Fresh out of the penitentiary

I think weve all learned that lesson before. Hell Ive learned it like 10 times.

 

Ambition, I'm impressed with your demeanor and drive on here. "I'm gonna make it" is one big advantage in this or any other "world". I'm giving odds that in a couple of years you'll be on here giving advice as a success story.

What I try to get across to folks is that trucking is such a diverse trade that everyone can find a niche somewhere. Too many limit themselves in just looking at OTR and suchlike. Nobody seems to open their eyes to the folks who make a good living driving dumps, garbage trucks, etc, etc. They want the "glamor" of OTR.... oh Pulllleaase.

We have a family member on the west coast who did time recently. He too came from a computer IT background, very high up. Anyhow, he's currently driving a "sucker truck" cleaning porta potties and such. Says it's not as bad as you'd think and he's enjoying the driving, etc. Good future too, 'cause we all know what those "westies" are full of.

Yup, keep your horizon broad and your head up. You'll do it. Bettin' on ya.

 

I do agree that there's more to driving than OTR. You'll need to broaden your horizons a little. CDL's are very expendable, unlike a college degree.

 

1 minute later....

Liar!! Im calling your parole officer.

 

Lol......Alright.....Ill let you off with a warning this time.

I believe you have a good attitude and you seem like a pretty smart guy. Alot of people in prison are dumber than a sack of hammers, but are very street smart. They cant tell you what 4x8= but they can make a tattoo gun out of a hand dryer and candle wax.

Keep the good attitude, put up with all the BS (there will be BS, I promise) and stay focused towards your goal and I think you may just be a truck driver soon. Hell, you might even land a prestigious job at JB Hunt or Werner!

Whatever you do, dont sign one of those #### lease operator deals without very very thoroughly researching it...Those things seem to be the biggest scam going.

 

And Like our Brother Harvey said, DO NOT SIGN INTO ANY LEASE PURCHASE PROGRAM! That program has worse odds then a casino.... Get your experience first then you can take small steps toward being an O/O if that is your ultimate goal, and if that is your goal get back to us in a couple years and we will give positive advice on how to succeed! Get that plastic in your pocket (CDL) and get your wheels turning and start earnin !!!!

 

All hope is not lost. Your DUI is eight years old and most companies will take a DUI, just not a recent one. The carriers have agreements with the insurance companies to limit the amount of risk. Quite honestly the carriers care mostly about their insurance premium, not the ethical standards of your misdemeanor DUI.
As far as your felony, it will definately make it harder for you to find employment, but not impossible. Many companies will take felonies, it just depends on the severity and how long ago they were. It will make a difference of what the felony is about. Keep your nose out of trouble and try to get your record legally expunged down the road, so the whole incident is sealed to the general public.
All you need is to get your foot in the door somewhere and prove yourself.
Your best bet is to get on with a small company at first. Keep you head up.