New driver needing some advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Dustincc23, Jan 29, 2021.

  1. Dustincc23

    Dustincc23 Bobtail Member

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    So today I passed my CDL test and I need to find a career. I have class A no restrictions. I probably can’t pass a hair folecule as around 6-8 months ago I didn’t expect to be a driver but can easily pass a urine test and will never smoke again. Got a pending ticket from a concrete construction company for operating a cmv without a CDL which I have court for in three weeks and I was only driving a dodge 5500 with a skid steer trailer nothing tractor trailer related. It’s good odds now that I have my CDL it will get dropped. All that being said, I really want to shift gears not drive a auto and I really need to make some money to support my house I just bought. I’m a hustler but do need home time at-least every 2 weeks. Would like to do flatbed but right now I’m not that picky because I know it won’t be easy for me to get a job with my pending court case. Any advice or recommendations is appreciated. Will people take me if I’m convicted? Where is there out there for someone wanting to get on their feet in this industry? Located in Alabama
     
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  3. Professor No-Name

    Professor No-Name Road Train Member

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    @Chinatown may be able to give ya ideas.
     
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  4. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    You need a lawyer to handle. that tic. for you to get it reduced to anything but what your charged with now try calling Roadlaw they have att. over in al. that can help you?
     
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  5. Dustincc23

    Dustincc23 Bobtail Member

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    I have a attorney right now. In the process of working it down or going for a full dismissal.
     
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  6. Atlaw4u

    Atlaw4u Heavy Load Member

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    @Chinatown will likely have many leads for you. Off hand, I would say contact TMC or Melton for flatbed. I've heard many good things about TMC's training. Good luck to you and keep us posted with your progress.
     
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  7. Dustincc23

    Dustincc23 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the response and yes I’ve talked to Tmc recruiter While I was in school and he told me call him once my case is over if I’m convicted sometimes with 100% honesty they may be able to accept me but he said best case scenario I call him in three weeks with a dismissal and we don’t have to worry about it.
     
  8. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    I give you credit for admitting the drug usage. Most guys come here and make excuses. You own it, that is big. If the ticket doesnt come off you may have to start with lower rated company like Western Express who has given 2nd chances to criminals who did their time. Good luck.
     
  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Kind of starting out on the wrong foot, but there's hope. 1st, I don't think hair testing goes that far back, I read usually 2 months. 2nd, I doubt they'll drop the ticket, as it happened before you had a CDL. I doubt much will become of that anyway, maybe a fine. People have found driving jobs with a much worse record, you may not get your ideal trucking job right away, but stay with whatever you get for the experience, and move up. Good luck, you came to the right place.
     
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  10. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    People that have read my posting history know I generally don't recommend hiring an attorney. In this situation not only do I recommend hiring an attorney, BUT HIRE ONE that has experience handling cases arising from 49CFR. I would also tell you the odds are actually you will NOT get it dismissed. You may, but now having a CDL has no bearing on this case. The drug thing is nothing, these cases about driving a CDL vehicle without a CDL can reach as high as $5,000 to you AND the authority holder that allows you to drive. As I stated, hire a well-knowledgeable attorney, this is considered a serious thing and as I understand it there are also federal penalties too.

    Since the CDL came into effect in the early 90s I know of about 6 or 7 cases where people were stopped without the proper license. I know of none that got the case dismissed. Again, get an attorney that understands CMV laws NOT just DMV law. You hire some hayseed hack and you are going to be in a world of hurt.
     
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  11. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Where in Bama are you?

    McElroy is in Cuba off US80 near i59/20. If you are in North Bama, Keim has a terminal in Jasper TN. Wiley Sanders is in the Dothan area

    There’s the port of Mobile. There’s thousands of log truck outfits. There are thousands of construction companies and equipment rental companies. If you need to be home, be home every weekend at the very least. There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t make a decent living and be at the house.

    “But Six, what if some of these companies can’t or won’t hire rookies?”

    Take any job available at that place. They might not be able to hire you as a driver, but they can hire you. Once you get your foot in the door, everything else will fall into place. Especially if you are prompt and have good work ethic.

    WARNING: Avoid any negative talk. It may be used against you.

    Luck in battle.
     
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