Sorry this is long, but I need serious help!!

I am a trucking school graduate. I was under the impression that getting a job in this industry would be rather easy after completing my training and acquiring my CDL. It has been anything but. I was led to believe that I would be able to obtain a local driving job. This was not the case. I live in a rather rural area, but trucking out here was (has dropped off significantly) booming as this area is a huge natural gas drilling area (Barnett Shale). After not being able to get a local job after training (I was told by these companies they couldn't insure an inexperienced driver, which I completely understand and most had no training program of their own) I took a job manufacturing explosives for oil companies. Well, when the drilling dropped, I was laid off.

So now I am trying again, desperately, to get into trucking, which is what I wanted all along. I am now just trying to get in basically anywhere, hoping for some sort of regional work. The problem is this: I went back to my school to get help form the recruiter. He pulled up my criminal report through a company called USIS ( I saw your article on DAC reports and their name was there!!). It not only showed an old misdemeanor I had years ago, but another case showing I am on parole until 2039, and that I have a tattoo on my head!!! I have never been to prison, much less have any tattoos. And the petty misdemeanor I had was sealed by a judge (paid 900 dollars o a lawyer for that!!). I am currently disputing this inaccurate and damaging info USIS is reporting.

My questions are as follows: I call them every 2 days to check on the status of my dispute. Every time they tell me it has not been started yet. How long can they keep this up? What rights do I have? And am I just shooting myself in the foot if I apply at companies right now and they see this inaccurate info? I am trying to get my foot in the door here. I have already been turned down for one job for this inaccurate reporting, and I don't want to burn all my bridges with prospective employers because they think I am this person being reported by USIS. Any advice on what I can do or places a new driver like myself can apply would be greatly appreciated. I would rather not do long haul, but I realize I must accept being out for days at a time. I have a 9 month old daughter I would like to have still remember who daddy is. The mortgage is due. I don't have it. I have a family to support and I can't afford to just take any "regular" job. I want to get my career started and feel like I am just running into hurdle after hurdle. Thank you for your time and hope to hear back soon.

Christopher in Cleburne, TX

 

Yeah, I will have to start looking for "just any job" here next week. The bill collectors sure don't give a darn about my situation, and I can't expect them to. As far as taking a pic of my head, I have hair covering it, haha. Always have (at least since I was a kid). Another reason I laugh at the notion that this report says I have a tat on my head. I read on another thread that flatbed driving is easier to get into and they train. How much truth is there to this and if so how do you go about finding these places?

 

What is OOIDA?

 

That is funny you mentioned that because that is exactly the process I am involved in now. I called them I after I became aware of the false info, and they led me to the dispute forms online. I have done that and sent it all in a week or so ago. I call them everyday and as of yet they haven't gotten to it. So what you are saying is that they have 30 days and if they have not done anything at that point they have to remove it? That is how I understood that process to be with credit reports. And thanks for all who have justified my not continuing to apply while this is ongoing. I was torn, because I feel like if I am not applying anywhere I am wasting time I don't have to get a job, but at the same time I do not want to burn bridges while applying for jobs I won't get because of the erroneous info they are spewing out. It is tough enough trying to get a company to give me a chance with no experience. A false criminal record just nails the coffin shut on my chances. I desperately want to get my career going, and it feels like it is one hurdle to jump after another. This whole industry is a bit intimidating, and I want to do the right thing and make as few mistakes as possible as I am getting into it. Doing what is best for myself and my family is my priority. I have no doubt that I will succeed, but I just need to get in first. It almost seems like a private club in a way. And the way it seems, from what I have read about certain companies, you can get blacklisted pretty darn quick in this industry. I wish I had found this website sooner. Just in a couple of days I have found so much valuable information. I thank everyone who reads this and I hope someday soon I can be one of the people giving out advice through my experience. It is really just a confirmation to myself that this is a good choice. Seeing how drivers are able to give back by sharing info to those who need it on here. Again, thanks again to those who have responded, and those who I hope respond to this later. I am open to listen to all options and advice.