Background Checks

I've been submitting a lot of online apps and in almost everyone the minimum time for felonies is 5 years. I think part of the problem is that if you go with the "less than honest" approach and they find out, I think you will be booted no matter what, and then it goes on your DAC report, which will continue to haunt you. You may be stuck waiting it out until the 5 years has passed.

 

You need to call and follow up on your applications.

Many companies won't call, instead they wait to hear from You !!!!

Continue to be honest,

Good Luck !!

 

I had the same problem, I am always honest on the apps - my felonies were in 1993 and 1995. (18 and 16 years ago) I apply at the companies that said "FELONIES NONE WITHIN 5-7 YEARS" and still got rejected.

Only company that approved me AFTER investigations running me prior to hiring was CRST, but I didn't take that job. They told me I would be gone 2-3 months from orientation to training, I told them I was getting married April 30th, and they said they would TRY to get me home for it. Try ? Not good enough, I declined. They actually even called me up the next day to give me my confirmation # of my bus ticket to Cedar Rapids, I told them I hope that the ticket is refundable.

 

As someone that hires drivers, my advice is to continue being up front and honest. Honesty is a rare commodity in job applications and volunteering that kind of info should go along way with the right kind of company. The advice to follow up is very good. Even if it doesn't get you the job, it allows you to get confirmation as to why you didn't. It may have nothing to do with your record. Don't speculate. My personal experience in hiring drivers is that you can't believe anything on a resume. However, if a prospective driver volunteered info that may give a prospective employer cause for concern, that would give me more confidence in the integrity of that applicant. We've all made mistakes in the past. IMO, the fact that you have been honest about yours shows (to me at least) that you are willing to take responsibility for them and that means something. hang in there, you're going about it the right way. Best of luck.

 

If you "forget things" on your info, get hired and work for months or years... then something happens and you need the company to stand behind you... The lawyers will dig and dig to find any reason to blame you or get out of paying fines, settlements etc...

Like everyone said, being upfront can't haunt you later.

best of luck, and don't forget knocking on local doors! Even waste haulers, cta etc...

Mikeeee

 

Five years ago it seemed you could get into a small company, many really didn't do any checks other then driving record and drug test. Today, with insurance companies, it seems even to be a yard jockey you need; CORI check, employment verification, DOT physical (even if your card is new), drug tests, etc.

Also, sometimes depending on what type of felony you were convicted of, might "blacklist" you from many of the major carriers (insurance companies), regardless of age. Felonies associated with theft and certain drug felonies.

 

I have hired a felon. He was up front and honest about the details of his conviction. Many carriers would not have hired this guy. There have been other felons that have applied and not been considered. These days, most carriers will check your background. Some of the smaller carriers may not be as thorough, but without experience, it will be difficult for most to cover you on their insurance.

Being honest is much better than lying. Many carriers don't even run a background check until you are in orientation. The reason is that there are so many who may commit to come to orientation and then back out at the last minute. It is costly to run background checks. When a driver is at orientation the carrier knows that he is interested in working for them.

There are companies that will hire felons. Each company is different. Circumstances and what you have done since your conviction can weigh heavily on their decision. Some of the trucking forums list their policy concerning felonies or criminal convictions are listed. Some consider the time from conviction, others might consider from the date of the charge. Your school should be able to help find something. My advice is to keep knocking on doors, if this is something you really want to do.