I got my first year in, i dont know whats next.

Mistake #1: In the current CDL job market -- leaving a job (voluntarily)....before having another, better one lined up....& "in the bag".

Mistake #2: If you think Schneider was too "safety strict" -- try spending some time over in the hazmat tanker world! You'll be amazed at how much more anal things get there!!!

Solution: A number of my co-workers (& myself) wear & use a cpap machine every time we sleep. If a sleep test shows you need one -- then wear it, & use it.

You'll sleep much better, feel better, drive much better -- AND....LIVE LONGER.

At least several companies will pay for the testing, & issue you a cpap machine without charging you for it.

The world of trucking is ALL ABOUT SAFETY. GET USED TO IT.

One carrier that would be a good "stepping stone" for you...is Marten Transport.

Don't call them first.

Instead -- fill out an application (completely) on-line, & then follow that up 4 - 5 days later with a phone call.

Ask about the status of your application.

Marten Transport -- terminal list

-- L

 

Don't know about the sleep apnea thing, but 12 months of experience would qualify you for USPS or their contractors like Evo Transportation and 10 Roads Express. They don't require HazMat, and have few if any manuals left in their fleets, so that shouldn't be a barrier.

 

So you were charged as an adult when you were 17?

What exactly is on your criminal record?

 

I've been driving years and only used my hazmat one time. In my beginning days. For a 10 pound cylinder that went cross country.

The only time I see haz jobs is when i don't have my endorsement such as now.

There are lotsa local gigs that don't haul haz. Dirt, milk, garbage, liquid food waste, bio fuel. Etc.

Locals also don't care about background checks. But you might see if your history can be expunged. It's well worth it and doesn't cost much. May not even need a lawyer. I did mine on my own. At the time it was like $70 for the entire process. Filing fees for the court. Plus the fingerprint check.

As far as autos. My current gig is the only auto I've driven. I hope it's the only one, too. Don't know what your area is like but in my hood. Autos aren't wanted.

Get the tanker and triples endorsements if you don't have them already. I saw a loves truck pulling a tanker trailer out of love's with no placards. He must be a bio fuel hauler. I wouldn't mind a gig like that but don't want to deal with snow. I can't see loves putting trucks on hold for weather.

Doors open after a year. But don't expect much. That takes a few years.

I don't know about diabetes. I'm pre myself. Caught it just in time.

 

I think you should get a sleep study done and get a job.

Then get a lawyer or try and get your criminal convictions expunged so you can get your hazmat endorsement.

You kind of screwed yourself because you had a good chance of having that golden 1-2 years experience then wait patiently for that “retire from” company to hire you.

Maybe you still can but those better companies probably take their time with hiring and I am guessing you need a paycheck pronto.

Wait a minute. You cant get hazmat and refuse a sleep study and have type 2. Try flipping burgers.

 

Here is some big trucker advice.

There are enough carriers who do not need a hazmat.

There are enough carriers who have automatics in their fleet.

Do a sleep study, if you need therapy, get it. Lose more weight (which is related to sleep problems), and focus on eating well, you can do this on the road.

If you get a one-year dot card, live with it as many of us have, it isn't the end of the world.

All the other stuff you posted, I skimmed over because it is irrelative.

 

Sleep apnea diagnosis is a way of life in the trucking industry. You may not always like the regulations, but every company you go to is going to have you checked for sleep apnea. That's part of the DOT process, especially if you have a large neck or are overweight. Every driver gets checked. If you get on with any company, they'll most likely make you get a DOT physical with their own doctor. It's just the way it goes. Oh, and every single company is very safety conscious. If you're gonna last in this industry you're gonna have to adapt to all the ebbs and flows, which includes regulations. If you post your location, we might can point you in the direction of some under the radar companies that will take you on.

 

Disqualifying Offenses and Other Factors | Transportation Security Administration

For the OP, if you go to the link above, then scroll down to Part A & Part B, is your conspiracy conviction mentioned in either list, especially Part A? You don't have to tell us conspiracy to do what, just do you see the what part of the question mentioned at the link.

A lot of non-HazMat drivers mistakenly think all/any convictions make you disqualified for HazMat. That is not true. Also if your "conspiracy to do X " is only listed in Part B then you are only temporarily disqualified from HazMat for 7 years since either conviction or end of punishment, I'm not sure which.

There are many driving jobs without HazMat, like food service delivery & dump truck which is in almost every city. Be willing to move to another city if there are no jobs near you.

If every doctor is requiring a sleep study you should get one or lose la lot more weight. I hear a strict no carb diet with adequate protein (all meat dirt) works very fast.

 

1st thing first is to find a gym on your downtime and get on that treadmills and actually lift some weights as well. So you can control your diabetes and even try and get rid of it all together. I will always say this but being a Trucker is in the top 5 of the most unhealthiest career choices because being seated daily for long periods of time. Plus the horrendous Truck Stop food from glazed donuts to Fast food. Loves Travel Truck stops have a small health food section at most of their stops but that's still not enough. I know some Truckers who only want to do Otr however, I've always recommended those who are out of shape or diabetic to stay local if they can establish a job like that so they can work on themselves physically by working out. There are some local Companies who take on those with records regionally and locally but it's usually otr ones as a majority.