Need help on figuring out my options

I decided 2 weeks ago I needed a career change. I've been cutting grass in Central Florida for far too long. A little about myself:

-27 years old
-Worked under the table for the last year
-Prior three years I paid taxes with one company
-One seat-belt violation in the last 3 years, clean MVR otherwise
-Domestic Battery Misdemeanor in the last 3 months..otherwise crystal clean record

The last one has been a heartbreaker...No company will hire me on for their driver training (at least none of the ones I've called). Any suggestions?

I want to drive so bad. I thought I was set. I spent the last week tying up some stuff around here then figured I'd call some of the companies I had in mind and choose one.

Roehl said on the phone that my misdemeanor probably wouldnt hold me back. They then referred me to a school in my area. Upon calling the school they said there was no way Roehl would hire me even if I went through the schooling.

 

Its interesting how you make Domestic Battery seem so innocent by saying "otherwise crystal clean record". Seems contradicting to me. "Domestic Battery" and "Crystal Clean" don't go together very well. To be honest, most companies won't even glance at your application for the next 5 years. And after that, you will still have to list the charge and they will use it against you. It would be your best bet to look in to other job options. The trucking industry will not be your friend on this one. Goodluck!

 

In Florida (especially in the redneck county I live in) it's extremely easy to be charged with anything despite the situation. I have a notarized statement from the plaintiff stating it should have been "domestic violence" (a simple argument) but not "domestic battery". Anyways, mistakes happen and this would be my first ever mistake. I claim no innocence here but I'm looking for advice and insight.

 

I'd get a lawyer and see if I could get that removed, but keep on looking, there are many many drivers with records worse then yours.

 

I've looked to expunge it but it can only be done if I pleaded not guilty and it went to trial.

 

i started my driving career with illegal substance misdemenor(marijuana),some companies turned me down but i always had a job.i've worked for 5 companies since 2004 and by now it doesnt even come up when i fill up applications.if you had no or low taxable income check with the state if they offer a cdl program for free(state pays for it).i know pennsylvania does.just dont give up and fill as many applications as possible,some company will eventually give you a chance.good luck

 

Check out non-company driving schools. Many will finance. Also go down to your local Jobs Plus and look into applying for the WIA grant to pay for your schooling.

TransAm has been known to occasionally be lenient with records. You could also look into Paschall Truck Lines and Carolina Cargo. All of them would require you to have your CDL first though.

I wouldnt waste time bothering with Stevens for a company school, while they have excellent training they are pretty strict on recent verifiable work history.

If youre set on a company school, I hate to say it, but have you tried CRST? Seems like they will hire anything with a pulse.

 

Thanks for your post. I have tried CRST and they won't touch me for three years. I do not want to give up. But I also don't want to go through school just to find out that no one will hire me. I wonder if it's possible to reach out to some companies and see if they will pre-hire me upon completion of school?

 

Comcar, headquarted in Auburndale has their own CDL school.

The unemployment office in FL has some program that pays for private CDL school. I think if you live near Tampa they send you to Roadmasters.

 

This is excellent information, thank you very much. I wonder how lenient Comcar is but I'll find out tomorrow. I live about an hour north of Tampa and I can definitely get to Tampa for school. I have looked into Willis Shaw Express and I should hear from them tomorrow.