I Need Some Direction Or Possible Recommendation Please.
Topic 16771 | Page 1
Lamar, so if you worked for CRST, did you happen to go to their cdl school and/or get a 160 hr training certificate? If you did, then awesome because cdl school is a requirement these days.
Ok now to get your cdl renewed... Maybe you could just go through a refresher program and retake your written exams and skills tests? Of course even though a company will provide a DOT physical, youll need one to take your exams to regain your cdl. I've seen quite a few drivers who had years of experience but had let their licenses lapse for various reasons and they found it easier to just go back through a cdl program again. Maybe check with your local unemployment office to inquire about WIOA funding to pay for your school or refresher course.
The dui will limit your choices of employers but with persistence you will be able to find a company to hire you. Do a search on here for "companies who hire dui". There is a list somewhere of the dui policies for the major companies so maybe someone else knows the link for it?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
WIOA:
WIOA - Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (aka WIA)
Formerly known as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the WIOA was established in 1998 to prepare youth, adults and dislocated workers for entry and reentry into the workforce. WIOA training funds are designed to serve laid-off individuals, older youth and adults who are in need of training to enter or reenter the labor market. A lot of truck drivers get funding for their CDL training through WIOA.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
Lamar, put the word felony into the search box above. You'll get links to some very good information like Trucking Companies That Hire Drivers With Felonies
I don't know if you can get another CDL license based on your "old" one, but dollars to donuts you'll have to take the 160 hour course again to get hired. (Hint: in my school at Swift, some experienced drivers were required to take the class, but they tested out of the whole thing in just a few days.)
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
CRST hired me with a felony that was 6 years old. It all depends on what it was for and what not. They determine on a case by case basis.
If you simply "elected" to downgrade your CDL - versus keeping a current DOT Med Card - most states allow you to simply walk in with a current Med Card and get re-instated back to a Class A.
Some folks just don't see paying to keep a med card and CDL with endorsements active - if they aren't actually using it.
Others (like me) would rather keep all their stuff current - JUST IN CASE.
Since you haven't driven in a number of years - you might just be better off going through the training again (company sponsored or otherwise).
Depending on the nature of the charge - a 5 year old felony might not be "too much" of an issue. Unless it prevents you from getting a HazMat and/or TWIC. Felonies will require a waiver, and usually 7 years post-conviction.
Please keep us posted on your progress...
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
I never said I had a dui. I never had a dui. I do have a felony that is over 5 years. Not over 7 years .
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
I do have a training certificate but its over 10 years old now. CRST sent us to a school called Premier Truck Driving School. I believe CR England ran the school. It was in the Loma Linda (Riverside) area in California.
Thank you all very much for your insight. it helped tremendously. I'm working on everything mentioned right now and I will keep you all posted. I made a few calls and now I just have to act. I will post the results. thanks again.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
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
I am interested in reentering the trucking industry as a driver. I have 3 years OTR experience but I am dealing with 2 dilemma's. 1. I no longer have my medical card and CDL. 2. I have a felony on my record that is over 5 years but not over 7 years. Does anyone know how or who I can go to for help to find a trucking career. I have searched and searched and run into nothing but road blocks. I used to drive for CRST back in 2004-2005 and I also drove for Interstate Distribution. I am from Los Angeles and willing to relocate if necessary.
Thank You,
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).