Im getting my class A CDL Dec. 3 (going through community college truck program), and was concerned about my chances of getting a job. My instructors said to apply for jobs ASAP, I did recently and got a call back from Werner and couldn't help me out because of my misdemeanor (unlawful transportation of alcohol to a minor, the minor was 20, I know not an excuse). It was my one and only charge and im 21. I made a mistake and find it very hard that one misdemeanor like that can ruin alot of chances. My question is, is their any companies out their willing to take on someone with just one misdemeanor? Any help would help. Thanks

I seriously doubt it. I really believe schooling for a CDL would be a total waste of money ! Check back in 5+ years.

These days its tougher to get in. A lot of companies seem to look for almost any excuse not to hire a new driver. Ten years ago you would be welcomed with open arms, but then again, you're just meat in the seat to a lot of companies (like Werner). Keep trying, you may get lucky.

Im not paying for my CDL training... going through agency that helps unemployed workers or people who are working and want to better themselves in a better career.

Then it'd be MY money you're wasting !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I second that notion, they have this new system rolling out in 2010 and some people that already have jobs soon might find them selves unemployed for the very same reason, Oh I was only 20 when I decided to act foolishly and break the law but now I am all grown up now so everything is cool.

Jeremy87 go back and read through the threads and you will surely find out that others have been in your position but only to find themselves still looking for a job because of your example or close to it. Jtrnr1951 is only be honest with you by saying that your wasting your time.

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- Crusher -

Jeremy87,

Your chances of getting a Class “A” CDL job driving trucks over the road are not that good with a recent conviction, even a misdemeanor. Due to the economy, there are too many other potential drivers out there who do not have convictions on their records competing for the same job as you. You might however be able to luck up and get a local Class B job driving a tow truck, a dump truck or a trash truck, etc. Maybe 4-5 years from now, if you still have the itch to drive a big truck, someone will give you a chance.

misdemeanor charges
Misdemeanor
trying to get hired with a recent misdemeanor...

if buyin booze for high school kids is wrong i dont wanna be right

I really don't appreciate people trying to discourage you from looking for work after you obtain your CDL. Don't give up dude.

Depending on how long ago its been, it may in fact be tougher for you to obtain employment. But with only one misdemeanor, someone will take you. The companies like CR England, Swift, CRST, Covenant, Werner, etc... They are shady organizations, they may be trucking companies underneath that actually have truck drivers working for them, but they all hire students and use the newbies for tax breaks and to move freight for peanuts. They dont give one #### about if you "newbie" make it or not and frankly they hope you dont. And this will probably be the challenge you will face.

I, myself, have crazy dingers on my MVR and have a felony as well. The only difference perhaps, is that they are all 10-13 years old and I have no blemishes since. The point is this, I applied with everyone during and after schooling and it took 4 months or more to get in somewhere. During my daily calls to recruiters I learned more and more of what to tell them and what not to tell them and inched my way closer to getting into orientation..... I never lied to anyone, just didnt bother telling recruiters certain things. They are paid to get you in the door and Im sure get more the longer you stay. So Id advise just getting in the door with someone, get your orientation set up. Then worry about your misdemeanor. Yes, companies will use the 3-4 day orientation to do backround checks, MVR checks, DAC report checks. A simple contributing misdemeanor is nothing to a company once they have invested money in a drug test and room/board for orientation. You will more than likely be asked to explain yourself to them once there... Be honest or at least forthcoming and they probably will let you slide, dont seem shady about it... Yes either way its a risk, worst case they will send you home from orientation, but Im a success story and Im talking felony here as well as a 3 and a half page MVR....

Young and dumb cost me 10 years of exile. Im kind of saddened by some of the members here and their stuck up attitudes about someone having a record. ####### holier than tho ppl who want a cookie because they've kissed society's ### their whole life and it gives them butterflies! please people, the trucking industry is no place for anyone to judge another human based on their past.....


Anyways, life goes on jeremy. There is also expungement or sealing of your record, but this generally will cost you around $500 bucks depending on attorney, and I believe there can only be ONE conviction on your record for anything to be removed, this also takes some time. Its worth looking into for the sake of things,

Anyways, I wish you good luck man.

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Once upon a time I thought I was a better man. Fairytales don't exist.