Comments By Lance B.

Evening to all. I appreciate the info. I'm going to apply to CRST in the morning time. Be well out there.

-Lance

Hello to all....update...

So I've been on the phone for the last few days while continuing to study for my CDL permit. Here is the latest:

Roehl-After application, NO. Jim Palmer/Wiltrans-After application, NO. TMC-Still waiting response from recruiter, case by case because of felony. Swift-Not taking anyone for schooling from NJ at the present time. Celadon-Not taking anyone for schooling from NJ at the present time. Prime-After application, NO, FELONY time clock starts 10 years from release date. (I was released in 2009, conviction date was 1997) Knight-on hold for 35 minutes, will follow-up Monday.

Well, only a few companies so far, I have a long way to go. I also called Carolina Cargo, with a CDL-A in hand they would consider me, but would have to relocate to South Carolina. I inquired into NJ WOIA program, 4 different types of grants to pay for CDL schooling, and so my search continues.

I remain grounded and hopeful for a good result. Be safe out their folks.

-Lance

Hi Rainy....(as to not be a possible candidate for your dungeon I will choose my following words carefully)

Dam fine point my dear. I am looking at company sponsored schools for 2 reasons. Like you said the cost of private school is just not feasible for me at this point financially. Also, the risk of waiting to be hired, with my conviction (robbery) that could and probably will take me some time. A company sponsored school will train me, put me out OTR with a trainer, and hire me on for xyz amount of time until loan is paid off. I'm okay with that scenario.

Also, I will need in writing from that particular school that the are in fact willing to give me a chance with my conviction. Without that in writing, its not ironclad. I have read and researched this extensively and talked to many other truckers about students being cleared with a conviction, get to school and then are turned away because so and so popped up at the last minute. From the student not being honest on app, to something else coming up at school through "a more in-depth background check" etc...Its a mountain to climb for me with this conviction, I am well aware of this. I will have all my ducks in a row. I know I can do this, and I will. Just takes some time, perseverance, and a good presentation on my part.

Be well.

-Lance

Hey Old School. Your posts on here have been insightful, thanks. And I'll take a look at them.

-Lance

Good evening to all. So today went well as far as studying for my CDL permit goes. High Road Training has been extremely helpful. I received a call from Jim Palmer and was turned down because of my felony conviction. Its early on yet, so I did expect this. My search continues.

Rainy...how are ya my dear. I was forewarned of your impending presence. lol Good to hear from you. I appreciate the feedback as well. -39, come on, that is doable. I've been in colder grey prison cells years ago. I'm not scared. I have an application out to Prime as I write this, we shall see the result. I would like to get with a western regional outfit eventually. Now, I'm just keeping my eye on the prize. Obtaining my CDL permit, then CDL-A, then a company that will take a shot on me. I'm committed to running hard, being safe, and taking direction. Staying away from lot lizards and terminal rats.

And yeah, Jersey women are a very rare breed indeed. Those pine barrens are long and dark. Be well.

-Lance

Thank you for the insight and information. I do appreciate it.

-Lance

Good afternoon to all. Finally received the news from Roehl regarding CDL school. Denied. Send me an email about 15 minutes ago. This gives me even more determination to find a school that will give me a chance. My felony conviction was 20 years ago. But again its completely advertised as a case by case basis. I knew this going in. My search continues. And onward I go. Be well out their folks.

-Lance

Just reading this. Have been studying for my CLP all day. (Coffee is my best friend) Anyhow, thanks for all the useful info for those that commented. I appreciate it. G-Town, I go to the fright factory on south swanson every Halloween. Cool spot. Dam good cheese steaks to! Why the east coast aversion? This forum page isn't long enough for my reply. So I will condense it some. Born and raised on the Jersey shore my whole life, I live in central Jersey these days. NJ has way to many maniac drivers out here. (4 wheelers as per my only experience) Also, no where for a truck to park as per my readings on this site and from about a dozen or so Northeast truckers that I have spoken to in the last few weeks. NYC is a S**tshow at best. Granted I have 0 experience in the trucking world, I live 35 minutes from NYC and worked for a limo company working in the city for quite awhile. No thanks. I am looking to go west of the Mississippi. I've also applied to Jim Palmer, and I await their response.

Patrick C. you gave me a good laugh there bud. Watch out for those Jersey women. They do not play games. Mighty feisty they are. Looking forward to any advice she may swing my way. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it.

Steve L thanks partner. Its been a long road, but I remain persistent and ready as always. Roehl turned me down because of my felony. Easy come, easy go. Their loss as I see it. I have an active application out to Jim Palmer, so lets see how that goes.

Hello to all from central Jersey. I'm in need of some advise. I have been reading all of the threads on this site, well as much as I can, for almost 2 weeks now. Brett Aquila, your book was outstanding. I read it in one sitting. Thank you for all of your insight into the trucking world. I was convicted of robbery in 1997 (no one was hurt, thank god) and was sentenced to 11 years and 2 months in prison. I was released in 2009. I have been home for 8 years now, with almost 19 years clean and sober. Not so much as a traffic ticket. I have held steady employment for the most part. Dead end job to dead end job. These days I'm driving a taxi. I say to myself daily, there has to be a better way. I'm a father of a 3 year old little boy, and really I want better for him and myself.

My license is 100% clean, no points or accidents at all. I've been studying for my CDL permit for about 2 weeks now. High Road Training as well. Thanks again Brett. I do have an open application to Roehl and will speak with a recruiter over there again tomorrow morning. I have always wanted to drive a truck ever since I was a kid. I have read up on the ups and downs, and the temperament it takes to be over the road. I believe I have the qualities to do this and succeed.

Here is where I need advice, I have to go to CDL training at a school because of monetary concerns with no money up front. Thing is that I want to stay off the east coast altogether and go over the road out west. Is this possible? From many hours of reading I figure Roehl to be a good fit as far as that is concerned. Thoughts?

Also, I have considered Jim Palmer but they are really strict on the felonies case by case and time elapsed, but still strict. Think I got a shot?

My journey has just begun. But I will keep pushing along until I get my permit, then school. Any and all advice for a noob is always appreciated.

Thanks and be well.

-Lance