misdemeanor charges

One thing that helps you is the charge was 3 1/2 years ago. Although, some trucking companies will not hire you for ANY type of drug offense. BUT, since it was 3 1/2 years and it was a misdemeanor there are some that will look at you. Its just a matter of being patient and doing research to find out which companies will give you an opportunity. This forum will be a big benefit to you. I am sure with the information you receive from your post, and the research you will do, you will find a company willing to give you a shot!

 

You can limit your "pool" of possible employers to companies that DON'T go to Canada. Canada forbids entrance to their great (pffffft) country by persons with felonies, drunk driving offenses and minor drug charges.
That pretty much cuts your chances of employment by 60%

 

I am just curious, but how does the Canadians go about finding out your history. Do they run background checks at the border? Is it a criminal check or just a DMV check?

 

They will run a full background check on you if they decide to, trust me, I speak from experience. You will be pulled into a little room, and you'll hear that printer run of pages and pages and pages of every little thing that you ever did in your life. Then they will come back out and tell you that you are free to enter their wonderful country, but you must leave your companion behind because they will never let him into their country. Yes, every misdomeaner will be on that pile of paperwork.

 

Get an attorney and have the misdemeanor expunged from your record. Most states have provisions for this IF it was your only conviction (felony or misdemeanor). You'll get hired anyway...if you can drive and you don't have a string of convictions and traffic violations, you'll find a job. I know a fried who was busted in Arizona with 500 lbs of smoke. He had his record expunged and drives trucks today.

 

Oh, I'm not saying it was a bad thing or anything negative against Canada. But the guy said that it was the misdomeaner from almost 20 years ago that was keeping him out, that's a bit excessive. It just is a problem that US folks don't realize until they hit the border that they can very easily be turned around for something that they had long ago forgotten.

 

Oh, I agree. I think a 20 year old misdemeanour still on your record keeping you from crossing the border either way is ridiculous. Isn't there a statute of limitations for that? You'd think there would be. It's a bit much!!

 

Yep. I'm glad I'm squeaky clean, I've taken my mother there twice since then. I would hate to have my access denied somewhere. I guess it is a big problem, people heading up there on vacation, never dreaming that 30 years ago when they were involved in a college protest or were caught with a little marijuana that would keep them out. You can apply for a waiver from your government, it costs about $2000, but it is something that has to be taken care of ahead of time.