Non-recent CDL grad, inexperienced

Your CDL is valid, but not really "of value" at the moment. Pretty much, you'll have to go through "full training" as a newbie, with a company that has their own CDL school, I believe.
@Chinatown ... any suggestions?

 

I would think that your past experience is non-existence and would hurt you more than help you. Then to top it off you have misdemeanors on your record. The only advice I could give is for you to start over at a company that knows your record completely. You'd have to work for them but if they know everything about you and are willing to work with you there won't be any surprises and you could start all over. I do not believe that just holding a CDL will get you anywhere. Just my 2¢.

 

There are companies that will hire you, some may require you to sign a 1 year contract. I have had mine just under 6 months and it was tough finding a place that would take me without making me start over. The place that did take me, I have to road test with Safety, who will determine if I retained enough skills to bypass starting over as a newbie. If I don't, I sign on the line, or have the option to leave, attend the school of my choice for a refresher, and reapply. I would pick a company, if a trainer does anything inappropriate you need to report it and get a new trainer. I am not sure what happened, but remember, being in a truck with a stranger is temporary.

 

In my opinion with a lot of companies, especially megas that have their own schools, already having the CDL would actually be a perk for them and save them some money. Then all they have to do is just put ya through orientation and your job specific training/road training.

 

I agree contact a few companies that offer training. You might give Abilene a call, I'm not sure if your location will be a fit but they might be interested in you.

 

Eagle KMC Transportation in Arizona might hire you and put you through a refresher.
48 state dry van company and also has a tanker division you can transfer to after about 12 months should you decide you want more home time.

Many companies will bend their hiring rules these days, so apply, even if you don't think you're qualified.
Try these and do the online application first, then follow with a phone call and say "I'm checking on my job application."

Freymiller - has a "Restore Program" for drivers with a long gap in driving.
Titan Transfer - hires in Arizona and has refresher course and also full cdl school. You probably only need refresher course.
Navajo Express - hires drivers in your situation, on a case by case basis.
Abilene Motor Express - has refresher and fast trucks @ 72mph.
Western Express - is a second chance company for drivers with past problems and a long gap in driving. Nice trucks.