibit hiring anyone with this type of record? My record never became an issue during the ~5 years I drove as an airport shuttle driver since my release from Uncle Sam's custody, but obviously there's more at stake for larger companies from a PR standpoint if word ever got out that they hired me. I have all my endorsements and I've been approved for Haz-Mat, so I'd probably be able to get a TWIC as well, although I still couldn't get into Canada. I'd like to do OTR, even something like western states, since I am single and my living situation's in flux and I'm storing my stuff. Plus, I love to travel and I've driven across the country a number of times in my car and I'd love to be paid to see the country. Ever since my 1st taste of the open highway, I was hooked.
Is there hope for me yet?
Finished CDL school. Have legal baggage- what are my prospects?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Tak, Jan 8, 2014.
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The only problem I see is you living in Northern California. There's several companies that will hire you but you're not in the hiring area for them I don't think. Have you tried Swift and Western Express? If not give them a try.
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Hardly. My opinion, could be wrong. But a sexual conviction is gonna ding you pretty bad and most smaller companies won't touch you with no experience. Don't do this job to be tourist we don't have time for that. Everyone always says that's the #1 reason to drive a truck. Well you can do all the sight seeing you like at 65-70mph. You'll be ate alive by your company for going out of route for no reason. Someone else may have better insight but it's gonna be rough on you.
Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this. -
It will be extremely difficult. Someone I know is in the similar boat you are. He has been out with his CDL for about a month now. Time is ticking for him. I believe his closest was Werner Enterprises, but something with his driving record recently didn't fall through.
You should, also, talk to the school you went to. If they won't help you find a job, they should give decent advice for it. If they won't help or do either, then you might be up #### crick, without a paddle.
Best of luck to you. If you need further help, I may be of small assistance. Shoot me a PM, if you'd like. -
Where you at in Nor Cal? I know of a coulple companies who'd put you in a truck. Local driving only though.
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Most all companies ask for felonies that are 10 years old. That date is open to you. The conviction was almost 10 years ago so I would give them the date of your arrest. That should be longer then that. If you have your hazmat then you should be cleared to drive with any company. No Canada, EVER. No way to get a sexual offense overlooked. Of course sexual offense is a very broad brush. Peeing in public would be a sexual offense. I am betting that those of us who have done that from time to time would be shocked if we were arrested and charged with that.
Just don't offend again. And welcome to trucking.TwinStickPeterbilt, HauntedSchizo19 and SheepDog Thank this. -
"Criminal look" with no criminal history > criminal history with no "criminal look"
Employers hardly care about your appearance.. -
If you have any driving record of fences I'll loan you my scissors you won't need that CDL.
HauntedSchizo19 Thanks this. -
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