Did I Already Screw Up Ever Becoming A Truck Driver?

I'm 21 years old. I don't have a CDL-A. I've done tons of research and spent many hours reading about becoming a truck driver and what it takes. I feel this profession is for me. Now, I have run into a problem and am mortified that I potentially ruined any chance of becoming a truck driver. Back in June of 2016 I received not one, but two speeding tickets! It gets really bad. The 1st one was for going 103 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. (There was no traffic, just me on a desolate road). A week later a ticket for going 103 MPH in a 75 MPH zone. This happened in Texas. I have driven safely ever since and have not received a ticket. I understand the damage that could have happened to me and others. I'm grateful that the officers didn't throw me in jail because I realized that could have very well happened. I think they showed leniency because I was respectful and honest. They didn't even charge me with reckless driving. The first officer asked "Did you know that I can charge you with reckless driving?" I was shocked and scared and answered honestly "No." I'm embarrassed about it and have learned my lesson. No more speeding from me. Especially since I want to become a truck driver.

Just last night, I pulled my MVR at a cost to see what would be shown to future employers if I were to become a truck driver and both tickets are on there. One is listed as "Speeding over 15 MPH posted speed limit". The other just says "Speeding". Surprisingly, my insurance rates didn't go up either with these tickets. I have no idea how. My thing is, will I ever be able to become a truck driver. How far back do trucking companies check? Am I forever unhireable? I see most companies have a "3 Year check policy" where they say "No more than 3 moving violations in the past 3 years" etc. Should I wait until the 3 years has passed to get my CDL-A or will that just be a waste of money and time? I'd love to be an OTR driver. I'm deeply saddened that I may have ruined the one thing that I would like to do as a career. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

You may have to wait the three years. During that time drive like a little old lady. Protect your liscence. Also, at your age this next piece of advice might be tough, don't drink, don't do drugs. On almost every company's web site is a list of driver qualifications. There you will find their policies for tickets. Good luck.

Like Big Scott said, you'll probably have to wait. But go ahead and start applying to see if anyone will take you this soon. If that's all your MVR says, you may very well find someone. Please keep us posted.

Well heck you yourself quoted a typical company's policy as being no more than "3 moving violations in three years". I'd say you'd better hurry up (no pun) and get your CDL and get hired before you slip up and get a third moving violation. I'm only sort of kidding. What if for example you wait two more years (oooh, the three year deadline is just a month away - you can taste it) but then whoops you roll through a stop sign a block from your house and get caught. Bam! Third moving violation. I think you're going to turn into a nervous wreck of two years of 'did I use my blinker?, is that a cop?, should I hit the brakes on this yellow light?'. It's gonna mess with you. It's too easy to have a really simple slip up, even if it's not your fault (can you guarantee a little fender bender that you KNOW isn't your fault is not going to still get you a ticket for something?)

I admit I may not know what I'm talking about, but it seems if there are companies out there who will hire felons, they might take you, with your two speeding tickets. Carolina Cargo may be one of those companies; I've heard their name mentioned as one of those 'second or third chance' companies. Give them a call. All they can do is say "no." I did a quick search and found this link to companies that hire people with felony records... I know your speeding tickets do not constitute a felony, but their employment standards may be a little lower, allowing you in. Do some legwork and start calling. Good luck! And for God's sake, SLOW DOWN!

Trucking Companies That Hire Drivers With Felonies