TSA Background Check

That's what they told me when I applied for my TWIC card too. (Same DHS/FBI background check as the Hazmat). I wasn't back on the road more than a day or two when I got the notification that everything passed and my card was being issued.

 

Mine came back the next day lol.

 

My fingerprints came back 4hrs after I walked out the door after getting them done. Went to the dmv the next morning to take the test.

 

I did the same had my Hazmat since 2008 let it go
In 24. I redid the background this past spring. Which is when I guess they’re busy. Took almost 2 months for the background. So if you’re getting it back fast then you’re lucky.

 

My TWIC card took 2 months for some reason. Even though they do the same exact background check for hazmat and TWIC.

 

Just renewed mine two weeks ago. Got the approval email the same day I did the fingerprints. Fingerprint 10AM, letter 4:30PM. Took a day for the state to get notice to add to my DL.

 

I have some specific questions I would like to ask. I am looking to enter the industry; I have done much research on this. I am familiar with the many things such as physical, local schools, companies in my vicinity that pay for training ect. My question pertains to TSA Background Check for Hazmat and TWIC. I have some prior medical history pertaining to inpatient mental health. First, I must say that I have done my research, I know that I proceeded past the involuntary hold period under Pennsylvania law and will have an involuntary commitment on my background check although many years prior.
With that said, if and when the TSA check reveals the record, will this report back to DOT in a manner which would or could result in loss of my CDL? Specifically, if I am unable to obtain clearance would I still be able to carry on with my CDL? I do not want to begin with a company that would require Hazmat or beyond due to this possibly requiring legal assistance. I would begin with a company that would not require a Hazmat endorsement so that I can tip toe through the process with potential legal assistance on my own time where nothing would be disclosed to my employer.
These are very specific questions; I am not asking a moral question as to what you think I should disclose or not disclose. I am asking if anyone has any specific knowledge to answer these questions. Be gentle please, I am new here. If you have information, do you have any specific law firm that you would recommend?

Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide. I want to ensure that I do not put myself in harm's way.

Sincerely,
PA Driver

 

Disqualifying Offenses and Other Factors | Transportation Security Administration

I am not a lawyer or a mental health professional, and I'm not going to inquire about the specifics of your situation out of respect for your privacy, but the specifics of your situation is what will determine whether or not you can be approved. A big part of that will be the opinion of your psychiatrist / psychologist as to whether or not you pose a danger to yourself or others, whether or not you have any current diagnoses, how well you are/were compliant with and responding/ed to their prescribed treatment(s), and how long it has been since you cleared your most recent treatment protocol if you're no longer under their care. They may also look at factors like how long it has been since you were released from your inpatient stay and how you have been living your life since then (any criminal or civil incidents, residential history, job stability, etc.). A clearance letter from your current psychiatrist / psychologist might be required.

It would help to consult with an attorney as well. I'm sorry that I don't have any specific answers for you, but I do wish you luck.

 

I appreciate that. Do you know if not being cleared by TSA would impact your existing CDL, example reporting the findings back? Or would I just continue on with the existing CDL only? I was aware of the code of regulations you posted, however I am uncertain if being rejected would pose a threat to my CDL itself. Under Pennsylvania law, when you are taken to the hospital you must be examined in under two hours and then either admitted or discharged accordingly. I was admitted and unfortunately, I will have a record even though it was ten years ago. Pennsylvania mental health law is not very forgiving and given the short window, most are admitted under PA law and held for up to 5 days for observation. Even though it is considered observation Pennsylvania law is very tricky and it does constitute involuntary commitment which is unfortunate. I cannot change my circumstances or circumvent PA law, simply put I am stuck with it.

Have you had any experience with a CDL attorney you might recommend? Additionally, while we are talking, I was wondering if I might be able to ask you another question. Are you familiar with any trucking companies that allow you to live out of the truck? It is very hard to find any answers to this question in my search. My options may be limited initially due to lack of experience, but I am looking to relocate likely to the West Virginia area where I could purchase land. Ideally, I would like to spend 18-24 months in the truck.

I consider myself a bright guy, I have several degrees I have obtained and am 43 years old. You might wonder if another career is optimal given that information however, I believe the income and ability to travel and potentially save two years' salary is very attractive. I have no children, unfortunately I divorced before I had the opportunity. I have a friend living abroad right now who may return from Costa Rico to form a team driver with me although that part is not quite worked out yet. He is an insurance agent and is able to work remotely so he has been traveling South America. I hold degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, General Studies, Liberal Arts and Aeronautics. I do have other options, but the opportunity to work independently and travel while saving money to buy acreage is very appealing to me.

Thanks again for your knowledge.