Interested In Trucking, Made Bad Choices Before This Good Choice.

How long ago did you fail the drug test? That time factor will play a significant role here.

I would recommend going through company sponsored training. Maybe even trying a second chance company like CR England. They have a nine month requirement to pay off the school, but if you get through your first year you become a lot more desirable. Also, with company sponsored training there is a job at the end of the tunnel.

If you do decide to go the private school route you should try to get some prehire letters. It would suck to drop 5 Grand and then have no offers on the table. I wish you the best

I told my supervisor about it and he was willing to work with me but the chop order came from on high at the corporate level.

That nullifies my initial thought. I may have misread, but I assumed that you were dealing with the head honcho.

Just keep in mind that you may have to jump through a few more hoop than normal. The length of time between the failed test and now, can sometimes make a difference. There are companies that will give you a shot.

Carolina Cargo is one that comes to mind.

Thanks again everyone. I worked for an international company so my regional manager was the one I talked about it too but he received an email that just stated let him go and not to re-hire later. That was 10 months ago, I know that’s a little close to the wire as Prime wants 3 years behind you before they’ll consider you but I’m not going to wait 3 years to try again. I’ve wanted to do this almost my entire adult life. Any dream that I’ve had I’ve pursued with extreme prejudice. The only reason I’m considering the private school route is for the DOT drug test I feel that if I can show recent proof to a carrier that I’m clean that will push me more into the favorable category.

How many other companies have you applied to?

The only reason I’m considering the private school route is for the DOT drug test I feel that if I can show recent proof to a carrier that I’m clean that will push me more into the favorable category.

A drug test is required by the government. Anywhere you go, you will be tested. The result won't change a companies opinion.

Everything after this is pure speculation:

I don't think they ask about past drug use to see if you're clean now. They're going to drug test anyway.I It'se so they can gauge your judgment. That's why it's not just one thing they look at. They're checking to see if your patterns and habits are a good fit for them. That's why it's not just one thing. It's employment history, driving history, arrest record, drug/alcohol history. They're painting a picture and deciding if they like what they see. A drug test that you have to take when you walk through the door isn't going to change anything.

Just keep pushing as many applications as you can and continue to be honest.

Malcom has a plan:

The only reason I’m considering the private school route is for the DOT drug test I feel that if I can show recent proof to a carrier that I’m clean that will push me more into the favorable category.

That's likely to backfire. If you take that route, you may get your CDL (they'll gladly take your money), but you may still have a tough time getting a job.

How many other companies have you applied to?

Prime, C.R. England and I believe that Millis Transfer has my application as well. I can’t remember if there are any more out there if so they haven’t contacted me back.

To Banks: I know that they’re building an overall picture to determine their basis for hire. However, the painting of that picture stops abruptly as soon as I tell them the TRUTH. That’s the dismotivating part I see on all their website that they want HONEST applicants and that’s exactly what they get with me. Then I’m dropped. It gets frustrating but it’s a dream of mine. I’ve already wanted to give this a shot. I hate that my past might have sealed it before it gets to take flight.

It works out better being honest. You don't want to spend a day on a bus only to get turned away In person.

I get the past coming back to bite you. About 10 years ago I put in an application with NYPD. I got my 60 college credits and even underwent LASIK eye surgery to get my sight to where it had to be. I passed my medical, psychological, physical abilities test and drug test (hair follicle). My investigator got great reviews from my neighbors and employers. I ended up getting disqualified because of my driving record. Even after they disqualified me I paid a lawyer 1200 (he gladly too my money) to appeal. After the fact I learned that there had only been 1 successful appeal with the city.

At the time I was doing local deliveries and I was doing things I shouldn't have because I was being a company guy. I did whatever it took to get my deliveries where they had to be on time. I learned the hard way, but I learned. It make take you a while to get what you want. Just keep at it. Worst they can do is say no. Once there is some space between you and that drug test you'll be fine. Take it as lesson learned and keep your license clean.

It works out better being honest. You don't want to spend a day on a bus only to get turned away In person.

I get the past coming back to bite you. About 10 years ago I put in an application with NYPD. I got my 60 college credits and even underwent LASIK eye surgery to get my sight to where it had to be. I passed my medical, psychological, physical abilities test and drug test (hair follicle). My investigator got great reviews from my neighbors and employers. I ended up getting disqualified because of my driving record. Even after they disqualified me I paid a lawyer 1200 (he gladly too my money) to appeal. After the fact I learned that there had only been 1 successful appeal with the city.

At the time I was doing local deliveries and I was doing things I shouldn't have because I was being a company guy. I did whatever it took to get my deliveries where they had to be on time. I learned the hard way, but I learned. It make take you a while to get what you want. Just keep at it. Worst they can do is say no. Once there is some space between you and that drug test you'll be fine. Take it as lesson learned and keep your license clean.

I appreciate the support I really do and the great advice. That’s exactly what happened to me with Prime. I took the greyhound for 41 hours, (I had previously disclosed the failed drug test and my recruiter told me to come on in and it wouldn’t be a problem) just so first thing after I paid my $100 non-refundable deposit I could grab my bags and head back out the door. Luckily I have an awesome family; my fiancé started her way towards me and my step mother and father put me up in Springfield’s beautiful Double Tree hotel. I do wish to be honest with any prospective carriers but it’s really putting me in the ground at present. I’m going to take Rainy D’s advice and seek a SAP program hopefully a cheap one as my financial resources are dwindling. All in all I need prayers, luck, and patience.