O/O as a Felon

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Friedchicken667, Feb 5, 2025.

  1. Friedchicken667

    Friedchicken667 Bobtail Member

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    So I’ve been a company driver for two years, thinking about going the O/O route because I am a felon who recently (within last five years) got out of prison. I have trouble getting on with most carriers that aren’t owned by shady folks. Now I have an opportunity to purchase a reasonably priced truck from my current employer.

    When you’re applying to lease on with a carrier do they scrutinize your criminal history the same way as a company driver? I don’t have any transportation or terrorist type felonies, heck I have Hazmat endorsement.
     
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  3. Stringb8n

    Stringb8n Road Train Member

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    In my experience at least, you have to meet the same criteria as a company driver as far as criminal background, etc. You could probably get your own authority and run your own show all together, though, I would imagine.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  5. Friedchicken667

    Friedchicken667 Bobtail Member

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    Yeah I understand that I was just hoping to lease on with somebody to learn the lay of the land before going with my own authority…
     
  6. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    Yes. It's the exact same process.
     
  7. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Pretty much depends on what the conviction was for.
     
  8. OlegMel

    OlegMel Medium Load Member

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    Before you lease a semi or get a loan, find out every single expense that you’ll have. Which is :cpa, registration m, approximate quarterly ifta, all the insurances, maintenance (20-25k a year), trailer rental and insurance for it etc. divide it by weeks and see how much you need to make to be profitable. Current market is absolute trash, if you have loans and payments it’s going to be miserable. set yourself up in a way where you don’t have a whole lot of debt, it will make life a lot easier
     
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I Heard China calling ...

    Yes and no, most won't care unless it is something like a large theft or embezzlement crime.
     
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  10. Vampire

    Vampire Medium Load Member

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    You can also say they made a mistake and charged you for smuggling money, while you were only snuggling it. And when it got really dirty, you put it in the laundry, and didn’t launder it.

    All jokes aside, I think you’ll be able to find a company where you can get your feet wet before jumping in head on. Will your current employer give you loads to haul if you inspect and purchase the truck if it all works out? Best of luck to you.
     
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