I just gotta know...

Got my CDL in 2002. Have never driven OTR. Got lucky and worked for a few small companies. In '03 I hooked up with a company and drove a rig for them at night for about a year. Wanted to transfer to a day route but only class-B was available. I went for it. Haven't driven class-A since 2004. I am now considering going OTR with one of the larger companies. I'm not proud of the fact that I have a "checkered" past. I have no felonies and no arrests since 1995. Which brings me to my question....Can anyone tell me how far back the bigger companies go when they run a background check?

 

I have NO felonies. I want to be honest but don't want to disclose information that is not necessary and may disqualify me. If they only go back 10 yrs why do some companies stipulate....for example...."no more than 2 DUIs in a LIFE TIME?" How do they find out what I did when I was 20 yrs old? Or is just a scare tactic.....

 

So..when the application asks..."have you EVER been convicted of a DUI" I should answer yes even if it is no longer on my record and may not show up on my background check either. Believe me...I want to do things right but I do not want to incriminate myself and/or disqualify myself. My theory is, if it is no longer on your record that means that you have paid your debt to society and you can move on with your life without fear of repurcussions. Wucha think?

 

You wrote:
If it's in your past, it'll have a nasty habit of rearing its ugly head when you least expect it. If it asks "have you ever" you say yes. Otherwise, you'll get canned before you even get started, and that stuff has a habit of following you.

First of all I really appreciate your input. You say... "Otherwise, you'll get canned before you even get started...." If I divulge "too much" it may disqualify me "before I get started". Some people DO learn by their mistakes in life. Your statement assumes that once a person falls off their bike, they will probably make it a bad habit and continue falling off their bike. So if what you say is true, logic says...never buy another bike because you fell off 15 years ago. Know what I mean?

 

I agree. It is a good feeling not to have to look over your shoulder. However, if I am COMPLETELY honest I will disqualify MYSELF. Whereas....if they only go back 10 years criminal background why should I disqualify myself if I have already paid my "debt to society?" I appreciate your thoughts!