Minor Backing Accident - Non-DOT, Won't Go On Abstract, No DAC

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by BubbaD1, Mar 16, 2016.

  1. BubbaD1

    BubbaD1 Bobtail Member

    11
    3
    Feb 5, 2016
    0
    Hey guys, straight outta school I took a Class B job delivering produce. I got into a minor backing accident today when I was trying to back into a QFC from the street, I did a tiny bit of superficial damage to the back left taillight of a car.

    The accident was non-DOT, won't go on my abstract, and my company doesn't submit information to the DAC. If I apply to new jobs, can I simply omit ever having worked there? My supervisor said it will still come up if they background check me, and they'll wonder why I didn't put down that company. He told me to be honest and said a minor backing accident wasn't anything to worry about.

    How true is that, though? Will a lot of companies still hire me? I work near Seattle, where there are a LOT of jobs. #### near every trucking company(LTL, longhaul, fuel hauling, anything) hires young drivers straight out of school. My abstract and license are entirely clean, and as I said it won' be on any DAC report, either.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

    4,536
    4,493
    Dec 27, 2007
    Elkhart, IN
    0
    Don't lose too much sleep over it. But be totally honest about it on future job applications. It wont stop you from getting a job in the future but it could cost you one they find about about it later and realized you tried to hide it. If there was documentation of the incident by your employer then your next potential employer will know about it when they fax current employer "the paper" to fill out on you.

    There are lots of driving job in Seattle but fuel hauling gigs almost definitely wont touch anybody without 2 years experience. Insurance companies are real serious about that one. I know Old Dominion starts newbs at $20 in Seattle and pays OT after 40 and good benefits. I can personally vouch that it was a very nice and well organized place to work. (Probably was dumb for quitting but I left the area.) Franz bakery is also a top driving job around if you can get your foot in the door there. It's a union shop though so there's some of that BS to deal with when you're the FNG. OD will work your ### off but you'll make money. I think top pay is probably up around $26/hr by now.
     
    BubbaD1 and G13Tomcat Thank this.
  4. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,143
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    I agree with Brandon. Don't hide the job, nor the incident. If it's not black-marked against you as you said; you should be okay.

    Drivers are all but micro-chipped anymore, what with facing cams and everything. If the potential companies find out you lied to one, chances are somehow the 2nd 3rd 4th etc... will find out. You'll end up blackballing your self.

    Did you lose your job over this incident, or are you just planning in advance?

    Best of luck, be safe!
     
    BubbaD1 Thanks this.
  5. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

    4,886
    36,995
    Jan 23, 2015
    Winnipeg, MB, CA
    0
    Being honest is far better than lying and them finding out.
     
    BubbaD1 and G13Tomcat Thank this.
  6. BubbaD1

    BubbaD1 Bobtail Member

    11
    3
    Feb 5, 2016
    0
    All of you are right. I'll go ahead and be honest. It's just frustrating to be wholly employable one moment and perhaps be viewed as damaged goods the next.

    Will this put me on the bottom of the pile, though, so to speak? In most job descriptions, companies require 'a clean driving abstract' which I still have. They never say anything about 'No minor accidents in X amounts of years' or anything like that. So do you think I'm still fairly employable? Or I'll struggle?

    Thanks for any advice, guys.
     
  7. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,143
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    If there is no "citation," per se, and the company didn't report it, you should be okay. You'll be closer to the TOP of the pile, for being honest. Most of the 2nd chance companies that hire people with tainted records, have those for "some sort" of dishonesty.
    Yes, you in my opinion are totally employable. Listen to recommendations by @Chinatown as to new and broader horizons to go to. In my many years, I've met many men with worse "incidents" that simply "carry-on.."

    ps: are you still employed there? if you got terminated over this, it may prove more difficult . . . I'm no expert; i'm old-school ..... just read a lot.

    (The cool-band logo is my 16 year old daughter's..... i know, its a band, but i just like the graphics, and seeing the sun rise on the horizon, Lol!)
     
    BubbaD1 Thanks this.
  8. BubbaD1

    BubbaD1 Bobtail Member

    11
    3
    Feb 5, 2016
    0
    I actually resigned. The job was making me miserable, and I hated the schedule. My supervisor was extremely cool and is a straightshooter, so I'm not worried about him ever lying and telling a prospective employer that I was terminated. It may look awkward that I had a backing accident and resigned the job that same week, but my supervisor even made it clear that he wanted to keep me on despite the accident, I'll let that be known in future interviews I guess.

    Resigning was probably stupid, but the last thing I want to do tomorrow is do that same route. Wasn't very fond of the job.
     
    G13Tomcat Thanks this.
  9. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,143
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    Understand, man. Your opportunities are yours, and the horizon is wherever you choose it to end. I think you have a great outlook, and you'll be okay.
    Check out the places mentioned to you here, I've known (or met?) guys with SO many bigger issues, that are rollin' hard and banking. Keep the faith!
     
    BubbaD1 Thanks this.
  10. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

    3,912
    3,945
    Jan 10, 2012
    Louisville, Kentucky
    0
    Meh don't worry about it.

    I got one of those on my record one time.
    Bumped a guy left a black mark on his white truck & he called the cops. #### happens...

    Had no trouble finding work.
    Gaps in employment will cause you more trouble than that booboo.

    So find that next gig quickly. I can get away with gaps but not having much experience you won't have such luxury.
     
    BubbaD1 and G13Tomcat Thank this.
  11. santanzchild

    santanzchild Light Load Member

    80
    90
    Mar 19, 2010
    Independence, MO
    0
    WTF is a abstract.
     
    Dominick253 Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.