Getting started with a strike against me?

You'll have to check out quite a few companies and check their "eligibility requirements" listing, usually on the employment page of their website.

Most companies will not allow DUIs, period. Some will after 5-7 years, some after 10.

 

It used to be most companies had the policy of no DUI's in the past five years. Now many do have 7 year, 10 year, or lifetime policies. However, if your DUI is over five years old it will definitely not stop them from hiring you if that is their policy. You have to remember, when companies need drivers they want you to be qualified. They're not looking to throw your application in the trash, they're looking to put your butt in a truck !!

Your biggest problem is lack of experience, seems everyone wants you to have it but few are willing to provide it ! Get your resume, work history, etc... together and make sure it's accurate. You can't hide anything, they really do check ! It's better to fill out an accurate bad resume than an inaccurate 'good' one.

Go to the websites you mentioned with training programs. Also, check JB Hunt, CR England, etc... they will all have qualifications, if you meet them or come close fill out an app online. Also, check with your local trucking companies. Sometimes a smaller company is more willing to hire someone without experience. It may not pay as well or get you rolling OTR, but at least you will be building experience. I had a DUI myself in 2004, and have only recently gotten back into a 'good' driving job. However, I was able to work for a local farmer hauling grain which helped me keep my boat afloat and keep driving 18 wheelers when no one else would hire me.

I say apply online with as many carriers as you can think of and/or check out a driving school. they're kind of a rip off, but they may be able to hook you up with a job on graduation.

 

Another problem you are going to have with the majority of OTR companies is that you have no work history in the past nine months. Most of the OTR companies are strict about gaps in work history and will honestly frown upon nine months not having a job. Top that with the DUI and you are sure to have some trouble getting a job. Best thing to do is start calling company recruiters and see what they say.

 

At your age, you should know how to work around a few obstacles !!!

Not everyone will hire you,

but some companies will.

Hang in there !!

Remember, the bigger companies are not always the best companies !!!

 

I'm looking to get back after several years out so I've done a lot of research. I've also been unemployed and self-employed after the economy went to hell. I found several companies, mostly ones I didn't want to work for anyway, had limits on terms of unemployment. Many won't take a second look at you if it's more than a year.

My problem is different than yours, no recent experience, but some of what I discovered should still be of value. I also found a few companies that realize we are in a tough economy and were willing to overlook unemployment. The person I talked to at Schneider said "Well it's a tough economy. You were a stay at home dad, right". I realize this may not work for you, but I'm just saying there are probably ways to get around this and there are folks willing to help or make suggestions.

My guess is when the DUI is five years old there will be many more options and 7 - 10 will be golden. I also know "123456" posted a piece from a company website that said, I believe, two years on a DUI/DWI conviction. I'll try to find this post. You are going to have far less options and less desirable ones than most, but I'll bet if you want it bad enough you can do it.

You might be able to get financial assistance for training since you are unemployed. Call your Division of Employment Security or whatever it's called in your state. I hear others talking about "Workforce" or "Workforce1". Google them. Funding is tight right now but there might be something if you look hard.

Some driving jobs are easier to get into. If you have a CDL, expedited in a van or strait truck might work. I wouldn't want this job but that's what will make it easier for you to get. Water or sand hauling in the oilfield can be a start. It's harder work and less miles but often a pulse, a CDL and a knock on their door at the right time will get you a job. The pay isn't half bad either.

I'd bet money you can pull this off, if you want it bad enough. Good luck!

 

If I were you, I would go to K-Mart, or Walmart, and apply in there shoe department.
Look, Al Bundy did it, and had a nice house.