Fresh out of the penitentiary

I think if a person wants anything they can have it, just have to roll with the punches. Known more than one person in your shoes that drives just not for some shake and bake outfits, most are not worth driving for anyways.

Few things you cannot do, no TWIC card and you will not be able to get a passport or a fast card to cross the border for 10 years.

Good luck and hope you get in a truck

 

Many companies have time restraints around 7 years. Mainly because what their insurance company says. Most of the megacarriers are self insured, so they dictate their own rules.

It was 3-4 years ago, I read about the state of Texas was training inmates to get their CDL. Upon release, they were given a job.

So it is possible.

Interesting facts on that story though, the next year, the majority of TX CDL holder wrecks included most of them drivers. I'd assume mainly because of their outlaw mentality. I don't know if they still have that program or not.

If you start driving, you need to put your past and craziness behind you. That includes giving up all drugs and most drivers don't even drink anymore. Don't think you can get away with stuff, because you won't. There's more responsibilty driving a truck than you know yet. If you really want it, you can have it. Attitude is everything. Good luck!

 

Most carriers will consider an individual with a DUI after 5-7 years has elapsed. Felonies will usually need to be at least 7-10 years. That doesn't necessarily mean that you cannot find a position, but as others have stated, you have your work cut out for you. You may check with your state employment office and see if there is a program that will assist convicted felons in finding a driving position. The state of California had a program like that several years ago to help felons reenter society by getting a CDL and placing them with carriers. Drug and alcohol charges are very problematic for carriers. It is more the liability should you be involved in an accident.

The recent felony conviction will hurt you more than the DUI at this point. Not enough time has elapsed since the drug conviction. It has only been a year since your conviction, as I recall. You may check with some construction companies. Some of them will over look felonies for those who want to drive their dump trucks. You may also check with local furniture delivery companies. Rent A Center has been looking for local delivery drivers in a number of markets across the country. You will be picking up and delivering furniture and appliances. The work will be doing more than driving, but it will be a start. The down side is that their trucks are not semi's. They are straight axle box trucks, but it is still driving.

If you already had your CDL and a few years experience it would be much easier to get a job. For the most part, those with no experience are relegated to the major trucking companies. It is more about insurance. The insurance companies prefer to see at least 2-3 years experience. Most of the major carriers do at least some self insurance, which gives them some latitude when it comes to hiring.

It may come down to waiting for more time to elapse before you can find something. I have found that perseverance usually pays off.

 

Did not know that some charges are ok and that is good, they never tell you the minimum just to keep most from applying.

Passports are baggage to me, I hate going over the borders for anything. I will say this, I drove for a man that could care less about your history and many drivers had records.

Do wish you the best and hope you can do this.

 

Dont give up Good luck

 

Look, I am not trying to start an argument. Trust me on this. I have enough problems of my own to handle right now. But, let me give you some free advice that is meant to assist you.
.
You are going about this the wrong way. Before you commit to spending money on schooling, find out if you are employable in the trucking industry. Check out companies that you would be interested in working for. Check into their employment requirements. Most will list, up front, their policy on felony convictions.
.
Understand that fresh out of a school you are not that desireable to most of the trucking industry and neither is any other recent grad. However, if you have 2 years of experience driving tractor trailers, clear motor vehicle record and a clean background check with no accidents you are in high demand. Clearly the problem is getting 2 years experience. And, that is the catch 22 - you need experience to get the better jobs but you need the job to get the experience.
.
In my particular case, I drive locally. For me to get a job driving tractor trailers, even though I have a CDL class A license, I would have to go to school all over again. And start all over again as a new grad. My local driving experience is more of a disadvantage than an advantage it seems. That is just the way it is.
.
Your police record is a clearly a very big problem, especially since it is so recent. It may not be insurmountable but it is a very serious problem for you. It may not work out for you. This industry is not that forgiving especially with so many other candidates applying that do not have your baggage.
.
Sorry for the bad news but the truth is not always pleasant.