Is it over before it even began? Options?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by extrasmallsavings, Mar 2, 2026.

  1. extrasmallsavings

    extrasmallsavings Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2026
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    I've lost my job (CDL-B work, I have a Class-A license but no Semi experience) for a poor decision that was entirely my fault due to lack of getting proper sleep. It was a single vehicle accident, did not hit anyone else but hit highway fence-guards. It was not a DOT-Reportable to my understanding. Truck was damaged cosmetically, however it was operable and did not require a tow, no injuries etc. and no citations from police.

    My MVR and PSP are clean, Clearinghouse would be too when pulled. I am waiting to get my DAC report back but I doubt my former employer uses HireRight.

    I am afraid I've buried a potential career before it ever really even began, again this is my fault and nobody else's. My employer would most likely tell any company I apply for that I was in an accident, which would make me radioactive. Do I have any options left as a driver, or should I work elsewhere for 3 years in hopes it wouldn't be so fresh under scrutiny during past employment checks?
     
    austinmike Thanks this.
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I think you're ok.
    Probably hire on with a 2nd chance company.
    Where is your location?
    Do you have endorsements?
    Are you willing to run teams for awhile?
    Edit: How long have you been driving trucks?
     
  4. extrasmallsavings

    extrasmallsavings Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2026
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    Hi, Chinatown!
    I am in Utah. I actually have the Big 3 endorsements (Tanker/Hazmat/Doubles + Triples) as well as a TWIC card. I take the prospect of this career very seriously, I made a pretty severe lapse of judgement and should have stayed off the road. Hard lessons learned, and I am very lucky this only involved myself and nobody else. I am mainly afraid of my previous employer giving a negative word in this job market during the verification stage, since this was my only driving job. I have no other incidents or accidents besides this one.

    I was in this job for about 6 months, it is my only CDL job.
     
    austinmike and tscottme Thank this.
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You'll need a refresher course and many company do that, then put you on the road with a trainer.
     
    tscottme, wis bang and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Tell any company that contacts you, that you want a refresher and willing to run teams.
    ~
    Apply for Dedicated Class-A Truck Driver | Woods Cross, Utah
    Recommendations (but not required):
    Class-A CDL License.

    • Doubles/Tripples endorsement.

    • At least 2-years driving experience.

    • Hazmat endorsement.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Are you near Salt Lake City, or where?
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Online Application Form - Inland Xpress, LLC
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    ~
    Entry Level Driver Program
    How much experience do drivers need to enter the ELD program?
    The ELD program does not require any prior experience. You are eligible if you have a valid Class A CDL, doubles endorsement, and can pass our pre-employment screening requirements.
    ~
    When can I switch to a solo position from the ELD program?
    After 9-12 months of over-the-road driving experience, most drivers can run solo. Our Safety department will determine whether the driver is ready to operate solo. You may also ask the safety department about testing out early as this is decided based on performance and safe driving.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,726
    184,302
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,726
    184,302
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Swire Coca Cola, Utah
    Swire Coca-Cola, USA has had operations in Utah since 1978. We employ 1,400 people in six facilities, from Logan to Richfield.
    [​IMG]
     
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