2 DUIs and limited experience

I can’t tell you if the DUIs are a disqualification after that long, I don’t think so but I could be wrong. If they aren’t and If you want to go OTR, you’ll almost certainly have to do at least a month of training, but that’s a rite of passage for all of us.

 

It's true.

Tscottme & Ridgeline are (unfortunately) pretty much accurate -- the CDL job market is in the toilet...especially for those with little or no experience.

However -- I think you can still join the party, if one knows where to look:

• different carriers have different time "windows" for DUIs -- it varies...from 5 years...to 10. Some don't want a DUI, ever.
• I see far more job ads of late in the flatbed sector of the industry. I think you'd have better luck looking there -- than elsewhere.

With all of that said -- try these carriers (who hire & train new drivers with NO on-road experience):

• Melton Truck Lines
• Maverick Transportation

Do as Chinatown suggested -- submit completed on-line applications on company websites first.

Then wait about a week -- &...if they haven't contacted you...call them...& just ask about the status of your application.

When filling out applications -- DO NOT provide more information than what is asked for: if a carrier asks..."do you have any DUIs in the last 7 years?"...simply put "no". And then move on to another subject.

I routinely see job ads for Maverick Transportation in the eastern Tennesee area. These are for both new &/or experienced CDL holders -- so they appear to be actively hiring.

Maverick would be a great catch for you. They have multiple divisions -- so you would not just be hauling "bricks & sticks":

• boats & other watercraft (marine division); very cool work
• Glass sheets
• Steel industry products/materials

Opportunity still exists -- if you know where to look....&/or who to contact.

-- L

 

Which town/city are you in or near?

 

Let me throw my--

--in.

Let us assume things are normal. First off unless you were already holding a CDL when you got those DUI's nothing in 383.51 applies to you. The problem you are going to have is finding a carrier that can take the risk of getting you insured. Honestly, the insurance carriers' rules these days have the effective force of law.

Here is the good news. Time will fix this. In the present time drive like your life depends on it. The further in time you get from those DUIs the better risk you become. However, as stated already, freight is down all across the board. I hope maybe one day soon this situation will reverse. When it does you might be able to get a CDL and drive.

 

Hmm,, I don't think I've ever seen someone admonish the King of recruitment before. How does that make you feel, Chinatown? ( my attempt at psychiatry) From all that has been said, this is one screwed up industry. I don't mean to add to this persons troubles, times have indeed changed, and what was never tolerated in my time, are now being considered, for whatever reason. I've said many times, don't rely on the internet, go into these places IN PERSON, a firm handshake, tell them only what they need to know, you have more than enough experience. Just like at the scale house, keepa your big mouth shut.

 

I don't know about the DUIs. Since they're 8 years old, many companies may not care. The question is, when was the last time you were in the truck? Some companies have a requirement of 2 years tractor trailer experience in lieu of 1 year OTR experience. I agree with @Chinatown when he says just put down local driver. That will increase your chances. I think you've got a shot to get on with a company if you want to go OTR. Are you sure OTR is what you want to do?

 

I'm mighty proud of our TTR gang for not roasting you. A fella can mature a lot in 8 years. I hope you find a good job that boosts your career.

I'm thinking @7speed has a good suggestion going to spotter job rather 1099 companies. On the other hand, sometimes toughing it out at a place can get you through the bad feelings. Is there any chance hanging with Amazon could eventually lead you to get into one of their big blue trucks? Have you asked HR if there is a path for you to do that?

 

Insurance does rule the hiring; however in 30 years of overseeing hiring at several carriers I can say MOST insurance companies stop considering DUI's over 5 years old.

I did have one company with super strict rules that did disallow any DUI under ten years old and they were a general PITA over the most minute picky stuff with a labyrinth of minor VRS major violations and preventable/non-preventable accidents.

I won't repeat any of the outstanding advice given above but can really say it all is spot on.

Due to the lifestyle of OTR and the affinity of 1099 'carriers' making bank by extorting their 'contractors' who are not contractors and the physical demands of some aspects of the industry; someone is always hiring.

Problem is how many of them are not just shy of being enforced servitude is the problem.

1099 and craigslist adds are NOT the places to work; choose wisely and wait for demoncrats to get over their hurting posteriors and the economy gets humming again.

 

If My Record Is Expunged, Can I Answer No on Applications?

After your misdemeanor(s) are expunged:
If the application question is "have you ever been arrested?" I would answer yes. Arrest is not a conviction and cannot be treated as guilt.
If the application question is "have you ever been convicted?" I would answer no. See link above.