Career Planning

You don't lose your license for one ticket if you've got experience with your company, not normally. (from what I've read) but you will most-likely get the infraction added to your DAC or CMV report, which becomes available to any trucking company running a background check in the future. Again, from what I have read, it is not typical for an employer to fire an employee over one ticket, however 2 or more tickets in a 6 month period can be cause for expulsion. (I've read that a ticket/infraction can also be grounds for docked pay) It is also possible for an employee to temporarily lose work (temp suspension) or to have pay docked after an accident, from what I've read. It's also dependent on the company. If it is a co well-known for fast turn-over, then I'd assume those are the companies more willing to let someone go for 1-2 tickets within 6-12mo. When an individual is fired due to driving infractions, those infractions can/will become available on your driving background report & it will certainly be more difficult to find employment within certain sectors of the industry. (Namely, on the road tractor trailer truck, Reefer, Dry-van, Tanker companies) However, there are many companies who will openly take & employ those with infractions, typically for lower pay. These include 2nd chance companies. After X amount of time has passed without infraction, the driver can possibly find work with a more average paying OTR company. Alternatively, rather than joining a 2nd chance OTR operation, there are local companies that do not always perform background checks as intense as larger companies, or OTR freight companies. These can include construction companies, moving companies, truck leasing companies, etc. & an individual with years of experience WITHOUT infraction, (before the recent 2+ infractions in a relatively short amount of time) MAY be able to find employment with these types of outfits. Alternatively yet, there are non-driver options within this industry. Dock Logistics worker, Dock management, & Dock Laborer, are examples. As a driver with experience, you will usually be considered for a dock work job over those w/out experience. Dock working jobs can pay well, especially for the right companies, or unionized dock worker companies. $20+/hr.

As for accidents, it is my understanding that many drivers have them, without termination. From what I have picked up, it really depends on the company. (again) One accidental back-up into an inanimate object with little damage isn't typically going to get you fired immediately. (however it should be avoided at all cost, obviously) One accident can/will go on your record, and the company can hold this accident against you when reviewing future infractions or accidents. I have read that it is common for the driver to pay restitution through docked pay if the accident causes damage to property.

Hope this helps ya out bud.

 

It's not about losing your job, as you can always find another one. Did you read the article I posted? One mistake as a driver and if somebody gets hurt or killed you could possibly lose your freedom. Did you know there are law firms in this country that specialize in suing trucking companies and drivers?