No Company Will Hire A R.S.O.

So I've obtained my cdl class A and have been applying to the major trucking companies and every time I get asked the Criminal Background I flop! Is there any independent owners who are looking for a 2nd driver who gives the person a decent chance despite their background? I have a 5 year clean MVR and not accidents or DUI's/DWI's.

Schneider, Swift, Werner, CR England and Dart have said no so far.

Any help would be appreciated. Currently doing day labor as a sign holder (Human Directional).

How old are your felonies ? I had no problem with Schneider or swift. But mine is over 10 years old

Let me reiterate, my criminal background is not of this nature

Congratulations Josh - really glad to hear something came through for you! I told you it would be possible, thanks for letting us know it worked out.

Hang in there and keep that job - your diligence will pay off.

AMS Trucks said yes to employing me. I start on the 25th of March. I will be over the road soon. Thank you everyone for all your support!

So how has trucking been as being rso? Any road blocks?

Hello everyone

I've been viewing this and other TT forums for about a year and a half. All of you guys (and gals) have given me some good insight into the trucking industry. Thanks a bunch.

I'm not sure if this is the spot to tell my story, but it relates to the topic.

I spent 13 years, 9 months and 24 days in prison in CA for sexual crimes. I was released in 2016 and I'm still on parole.

I was determined to get my Class A right out of prison. Unfortunately, I had to put that dream on hold while I survived the outside world. After about a year and a half of doing day-labor jobs, temporary part-time jobs and even more permanent part-time jobs while living in a van, I was able to get a grant from a career center to go to CDL training school. I worked during the day and went to school at night.

Besides that challenge, the private trucking school I attended lost its lease on their practice lot. So, we had to learn the driving skills in low-light vacant lots and back streets. Despite all these obstacles, I pasted my CDL driving exam on the first attempt.

Five days later, I got a full-time job at a local asphalt paving company driving a dump truck. The company is aware of my background but they were willing to take a chance on me. (I've made such a good impression over the last three months that they kept me and fired another driver who tried to get me fired by talking about my past to co-workers.)

Due to my increase in income, I'm now able to afford an apartment.

Another miraculous side note: During my school, I passed the endorsement exams for Doubles/Triples, Tanks and Hazmat. But wait, Hazmat requires a TSA background check. Sure enough, my crimes were dis-qualifiers for that endorsement. HOWEVER, they offered me a chance to request a waiver to this disqualification which I did.

TSA required a long list of documentation in order to prove my level of rehabilitation. Even though I tried to collect them, all I eventually sent were 6 letters: my explanation of the circumstances of my crimes and rehabilitation activities, four letters of reference, and my explanation why I couldn't acquire the other papers. I didn't have much hope for a waiver, but my attitude was, "If I don't request a waiver, the answer is definitely 'No'. But, if I do request one, at least there's a CHANCE I could get approved."

About a month went by without a word. However, during that time, TSA went to the effort of looking up my new parole agent to ask about me. Lo and behold, they granted me a waiver! Thus, I'm an RSO with a Class A license with Doubles/Triples, Tanks AND a Hazmat endorsement. The job I have now doesn't need Hazmat, but I hope to use it when I apply to a regional or OTR carrier when I get off parole.

So, that's my story. I hope it encourages anyone else with a VERY colorful background to keep pursuing their dreams.

Thanks again for all your tips and inspiration.

Jeff V.

Jeff, thanks for posting this. I know it isn't always easy doing something like that. You are an inspiration! We just had somebody in here this week who got stomping mad over one rejection for a trucking job, and then got even madder when we didn't give him the advice he wanted to hear. I know what it's like to get rejected, and I know that you do too. I wish you the best in your career. Congratulations on getting your foot in the door. I am really proud of you for hanging in there and "getting 'er done!"

That's a great story of your progress on a very difficult journey of yours, Jeff V. Goid to read that you never gave up. Welcome to the Trucking Truth!

Jeff

Congrats on not quitting. People make mistakes, but it is nice to see that you are not letting your past dictate your future.

Safe Travels

CFI will hire you. There are several working here already. Give them a call. Be honest when you call. CFI website.

Jeff, great story. You have the attitude to be very successful in this business. Best of luck to you.

Good afternoon folks

Thanks for all of your encouragement. This TT family is tight regardless of our individual peccadilloes.

Thanks Big Scott for the CFI tip. Since I'm on parole, (limited to San Diego county) I will have to wait until parole is over before venturing out of the local area. BUT, I plan to stretch out as much as I can until then.

I had a good day at work today after a 4-day, holiday weekend. (There ARE a few benefits to being "forced" to stay local. ) One of my responsibilities is to get an equipment trailer to the job site. I had two back-up's in traffic today; one strong-side, one blind-side, and I nailed both of them on the first try. Boy, that feels good!

For all those who might feel like there aren't many options locally, I saw three signs in one block of our industrial section advertising for Class A drivers. Whenever I see those, I like to contact my trucking school so that they can pass on those job leads to other graduates. I would imagine there are also Class A jobs in many communities that aren't widely advertised.

Well you'all, I say again, you keep me motivated to enjoy my current job, and inspired and prepared for those future opportunities.

Abundance,

Jeff V.