Is My Driving Career Over?

Hey everyone, I have a couple questions. I got my CDL in 2017. Was OTR for 4 years from 2017 to 2021. During one of my home visits I got a d.u.i. in my personal vehicle. I refused to blow (i live in Florida) so I lost my license for a year and the d.u.i. was reduced to a wreckless driving. That was February of 2021. Once the year was up I got my license and CDL back. My question is will I ever be able to drive a truck again ? If so how long do I have to wait? It feels like my CDL is completely useless now and nobody will touch me. I know it's totally my fault. It was a huge mistake on my part. I loved being on the road and hope this isn't the end. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Bottom line- Get a job at a second chance company like Western Express. (There are other solutions). Let us know after you’ve applied.

Don't listen to that nonsense posted above. You have driving experience and the conviction is for reckless driving. Consider yourself fortunate. It will be 3 years after the conviction that this blemish is no longer a concern to companies.

In the meantime, apply at every company that offers what you are seeking. Don't worry about whether or not it is a "second chance" company. Either they will consider bringing you on or they won't. No harm done in applying.

Don't listen to that nonsense posted above. You have driving experience and the conviction is for reckless driving. Consider yourself fortunate. It will be 3 years after the conviction that this blemish is no longer a concern to companies.

How is his response nonsense? The OP's license was SUSPENDED FOR A YEAR and has only had it back for roughly 6 months. Do you personally know of a carrier hiring somebody with a recent suspension AND reckless? Although the dui was knocked down to a reckless that isn't much better. Companies will still be able to see the initial charge was DUI and he refused the test. True, it doesn't "harm" anything to apply to jobs but why waste your time when it's a huge red flag and those with much more lenient requirements (second chance) like western express or trans am are likely the only ones interested.

You could always use this link to Apply For Truck Driving Jobs. One application will be sent to several companies to save you time to see if you're hire able or what you need to do to be employed as a driver again.

Regardless of whether it was dropped down or even expunged....companies will see it. And many companies will not take a DUI at all my so I agree with Rob. Expect the second chance.companies to be more accepting but also pay less. Get your experience and then more on IF you wish. I know people who love CRE and have been there for years. It works for them.

Good luck and don't give up. Learn from your blatant disregard for your livelihood as well as public safety. Admit it without blame.

Don't listen to that nonsense posted above. You have driving experience and the conviction is for reckless driving. Consider yourself fortunate. It will be 3 years after the conviction that this blemish is no longer a concern to companies.

In the meantime, apply at every company that offers what you are seeking. Don't worry about whether or not it is a "second chance" company. Either they will consider bringing you on or they won't. No harm done in applying.

Sorry, you lost me here. What exactly is “that nonsense posted above”? Maybe I missed it.

Hey everyone, I have a couple questions. I got my CDL in 2017. Was OTR for 4 years from 2017 to 2021. During one of my home visits I got a d.u.i. in my personal vehicle. I refused to blow (i live in Florida) so I lost my license for a year and the d.u.i. was reduced to a wreckless driving. That was February of 2021. Once the year was up I got my license and CDL back. My question is will I ever be able to drive a truck again ? If so how long do I have to wait? It feels like my CDL is completely useless now and nobody will touch me. I know it's totally my fault. It was a huge mistake on my part. I loved being on the road and hope this isn't the end. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Hey, Patrick O.;

In case nobody said it yet, welcome to Trucking Truth! I wish you found us under better circumstances, however . . . anyway!

Regarding 2nd chance companies; getting hired in Florida is sometimes an issue, in and of itself. A couple other companies you may want to look into, in Florida are:

Dutch Maid Logistics, here: Dutchmaid Logistics Complete Information, Ohio and Florida; ask for Sam.

Cypress Truck Lines, here: Cypress Truck Lines, Jacksonville FL Flatbed OTR, Regional , Local.; ask for Clay.

One more thing; if you'll at least put your state (Florida) in your profile, other members of TT browsing by, will be able to come up with some other ideas, just with a glance.

Lastly; if you contact either of the above companies (AND if you contact CR England,) mention us; either Anne or Brett at Trucking Truth ! I'm actively in a job search for my husband, too.

Best of luck to you; hope this helps. Please stop back & let us know.

~ Anne ~

Thanks for all replies and input. I figured id give an update on my situation. About a month after I posted this thread I got pretty lucky and found a company that hired me so I've been back on the road since October of last year. (15 months) Its not a very big company and i never heard of them until i got hired. Its considered a 2nd Chance company but the pay is actually pretty decent for experienced drivers. They started me out with a higher c.p.m. than my last company I was with for 4 years. But I ran more miles at my last company and they gave lots of bonuses. This company just offers high base pay per mile and that's it. No bonuses. No holiday pay nothing. But I'm extremely greatly for them to give me a chance. I made a mistake while on home time and paid the price. If anyone who sees this and is in a similar situation as I was just know your career isn't over. You will get back in a truck eventually. It just takes time. Thanks again for all of your input.

Hello Patrick. Wow, good for you to persist and get back on your feet. Not often does someone overcome what you did, so congratulations to you.

BTW, what is the name of the company and are you paid W2 or 1099? Just curious.

Patrick, congrats on taking the steps to keep going and not giving up. Many would have thrown the towel in and not stepped up.

Yours was a vast mistake, but you overcame it. Working for a smaller company is not for everyone, but some of us prefer it. I was always of the opinion just tell me what your going to pay me, without a bunch of what if’s.

And thank you for sharing your experience. So many get themselves into a situation, ask for advise and disappear. We do love to hear feedback how things turn out and of course its always better when it is success like yours.

Stay safe and keep rolling!!