Accidents On Application

Hey awesome forum. I have only 2 months experience. Unfortunately I had 2 incidents working. Once I got stuck in a hole I didn't see in the mirror despite looking (I was the third trucker that day to do it.... Evil truck stop). And once I scrapped the skirting on a cement block, which I also filed with the company. My friend in trucking says I shouldn't even admit to these minor infractions on an application.

I worked for the large company CRST International. I think it's best to just admit it, but, what do other truckers think? And is it likely that a company would ever find out? Is it different for a smaller company?

You absolutely must put both of these on your application. Since you filed it with CRST it is on your record. Your future company will see it. When they ask you if you've ever had any accidents in X amount of time and you tell them you haven't they will be able to see that you did and you'll no longer be considered for hire - or worse.

If you do not be honest with future employers then you are shooting yourself in the foot. They will find out.

Yeah, I totally agree - you'll have to admit to them.

What you'll also want to do is get a copy of your DAC report to see what they put on there. Make sure it's accurate. If there are any discrepancies you can file to have them fixed.

Also, you have two incidents with only two months experience and you're filling out applications. Were you terminated from CRST? If not, I don't know that I'd be applying to other companies with two blemishes in only two months. I would say you're better off sticking with CRST and getting some safe miles under your belt before trying to move on. The concern is that you wind up out of a job at CRST and can't find work elsewhere.

I agree with you both; but that trucker friend had me wondering slightly. Unfortunatly my record is pretty bad; I have those 2 incidents and a speeding ticket for 15 over. I merged onto a freeway in oregon and merged with traffic, and immediatly after I got up to speed a cop clocked me (down a hill). I knew about the truck speed limit but didnt realize how fast I was going as I was trying to merge safely with the cars behind me.

Im starting to look for a company that can hire me despite that dismal record. If not I'll keep busy and try again later on.

Oh and crst has an automatic fire for 11 and over policy.

I have those 2 incidents and a speeding ticket for 15 over

Whoa! Two small accidents and a reckless driving in the first two months? I'm gonna be honest with ya - you're going to find it nearly impossible to find anyone to give you another chance, at least as far as major companies go. You'll likely have to find an owner operator or small mom-n-pop company to give you a chance to get some safe driving under your belt for a while. But I don't think any major companies are going to go near you.

I would look at Craigslist for jobs because that's where you'll find a lot of smaller companies. You're going to pretty much have to take whatever anyone will offer you and just keep your record clean for a few years. Then you'll be back in good standing.

I wish the news was better - I really do. But the trucking industry isn't big on forgiveness or second chances, at least not until a number of years have passed. It's just too risky.

Yeah that is exactly what I am doing; looking for a small company that can give me a chance. Its the only chance I have of finding anything.