Trucking on felony probation.

Not true as you wrote that! Generally true I agree, but not absolute! I know several truckers with felonies that regularly make trips into Canada. DEEMED REHABILITATION <<This is Right from the Canada immigration website and is VERY accurate!

 

That's why you don't go with a huge company. I recommend companies where everybody knows everybody and the owner or somebody who's related to them, does your interview.

 

I think the best way to avoid this is simple. Follow the application and answer the questions AND ONLY the questions asked Honestly. Yes, you will still undergo a background check, but your job offer was made with the understanding you did have a record.

If I had my rathers I would prefer to drive for a smaller (50 to 75 trucks) company. The problem with small carriers is they are more tied to their customers and most are doing things the big carriers don't do in a lot of situations. It has been my experience after talking to other drivers that they are more likely to get dinged by a small company over a record then a mega.

Another problem with a small company and @brian991219 might have some thoughts on this too, that you see the extremes. Either they are not hiring or they can't keep drivers. Some small carriers can also be like this one from 2017!

FMCSA Declares Georgia-based Trucking Company to be an Imminent Hazard to Public Safety

 

I too prefer smaller carriers, although try tonfind one that is in some sort of specialized market. The smaller dry van and refer carriers usually are taking the overflow work which can be crappy at times.

When hiring on at a smaller carrier, check their safety rating carefully as well as look their equipment closely to see if it appears well maintained or run down. Smaller carriers often have cash flow irregularities that lead to maintenance issues.

I am not saying all small carriers do, I was a 14 truck fleet and never had these issues, but then I was specialized as a car hauler and equipment mover.

To the OP, good luck with your search, a felony is not the end of your career. It makes it difficult but not impossible.

 

The US currently between the Federal and state systems and jails houses almost 2 million inmates. Add to this the huge number of people with records and you have a rather substantial amount of convicted felons walking around. In the US it is actually very easy to get a felony hung on you. Lie to a federal law enforcement officer. Mishandle controlled substances. Get stupid and allow a friend to use something of yours. I know a girl that caught a felony because she beat a guy with a stick because he was attacking her friend. Then add to this the huge amount of overworked public defenders in an overwhelmed criminal system and you get plea deals, lots of them.

My point is the percentage of the US population with records is a high number. They have to work. Most jobs are jobs that felons can do, trucking within limits is one such job. The main thing is the time since and what did you do!

 

I got a dispatcher that's on felony probation....one more screw up and I'm gonna get a felony when I whoop his ### lol.

 

Maybe so in most cases...but Canadian mounted police told me ..I can never drive another commercial into Canada ever ...due to severity of my felony convictions....but I'm welcome in Canada anytime to vist or vacation ...went to Prince Edward Island on vacation..few years ago..with no problems

 

Canada can be complicated with regard to this. I once had to fly from Atlanta to Detriot and get into a daycab and take a load into Canada because the people at the port would not let the driver in. Biggest Pain you can ever get into. I spent 3 days working that crap and only got paid for what was about 300 miles. I know several drivers like you that can't drive there. However, as I said in my first comment to you I know several that do. I generally agree with your first comment. I just drew a disagreement when you stated that as an absolute.

 

I was gonna say something...

You're right, it isn't "never." Not any time soon, that's for sure. And not without jumping through some hoops, but not never.

 

This would not be correct as the RCMP have no say on who does, or doesn't, enter the country (but they can arrest you if you enter illegally), nor what they drive. The entry part is strictly the authority of the CBSA agent at the border (not even the Minister of Immigration can override an agent without cause) and the driving part is strictly a provincial authority.

The RCMP have no say on who can drive what, so long as your documents are valid and your vehicle is legal. The RCMP can act in their capacity of police and park you if you or your vehicle are not legal.