Do I stand a chance?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by wannabe, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. wannabe

    wannabe Bobtail Member

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    Jun 12, 2006
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    I just obtained my class A permit and am thinking of shelling out the money for school but...I have a criminal record. The record is pretty bad, several felonys. The good thing is that it's over 15 years old and since then I haven't had any contact with the law other than a speeding ticket (over 10 years ago). I have wanted to drive all my life but I really don't have any idea how much they will drag out of the past. Does anyone know if they will check that far back or not? Any advice will be appreciated.

    Also, never had a DUI.

    -thanks
     
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  3. 7mouths2feed

    7mouths2feed "Family Man"

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    Much of it depends on the type of felony and time elapsed. Many companies will not touch you at all. Look into smaller companies. There are numerous drivers with a history. As well as many other fields. The fact is even felons have to work. Ignore the jerks that claim to be saints and think all felons should be imprisoned for life or shipped to a deserted island. Most people have performed some sort of felonious act at some time in their lives and were never caught. Example??????? Oral sex in numerous states is a felony.:biggrin_2555: LOL
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  4. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Several felonies ??

    Even in good times, it would be tough to get a decnt driving job.

    Now, it's impossible. You would be at the bottom of a very long list.
     
  5. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Even without a felony record the odds are great against getting a job . Carriers are reducing their fleets and laying off drivers . Every day the stacks of applications stack up higher for jobs that aren't there .
     
  6. wannabe

    wannabe Bobtail Member

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    Jun 12, 2006
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    Thanks for the input guys. I know it's hard in the trucking industry right now. Fact is things are not good in any industry right now. I've been out of work now for a month. Just thought that I'd rather spend time trying to get a job I want.
     
  7. chief

    chief Heavy Load Member

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    Flavor Country, NC
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    have you contacted the companies to which you're thinking about applying? ask them what their standards are and tell them what kind of record you have. don't wait to do this until AFTER you've forked out $$$$$$$ for a trucking diploma mill.
     
  8. JSmitty

    JSmitty Light Load Member

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    The industry has really cracked down since 9/11. I can tell you that you would never be able to carry HazMat, maybe that's a plus for you, I dunno.

    The way it's working now, which has been more or less stated in this thread already, the most qualified drivers get the job, and your going to the bottom of the list. Seniority in that list means squat as well. In other words, if you put your ap in, and joeblow comes along 5 months later and puts in an ap, but is more qualified, he gets the job.

    Good luck to ya
     
  9. SLIDER999

    SLIDER999 Light Load Member

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    May 11, 2008
    PORT RICHEY, FL
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    :biggrin_25510:Save your money & time. They are very picky now. I had a felony for pot 41 years ago & it keeps disqualifying me for employment. Out of school a year now. Calls are about me paying for another school with no actual job promised! Right now I am waiting to see if it disqualifies me from a custodian job. Just swallow the facts & move on before you burn yourself. I wish I had presight rathet than hindsight. I wouldn't be in debt as I am now!
     
    dancnoone Thanks this.
  10. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    That is so important. The CDL schools don'y get a #### if you work or not. All they want is the money for their work. They are just like recruiters and will tell you what you want to hear. Cheak out many companies before you go to school.
     
  11. PharmPhail

    PharmPhail Road Train Member

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    He already has his CDL he said.

    Wannabe you're going to have to know someone or get to know someone. Go talk to the local used truck dealers and see who's asking around for drivers or buying more trucks.
     
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