NEED ADVice. BACKROUND ISSUE

Hello all,
I'm new to this and the whole trucking community. I start training at Southwest Truck Driver School on the 25th and I'm really excited about getting my CDL and changing my career. I have been a traveling telecommunications contractor for the last 5 years so I'm used to traveling just not used to driving a big rig.. Going from driving state to state in a F150 to a tractor is gonna be a big jump for me but I welcome the challenge.

Now my problem...
I have a misdemeanor simple assault on my criminal record from 2003. I was 22 and made a bad and very stupid decision and paid dearly for it. I completely own up to it and take responsability. Now I've been told that I shouldn't have anything to worry about and I shouldn't have a problem getting a job in trucking. Well, I filled out my prehire apps for Werner Swift and Covenant. I was rejected by Werner and Swift due to this misdemeanor and so far Covenant is the only company willing to take me on. After reading all these post about them, I'm very leary of working for Covenant. If I have to I will but if there is a better company to take me on I appreciate any info. I really got alot out of RCW's postings about her husbands experience with Convenant.(THANK YOU!)

So heres my situation since 2003 and any suggestions on a atleast somewhat decent company that will take me i would appreciate:

July 2003- Convicted of Simple Assault was sentenced to the maximum 2.5 to 5 years(Yes it really was my first offense and I got railroaded. Anyway thats a whole different story. I swallowed it and did my time.)

November 2006- Was released to State Supervision. Got a job as a cable guy and have been there since. Moved to subcontracting after a year position because it paid more.

July 2008- Released from State Supervision with no incidents or problems. Then started doing traveling projects as a sub and became a field manager. Making good money traveling all over the Western states.

Today- I'm a lil older and still have the same job. Have not been in trouble since 2003(Yeah, I was scared straight) I have a family that I provide for and work very hard. Problem is that the company cut our travel pay by 35% and I am now losing money due to the increasing fuel cost and its creating a hardship. So I think its time for a change. I dont mind travelling and it doesn't bother my family that much either. So I figured I'll look into truck driving for a company.

So there you have it.. Any recommendations to companies that may accept me?

P.S.- I really like this site it has a wealth of information and I have learned so much about truck driving life..

 

Thanks for the info biscuit.. I will check out the smaller companies. I in no way expect things to be gravy as a rookie.. I'm willing to put in the time and gain the experience.. I have no issues with that at all. I am not expecting to be home every night like I said before I travel now for living and I'm usualy gone for 3 weeks at a time so not being home every night doesn't bother me. Something I do wonder which I haven't seen is.. What is the average pay rate most companies offer for a new driver fresh out of company training?

 

Nah not expecting to get rich quick. I'm not expecting a great pay rate as a rookie. Im actualy making less than that with our travel pay being cut and fuel prices going up. Im taking a heavy loss every month now. I just want to know that as long as my truck is moving, Im getting paid something and not losing..

 

Not taking it personal.. No worries..
It was definately a misdemeanor.. Did a backround check on myself to be sure there are no errors as to my charges. This happened when I was living back east in PA. To sum it up I got into a fight.. It was a bad fight.. I took a open plea to simple assault(open plea= judge can give you whatever he wants up to the maximum allowable by law) With me being young studid ##### I was then I kinda had a non caring attitude so the judge said he's was gonna make a example out of me and he sure did. I'm 31 now and alot more grown up with a family. Im really good at what I do and Im great wtih customers, never had a complaint and my customer ratings are always 98% or higher commercial and residential. I thought I would be doing this forever and I'm glad they gave me a shot but I cant support my family with the new pay changes.. And no legitimate contracting companies are hiring so its time for a career change.

FYI- There are more parolees and ex cons in the cable and data contracting business than you know.. But I do understand where you are coming from however I have been out for 5 years. Im not some creepy pervert or thief, I just made a bad decision because my "manhood" was being threatened and got dished a raw deal. I sucked it up and took my consequences and moved on with a hard lesson learned.