Getting Started Advice Please

Maybe fill out an application on their website.

 

Prime is a good starting company and they have a good training program. But it lasts along time which could be good if u wanting winter driving. Now would be the time to get in, lots of snow and ice out in the mountains here out west. If u wanting to do flatbed. Prime is a good start , so is tmc, and melton and system transport. Just stay away from cr england and crst or similar. Swift has a flatbed program which is a pretty easy gig and can keep u running throught the year because they have their own customers in a nice triangle out east. @Chinatown can help ya out , just give him ur location and what type of trailer ur thinking u wanna pull. If ur young i would reccomend flatbed , its easier to work ur way into a nice specialized position that pays pretty good down the road . Tanker is a good start as well. Goodluck to u

 

I wouldn't even mention the two that were expunged. It's like it never happened.

The disorderly conduct is 15 years old. Probably not going to come up on the questionnaire, but some companies might ask "have you ever....?" If so, just be honest.

Same with the DUI. There are some companies that will not hire a person who's ever had a DUI no matter how old, but I think there are quite a few that will hire you with only one that's 13 years old where you completed all the court's requirements.

Good luck!

 

I agree with Bud A.

You have been a BAD boy, but frankly there is very little to worry about unless the application states the three magic words "...Have you ever..."

Otherwise learn not to volunteer information. In other words shut up. As in don't bother whats been expunged, too old and so on. You are in good company, many Bad people take up trucking because no one else will hire them. Not saying YOU are bad, would you prefer me use the word felons? Trucking is full of people who did their time, paid their price etc and starting over with nothing. Its always for the most part worked out for them. Ive hired felons in the dock to lump the trailer and the money is right, count is correct and they do a good job. No problems. Maybe they get a little extry such as a good meal or a bottle that they cannot afford otherwise.

What you don't want is theft. as in Big time theft. Trucking companies don;t want that either. Not with a 150,000 dollar tractor, 60,000 dollar trailer and god only knows how many millions in the thing in some freighting. Or certain disqualifying crimes under FMCSA such as terroristic assault with CMV etc. Or a history of broken mental health crimes involving a CMV. etc.

 

Where is your location? State & nearest city/town.

 

If you look at the regs for hazmat endorsement, you will probably find that all of that is too old to count against that. That to me means you can get a job in most companies that hire new drivers. I had a great trainer last year, for my first month driving, and my first winter. Covenant has a one month training program, so you get lots of chances to get in messy conditions. I even got to chain up in -7 degree weather! I feel confident in my ability to judge the road and drive safely and cautiously.
You hear a lot of horror stories about bad trainers, but most take their job seriously. Our trainer was so awesome, and he will be a friend for life. I've met a few covenant trainers since, and they are really responsible ppl.
So pick a company with a longer training period to start, and start in winter. But if you're too late for that, many companies have winter driving courses, with simulators and all that too.