Getting a job with spotty work record

Definitely. The pedals in a rig are a lot harder on the legs and knees that the ones in a car. If you have a bad knee, trucking is going to be very hard on you.

 

This is my biggest worry as I couldn't walk for 3 years and couldn't work. I have done medical transcriptions about 8 months since being able to walk, but it's still a large gap before that. Other than that there are no gaps in my 10 year work history that doesn't involve full time school.

Technically, they are not able to factor that into their decision as it'd be discrimination due to disability. But we all know what happens. And what are you going to do? Sue them? That'll get you a job fast.

 

he doesn't mention which knee is bad.

then too, he might still have a hard time getting a job, once this is found out, as "pre-existing". someone can mess with his medical benefits, and deny him benefits far longer than the usual 90 days. also, he may need a medical release from his doctor. we all know how trucking companies are. when he goes for the DOT exam, the doctor there will see he has a problem.

 

Glad I found this forum also....

How would the industry look at someone coming off an 8 year Social Security disability for ADD?

Would it be better to just embellish a story about traveling and taking care of an ill parent?


Thanks!

 

I sorta had an issue like this when I got started. For the most part companies like Swift, Werner and the alike just want to verify you were not locked up in some Mexican prison or something like that. Werner took me and Swift would have also... they just want 2 (maybe it was 3) notarized letters written from non family members stating what you were doing during your gaps in employment. Werner never even bothered to check ANYTHING on my application involving work history/references or the notarized letters. They went over my criminal and DMV records with a fine toothed comb however. Which in my case was spotless and it sounds like you would be in the same boat. I had periods of self employment that I had to have verified by notarized letters. I have a friend that is still driving for Werner now going on 2 years that just flat made stuff up and got two friends to write letters saying he was caring for a sick family member (was kinda true) when in reality he was just a bum for a few years bouncing around from (under the table) job to job.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I do have the criminal record thing. 2 DUI's over 10-15 years ago and a pot possession 28 years ago.

Only worried that they can find out about the disability somehow.

Or if I should be up front about it.

Thanks again.

 

I hate to say this but:

Gaps in employment = Strike 1. Medical disability = Strike 2. 28 year old pot possession = foul tip. 2 DUI = Strike 3 you're OUT!

Honestly don't waste your time... It won't happen.

 

I appreciate your honesty that's why I asked the question.

If I assume you are correct are there options to work independently?

If so what kind of capital is needed to get started?

Thanks again.

(And the American people think that people on disability are lazy and don't want to work - don't make me laugh)

 

Let me offer you an analogy to your question. Suppose you have spent some time learning about cooking from cookbooks. You've always liked the idea of owning a restaurant. You then decide that you want to be a restauranteur and decide to open a french restaurant. You have no experience as a chef. You have never worked in a commercial kitchen. The only thing you know about waitresses is what you have seen when they bring a plate of food to your table when you eat out.

Without knowing a thing about managing a restaurant, what is needed to coordinate wait staff, how a POS system works, how to create a menu and detail portions, how to breakdown the cost of goods for every menu item, what type of equipment will give you the best bang for the buck, how much inventory you need to stock, how your food vendor contracts will work, how much food to prep for a day's worth of sales, how to keep prepared food safe for customer consumption, all the paperwork needed for payroll, permits, taxes, L&I, unemployment insurance, etc and on ad infinitum; WITH ALL OF THAT AND MORE, you one day decide to take out a $250,000 loan and start putting tables and chairs into a rented storefront.

As with ANY business endeavour, if you wish to be successful you need a good base of experience in that actual business before becoming a business owner. Trucking as an O/O or an independent is no different. Driving is only a small part of the overall knowledge required to be successful.

 

well ill post here, I have a total of 5 points on my record.. 1 is speeding for 1 point, 1 is following to close for 3 points and anotehr is failure to signal for 1 point all from 03/01/2010 cop wanted adrug bust didnt get 1 so i paid for it..... And another speeding from 2007... How hard is it going to find a job even at like swift or one of the companys that basicly will hire any 1

other then that i have no background, havent been busted for anything.. Joined the army uncharaterzed discharge being upgraded to honorable when ever they get to it