Graduating soon and seeking advice

Don't waste money on a passport because you can't enter Canada with those felony convictions.
I checked the website for Titan Transfer that was suggested; looks like they do lots of Northeast and Canada. It's a 48 state carrier though. Some companies don't force Canada runs, but pretty much have to do everything else such as Northeast.

 

. Sometimes years back when I hired on to PTL you had to have around a years experience they would not train total newbies so it's different now..my roomie and pal thru orientation had come over from covenant and was happy to come with PTL...he seemed putty happy about it to...he and I are big BAMA fans and neither of us smoked so orientation breezed for us..from his covenant stories PTL was a lot better...I guess its changed some since bringing in total newbies..we met coupla months later at a shipper we were both still happy with the job..everyone has different experiences no matter where they go...I'm just glad mine was good at PTL

 

You can try TLD. They hire right out of school. Pays not great but they recently gave a raise to the non dedicated drivers.
It’s a good starter company.
You may have a problem with work history. I had to show 10 years. I was self employed but had tax returns. They may work with you though.
They have decent trucks with apu’s and refrigerators, but that’s about it.
My husband and I ran team so we got a new truck every year.
They do run NE, but also Texas and other places. We ran to St Paul, WI then back to TN.

 

I started with May. You will get a lot of good OTR experience with them..be aware you will do a lot of northwest winter driving. On the plus side they have good equipment and longer runs. They don't have apu's but I was never charged for idle, just use common sense.
All that stuff is behind you now..establish a good base and get your experience. it's got it's ups and downs but it's mostly what you make of it. Work hard and you will do fine.

 

TLD Logistics CDL Driving School!
With locations in Knoxville, TN and Crossville, TN, TLD Logistics can get you trained and on the road in no-time. Since we are owned by Toyota Tsusho, you can count on TLD Logistics to have the latest equipment and state-of-the-art simulators that will get you on the road quickly. We have trained hundreds of drivers over the years, and if you want to be a truck driver, you will need a class A CDL. With TLD, you will receive your class A CDL and be able to start driving right after your graduation from the program.


Student Requirements

• Must be 23 years old
• Have a valid class D
• Clean MVR & Background

Driving School Breakdown
The Knoxville Driving School consists of 3 weeks of classroom and hands-on training consisting of backing, pre-trip inspection, and driving skills. Classes are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. There is 1 instructor for every 4 students to allow students to stay with the same instructor throughout their schooling. During training, students are paid $400.00 a week.

 

I am assuming the convictions were on a regular car license.

If you had these on a CDL, two in total. You would have been barred for life. Keep in mind.

Whatever is done is done given enough time passing. Appears to be more than 7 years you should be good to go.

If you want that TWIC and Hazmat and can get it, go get it. That makes you even more hire-able.

Canada on the other hand may refuse entry. So don't forget to address that potential problem with any employer.

 

They also have classes in Crossville and Lebanon. I went to school and worked out of the Crossville terminal. The last 3 weeks of school there was only 2 of us left so we got a lot of training.

 

Lebanon too, huh? That's good to know; Lebanon isn't on their website.

 

They opened a school there about a year ago or so. I don’t think they have a terminal there. They have a little info on their Facebook page about it.
I joke that they will be the next Swift. The good thing about them is they do have small classes. 3 weeks of classroom which also includes prepping for the permit that you get in the first week. 4 weeks driving and backing (mostly backing), and memorizing the pretrip.

They are a small company with around 800 to 900 trucks based in Knoxville with a few small terminals in the south (TN, KY, SC, and one in San Antonia) there maybe be more but I’m not sure. They run regional.