Entering the trucking industry can be a life-changing decision for many people, including those with a criminal background.
If you have a felony on your record, you might be worried about finding employment in the trucking sector.
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Fortunately, there are trucking companies that are willing to offer second chances to individuals who have demonstrated that they have turned their lives around.
To increase your chances of finding employment within the trucking industry, it is important to maintain a clean driving record and complete the necessary certifications and training programs.
Trucking Companies That Hire Felons
As you explore opportunities for a career in trucking, it’s important to know that there are trucking companies that are willing to hire felons.
In this section, we’ll discuss five such companies: Swift Transportation, Knight Transportation, C.R. England, Cardinal Logistics, and UPS.
Each of these companies has its own hiring policies and requirements, but they generally provide a chance for individuals with a criminal background to find stable employment in the trucking industry.
Swift Transportation
Swift Transportation, one of the largest trucking companies in the United States, is known for providing employment opportunities for individuals with a criminal background.
While they may not hire felons immediately upon release, they often consider applications for those whose felonies have aged a bit.
It’s worth reaching out to Swift directly to learn about their specific policies and requirements.
Knight Transportation
Knight Transportation offers a second-chance employment program for individuals with a felony background.
They are known to evaluate each applicant on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant’s overall qualifications.
This approach creates an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills and commitment to turning your life around.
C.R. England
C.R. England is another trucking company that’s open to hiring felons. They provide training programs for individuals entering the industry and can offer a supportive environment for those looking to build a career in trucking.
As with other companies, it’s important to reach out directly to C.R. England for information on their specific policies and hiring requirements.
Cardinal Logistics
Cardinal Logistics is recognized for its willingness to provide opportunities for drivers with a criminal background.
Although each applicant’s case is reviewed individually, it’s crucial to gather information on their hiring process and requirements to better assess your eligibility for a position at the company.
UPS
Finally, UPS is another well-known company in the trucking industry that considers hiring qualified drivers with a criminal background.
While UPS employment opportunities may vary depending on the location and specific circumstances, it’s essential to apply and speak with a UPS representative about your individual situation to determine your eligibility.
As always, it’s crucial, to be honest about your past, demonstrate your commitment to personal growth, and emphasize your skills and qualifications.
With these trucking companies showing their openness to providing opportunities for individuals with a criminal background, you have multiple avenues to explore as you seek a fulfilling career in the trucking industry.
Remember to be proactive, persist in your search, and maintain a positive attitude as you pursue your goals.
Obtaining a CDL as a Felon
Driving School
As a felon, you may be wondering if you can obtain a CDL and pursue a career in trucking. Good news – you can!
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To get started, you’ll need to attend a driving school that offers CDL training.
Search for approved driving schools in your area, and don’t be discouraged if some schools have policies against accepting individuals with felony records.
Keep in mind that certain convictions, such as drug-related offenses, may require a specific waiting period before you can enroll in a driving school.
Review the school’s admission requirements and reach out to them with any questions about your eligibility.
Hazmat Endorsement
After obtaining your CDL, you might also consider getting a hazmat endorsement, which allows you to transport hazardous materials.
This endorsement can increase your job opportunities and potential income. However, be aware that there are restrictions and regulations regarding felons obtaining a hazmat endorsement.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will evaluate your eligibility based on your convictions and criminal history.
Some disqualifying offenses include terrorism, espionage, and crimes involving illegal transportation of hazardous materials.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to take a written test and pass a background check to obtain the endorsement.
DOT Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the trucking industry, and while they don’t strictly prohibit felons from obtaining a CDL or working in the industry, they impose certain restrictions.
For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that drivers with certain felony convictions cannot transport hazardous materials under specific circumstances.
Your parole terms and individual trucking companies’ hiring policies can also impact your ability to use your CDL as a felon.
Navigating Background Checks and Convictions
DUI, DWI, and OWI
As a potential truck driver, you may be concerned about past convictions such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated).
While these can be obstacles, some trucking companies are willing to hire drivers with these convictions on their record.
It’s essential, to be honest about your history during the hiring process, as companies typically conduct background checks.
Many trucking companies require a certain number of years to have passed since your conviction, often five years.
Driving Convictions
Driving convictions can have an impact on your trucking career, but they don’t necessarily disqualify you from being a truck driver.
Trucking companies may be open to hiring you despite past issues.
As with DUI, DWI, or OWI convictions, be transparent about your driving record, since companies will likely run background checks.
Your chances of finding a job with a trucking company depend on the severity of your conviction and how long ago it occurred.
Drug Testing
You’ll be subjected to drug tests in compliance with federal regulations and specific company policies.
Trucking companies generally have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use, and a failed drug test may lead to termination.
Ensuring a clean and sober lifestyle is critical for not only staying employed but also ensuring the safety of your fellow drivers and the public on the road.
Accidents
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Like any other profession, accidents can happen in trucking too.
Although they can sometimes be unavoidable, serious accidents may raise concerns during a background check, especially if they involve careless or negligent driving behavior.
To increase your chances of securing a job, strive to maintain a clean safety record on the road and attend relevant safety training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a felon be a truck driver in Texas?
Yes, a felon can be a truck driver in Texas.
Many trucking companies have relaxed their hiring policies due to the driver shortage and will consider those with a felony conviction.
Each company may have different requirements or stipulations, but there are opportunities available for felons to pursue a career in trucking in Texas.
For example, Bear Trucking will review felonies that are older than five years and require two years of Class A driving experience.
Can you be a truck driver with a felony in California?
Yes, it’s possible to be a truck driver with a felony in California.
Similar to Texas, several trucking companies in California are open to hiring felons based on their conviction history and experience.
Companies like Carolina Cargo and Dart America Trucking may consider hiring felons, including those with drug-related offenses after a certain number of years have passed since their conviction.
Specific endorsements, like a HazMat endorsement, may be off-limits depending on the nature of your felony.
What felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL?
While felons can obtain a CDL, there are certain felony convictions that may disqualify you from being eligible for certain endorsements or from working with various trucking companies:
- Convictions related to the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance
- Convictions involving the use of a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony
- Terrorism-related convictions
Make sure to review the requirements set by the trucking companies you are interested in, as they may have specific policies in place in regard to hiring felons.
Key Takeaways
In recent years, many trucking companies have changed their hiring policies to accommodate individuals with felony convictions. This is, in part, due to a shortage of truck drivers.
Let’s highlight some important points for you to consider when looking for trucking companies that are willing to hire felons.
Firstly, truck driver salaries are quite competitive, averaging around $40,000 per year. This makes it an attractive choice for felons who are seeking a stable career path and the opportunity to earn a decent living.
When researching trucking companies, keep in mind that each will have its own set of requirements and criteria concerning felonies.
Some companies, like Bear Trucking, will consider applicants with felonies older than five years, whereas others, such as Stevens Transport, are more lenient with applicants who have convictions that are seven years old or more.
Aside from the age of your conviction, companies will also assess your driving experience and record.
For instance, some trucking companies require a minimum of two years of Class A driving experience, no more than three points on your driving record in the past three years, and no DUIs or instances of negligent driving in the past five years.
To increase your chances of getting hired, consider obtaining the proper endorsements, such as the HAZMAT endorsement or the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. These certifications may make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Remember to be prepared to discuss your conviction during the application process, as companies will likely review your case individually.
Demonstrating your commitment to rehabilitation and showcasing your skills as a driver can help increase your chances of securing a job in the trucking industry.
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