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O/O and dui

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by donnieb767, Sep 29, 2010.

  1. Sep 29, 2010 #1
    donnieb767

    donnieb767 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 17, 2010
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    I am a recent truck driving school graduate having trouble finding work. I had a personal vehicle dui in 01/2007, 3 years and 8 months ago, stupid mistake i take full responsibility for and am not whinning about it. I did it and paid and am still paying the price. If a person is an O/O will a personal vehicle dui of this age stop them from qualifying to haul for companies? I have no other tickets in over 5 years and no accidents ever but most companies wont hire for company driving positions unless the dui is over 5 years. I was at my last job for 22 years, until the factory relocated to mexico, thanks NAFTA, with a spotless work record so my previous work record is not an issue. Not planning on buying a truck and going this route but was just looking for information.
     
    donnieb767, Sep 29, 2010
    donnieb767, Sep 29, 2010
    #1
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  3. Sep 30, 2010 #2
    G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Most carriers use the same criteria for company drivers as they do owner operators. The majority of carriers will not touch anyone with a DUI in the background for a minimum of 5 years. Many require 7 to 10 years without any further incidents before giving you consideration. It is one of the few offenses that will really affect your career whether in a personal or commercial vehicle. If you are caught DUI in a commercial vehicle I would be surprised if any carrier would touch you.

    Part of the problem is insurance. The other is liability. Most insurance companies won't approve a driver who has a recent DUI in his background. Carriers are required by federal law to check the last 3 years work and driving history. Insurance companies will also pull the last 3 years mvr. A DUI will likely show up on your mvr during that time.

    I think you are going to have a difficult time finding any company who will give you a chance until at least 5 years has passed. The only way you may find around that is to get your own authority, providing you can get insurance coverage.
     
    G/MAN, Sep 30, 2010
    G/MAN, Sep 30, 2010
    #2
  4. Sep 30, 2010 #3
    Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    As G/man said... if you can get insurance you can get your own authority... however without experience I doubt any insurance company will take you.

    I'd like to know how any responsible driving school would take your money knowing it's likely you won't be able to find work...
     
    Krooser, Sep 30, 2010
    Krooser, Sep 30, 2010
    #3
  5. Sep 30, 2010 #4
    grimesjm1

    grimesjm1 Medium Load Member

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    Kensington,OH
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    thats the first thing that came to my head. when i went to cdl school , i got interviewed beforehand to make sure there was nothing in my past to stop me from being hired. the school you went to should have done that. sounds like they got a little greedy....
     
    grimesjm1, Sep 30, 2010
    grimesjm1, Sep 30, 2010
    #4
  7. Sep 30, 2010 #5
    donnieb767

    donnieb767 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 17, 2010
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    As far as school, there are some companies, not many, that will still except a dui over 3 years old. I am working with a company now that has excepted me but won't have a trainer available for a week or two so i'm keeping my fingers crossed. I was talking with Prime and everything on the driving and work background checked out then they told me my period of unemployment was to long. The factory i worked for moved to mexico and i've been work searching and getting schooling set up for 18 months. The down ecomomy hit the area i live in hard. The small town and area i live in lost 3-4 factories in 2 years and there is no jobs to be found so i decided to go to truck driving school. The companies in this country needs to take a look at all these factors and realize that there just are not good paying jobs all over the place any longer and take a chance on good people even though they may have made a mistake along the way. We all have made mistakes one time or another.
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2010
    donnieb767, Sep 30, 2010
    donnieb767, Sep 30, 2010
    #5
  8. Oct 1, 2010 #6
    Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    i do hope you are NOT thinking about buying your own truck. reason are, you have no experience, your driving record, and costs.

    unless you got (at least) 20% cash for a down payment, you ain't getting a truck.

    unless you pay cash, you ain't getting a truck

    unless you have a business plan, no bank or credit company will loan you the money.
    then you need start up monies, for insurances, taxes, payroll, and many other things.

    i would however highly recommend that you take some sort of "counseling sessions" to further your career goals, and show potential employers you are dedicated to being a safe driver.

    if all else fails, try "craig's list, my career builder, monster, and as many driver leasing companies you can, and apply.
     
    Rerun8963, Oct 1, 2010
    Rerun8963, Oct 1, 2010
    #6
  9. Oct 1, 2010 #7
    donnieb767

    donnieb767 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 17, 2010
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    Thanks for all the info so far. Not looking to go this route. As i said in the original post i was just looking for info. I do have some business experience and a couple friends that have their own secessful businesses. So if the time comes i will have resourses at my dipose. Once i get experience myself i may go the O/O route but not anytime soon. I know there is a lot to it but i also know the benefits of running your own business and being the reason it makes it or fails, thats what lifes all about in my book.
     
    donnieb767, Oct 1, 2010
    donnieb767, Oct 1, 2010
    #7
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