The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
Can I get a driving job with a felony or DUI, or tickets?
There's no question that the worse your driving or legal record looks, the harder it is going to be to find a truck driving job.
Most companies will have a specific policy regarding moving violations in a specific time frame, or require a specific amount of time to have passed since a felony or DUI conviction.
There are some companies that will not even consider applicants with DUI/DWI's or felonies, so generally drivers with an iffy past may need to dig deeper for their first driving job.
One other point to consider is that drivers with a DUI or felony may not be allowed to travel into Canada, further restricting their company options.
How will tickets and accidents affect my ability to get a truck driving job?
Most companies are going to have some kind of policy regarding a specific number of moving violations in a specific time frame, usually no more than 2, or 3, in the last 2 or 3 year period.
Additionally, any speeding tickets 15mph or over the speed limit will be considered reckless driving and may prevent some companies from hiring you altogether. The worse the ticket or accident, the harder it could make it to find a job.
Official Links to State CDL Manuals And DMV Links
Each individual state runs their own motor vehicle licensing department, and you can contact them for a copy of your motor vehicle record (MVR).
Forum - Having trouble with pre-hires and speeding tickets.
Am I wasting my time getting my CDL since I have the speeding on my record? Any suggestions on company's that will hire me? Obviously want to flatbed.
Article - Keep That License Clean: Your Career Depends On It
Employers and their insurance companies look for patterns of irresponsible behavior. A pattern of irresponsible behavior or a severe incident like a DUI or a felony can keep you from being hired because it could mean higher rates for the employer.
Forum - Newbie question on MVR's
When I go to fill out the pre-employment form, they ask about moving violations in the past three years. Now I have several in Pennsylvania and Maryland (not more than three total, I believe) but none in Texas. And when I go to get an MVR , I find that the MVR is per state, and not nationwide?
Will any trucking company hire me if I have a DUI or DWI?
Many companies will hire applicants with DUI or DWI conviction, and most will require a certain amount of time to have passed, and will usually still consider each applicant on a case-by-case basis, regardless.
Applicants that have been convicted of a DUI or DWI while CDL holders, or while operating a CMV that requires a CDL, face especially large hurdles, as the FMCSA has set specific disqualifications for those drivers.
Forum - Old DUI's Am I S.O.L for becoming a truck driver?
I have always been interested in becoming a truck driver but my DUI's kept me from really considering it. However with all the time that's past and being 41 and ready for a change I thought I would look into it more.
Wiki - Trucking Company Policies For Drivers With DUI-DWI
Most trucking companies will require 5-7 years to have passed since a DUI or DWI conviction. If possible, it is recommended that new drivers with DUI's or DWI's on their record look to company-sponsored CDL training.
Some circumstances will result in a lifetime disqualification from operating CMV's, with some being eligible for reinstatement after 10 years.
What about finding a job with a felony (or 2) conviction?
As with DUI/DWI convictions, most companies will require a specific period of time to have passed since the felony conviction, and will take each applicant on a case-by-case basis.
Forum - I am a convicted felon, can I become a truck driver?
Sadly, I have two felony convictions, 5 years ago and 7 years ago. What companies in this industry will hire quality people who are no longer the person they once were?
Wiki - Trucking Companies That Hire Drivers With Felonies
Nearly every trucking company will have different policies regarding the hiring of felons. Some will not hire felons at all, while some will require a specific amount of time to have passed since the felony occurred.
Will anything in my past prevent me from getting a Hazmat endorsement?
The Department of Homeland Security requires drivers to undergo a background check and be cleared for the Hazmat endorsement, and the TSA provides a list of disqualifying offenses that would prevent drivers from getting it.
Certain offenses will result in a lifetime ban, while others require a certain period of time to have passed.
Transportation Security Administration: Hazmat disqualifying offenses.
An applicant will be disqualified if he or she was convicted, pled guilty (including ‘no contest’), or found not guilty by reason of insanity for any of the following felonies regardless of when they occurred.
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook