CAN WILL I GET HIRED

I am not bashing you I am bashing those who keep claiming things are mistakes - lately I have had a bad way of putting things.

I think you will do fine, keep your eye on the goal and learn as much as you can, you don't have to worry about a job.

 

Go talk to all your local schools. In Arizona there is a program that pays 100% of your school. It's a federally funded program and may be available through your local unemployment office or DES office. I'm not fond of going to a school attached to a company because then you're bound to that company, whether you like them or not. Look at the TWIC card requirements. If you could qualify for that, then you shoulnd't have a problem getting a job.

 

Wishing you the best, OP. Congrats on getting your life in order. See if you can find some state tuition assistance. You're getting into trucking at a really good time because it's an employee's market.

 

Oh they are indeed a bunch of characters. Ones with quite a bit of wisdom when their not busy being a buncha cut ups.

Mostly good folk on this forum. Lots to learn if you but take the time to read a little an listen to what they say. Some are grumpy, some are funny, some are funny when their grumpy, some have no patience for anyone, some like to share, some don't.

All in all...a good place for one to learn.

Oh an good luck to you.

Sirscrapntruckalot - Rolling rolling rolling...though the streams are swollen. Keep them doggies rollin, Rawhide! - Johnny Cas, the blues brothers, and many others.

 

You can find a cheaper school or even try a cdl mill (mega) to get your license.

 

Why are so many so pessimistic about anyone with a past history? In case ya'll haven't noticed there are literally hundreds of companies out here large and small who are nearly desperate to fill air seats; Most will put right in their recruiting ads that felonies over 7 to 10 years don't count to them. Some will say something about a review but if you didn't commit mass murder with a vehicle then they are like, so what? The only reason those that have restrictions care is either because the owner is sanctimonious or the insurance company is controlling everything about their hiring policy.. Pretty much as long as you are not trying to go somewhere that requires a government security clearance the felonies you mention are no longer an issue. In fact you are eligible for a hazmat clearance and have been for 10 years.

Let me give you another piece of advice... You don't volunteer nothing. Don't go in to some recruiter and say.. I had 2 dui's but it was 10 years ago.. Why would you do that? Another thing is you don't start a conversation with a recruiter by saying "Hi, I'm an ex-con".... You don't even need to discuss it unless asked.. If there is a box on the app that asks then check it and leave it there.. If they want to know they will either run a quick NCIC check or they will ask but if they get that far that means they are considering hiring you and you've already met their other criteria.. So don't sweat it.. there's a TON of smaller 250 truck or less fleets out here who won't even mention it to you even if they run the background check... BECAUSE it's been over a decade!

I am not necessarily a big fan of "driving schools" probably because I'm old school and have never been to one. I train end dump drivers now but they follow me around in their own trucks...I am not there to teach them how to drive a truck even though I end up doing some of that (smh) My company couldn't care less about your non violent, non sexual felonies (our owner has some standards lol) What he cares about is your willingness to be safe and work hard..(notice I put safe first).. You do that and you will earn over a grand a week and be home most weekends but you live in Virginia.. We do have some customers there but I am not sure how that would work, our van division could probably hire you after you have 12 months on the road. I have trained guys who are STILL on parole and probation before.. So stop worrying about your past and as I see you have done a fine job of doing... Concentrate on your future...

 

Murder. Rape. Pillage. Molest. Just don't get caught with THC in your hair blood or urine. That's the level of willful ignorance and stupidity you are dealing with in joining this industry.

 

Most truckers judge.....the ones in this thread are the cool ones..