Trying to find a way back

I did something stupid 7 1/2 years ago. I decided it was okay to smoke marijuana during my home time. Five days after returning to duty, I was random-tested, tested positive, and was terminated. I completed the SAP requirements mandated by the FMCSR, but it didn't take me long to realize that I was basically blackballed from the industry. To make a long story short, I knew it was going to be virtually impossible to find employment back in the trucking industry, so I stopped looking. This was in late 2007-early 2008 right when the economy crashed, so I knew I was finished. Lately, it seems like trucking jobs are a dime a dozen again, so I thought I'd give it another shot. So far, it looks just as bleak for me now as it did in '08. As an example, I called one of the supposed crappiest of companies out there just to get a response, and was promptly rejected (It must 10 years old, at least. Back when it happened, I was told 3 years).

About me:

I learned to drive tractor-trailers in the Army. I spent 18 months hauling jet fuel and diesel throughout West Germany back in the early eighties. I was in the Army for five years, but the rest of my duty wasn't transportation-related.

Upon discharge in '87, I worked as a steelworker for two years, and then decided to go into trucking. Back then, it wasn't as difficult to get a driving job (pre-CDL days). I worked for three different flatbed companies over three years, and then left trucking again, mainly because I had a young family and decided I wanted to be home with them more than I wanted to drive.

Fast forward to 2004: After working in family businesses, warehouses, and finally as a table games dealer in a casino throughout the '90's, I decided I wanted to try trucking again. I got my CDL in mid 2004 through one of the starter companies. Although I know I learned a lot through my experience from 2004-2007, one thing I noticed (as did my trainer) right away is that I hadn't lost any of my driving ability during my 12+ years away. Of course I was somewhat rusty, but everything came back quickly, and training became learning qualcomm, company policy, and safety being ingrained in me. All new from my earlier experience, when running hard and knowing how to make it all look good on paper was all that mattered to the companies I'd worked for.

Yes, I've been away from driving for over seven years now. Being away from it for 12 years the last time though, I know it wouldn't take a whole lot of training for me to be successful at it again. I'm looking for a small company or owner/operator that can forgive a 7 1/2 year old mistake, give me a couple of weeks teaming with another driver to polish up, and in return I will give you a driver that you're glad you gave a chance to. I'm single now, and all I care about is driving and growing a bank account. I'm hoping to build my experience back up to the point of becoming an o/o. Home time is unimportant. If I can pass through Chicago to visit my family for a day or two every couple of months, that's all the home time I would care about. I have held a clean Tennessee CDL A uninterrupted since 2004, and have never had an accident. I am safety-conscious, detail-oriented, and easygoing. If you pm me, I'll send you my number, or call yours. Thank you.

 

Thank you all for your replies! I started about a month ago with a company based out of Chicago. So far, I'm happy with the choice I made. If anything should change, I'll keep your numbers for future reference. It's great to be back!