Overwhelmed: Felon With Zero Experience.

Please help. I need guidance/direction. My husband is currently in CDL school. We took out loan to pay tuition. He should graduate within the next two weeks. We live in Gainesville, Florida. The issue I have is that he has a serious (NOT sex oriented but violent) felony conviction from 1991. He was in prison for 13 years and was released in 2004. He has not been in any legal trouble since then other than a DUI in 2011. He has had the same job since 2014 and has great references. He’s one of the most responsible, reliable people I know. I know there have been many threads on here pertaining to this issue but I’m hoping for some current advice on where to begin with his application process. I’ve applied to some that were suggested here in older threads. He is open minded, teachable, humble and willing to take any type of job, regardless of pay scale, that will give him the experience he needs to start building a career. Again, we are located in Central Florida…. Please give me some guidance. I’m overwhelmed with all the information. Thanks guys!!

Hello Stephanie, and welcome to our forum!

We almost always recommend that folks in your man's situation start their trucking careers by taking advantage of the free training programs through Paid CDL Training Programs.

When you go that route they have your back, and have already approved you for a job after you complete the training. Those programs pay the tab for your training, and most of them pay you while being trained. It really is the only way to go for someone who already knows they are going to have trouble getting hired. There is a commitment on your part, but it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that you will have a job without being in debt before you even get started.

It is great that you are so enamored with your man's work ethic and responsibility, but you have to realize these companies have little to go on but his record. His work history speaks strongly in his favor, but his criminal record will be tough to overcome. It isn't really fair, but it is reality - I know you guys know this more so than anyone. Trucking companies seem to particularly have an aversion to violent felonies. I just want you to know what you are up against.

All you can do is apply everywhere you can. Right now it is just tough to land a trucking job. We are hearing this from everyone coming into our forum with questions or seeking advice. The employers have the luxury of being able to be really picky right now. The folks with criminal records are getting pushed aside. I'm sorry you guys have that loan to deal with, but it is going to be tough finding employment in trucking for a good bit.

If you haven't seen this information, you may find it helpful in your job search...

Companies Hiring Felons

Stephanie, congratulations to you both for getting your lives squared away and heads screwed on straight. It sounds like you are a big factor in your partners post-prison success.

That being said, it’s a tough time right now to start a driving career. Too many drivers and not enough jobs. For him, he might want to start out by gaining experience in a “CDL B” type job. Like driving a local delivery box truck or a dump truck, sanitation truck, lumber yard delivery truck, etc.

In the meantime he can continue to apply for every job he can identify for an 18 wheeler job.

When I started out the job market was much better than what we see currently. But I went with Schneider and they had quite a few trainees from Florida in the class, so he can try them.

Right now, anything he can do to get his foot in the door would be beneficial because he can start building a resume. It may be a multi-step process to get to where he wants to be.

Best wishes and good luck.

Thanks Guys! He will be done with school tomorrow. I have applied at tons of places on his behalf. Many recruiters have called. It’s a start! He will be able to follow up on calling them back this week when he’s home from school. Thank you all so much for your advice. I read here a lot of threads. I am so grateful for the information and motivation y’all give. Hopefully soon enough, my experience can help some others as well. I’ll keep y’all informed on this journey. Steph

That’s a good report. It can take extra time, patience and persistence to land a driving job right now, but there is definitely something out there for him. Good luck moving forward.

Hello Stephanie I was happy to hear that your husband is trying to improve his life. The felony is old from 1991 so that’s about 34 years ago give or take? Most backgrounds go back about seven or ten years. Some companies go back forever such as federal employers such as FedEx and UPS.

My suggestion is see if your husband can apply for a pardon of his felony. He would have to fill out a pardon application which you can print off online. In Florida I believe they hear pardon petitions in Tallahassee the capitol. Florida is a very strict state as far as their criminal justice system, but your husband has been on the straight and narrow for 34 years. See if you can fill out the pardon application paperwork.

Get it notorized before you send it in. Banks do this for free. Make sure you send examples of how your husband is making a substantial and positive impact in his life. His trucking training would be excellent for this. Other examples would be a letter from you, his wife, volunteer services, etc. if that gets submitted then he will have his application read by the board.

If he’s granted a hearing he will have to appear in Tallahassee in front of the board. Then their decision goes to the Governor for signature. I wish you and your husband the very best

Be aware the DUI is also a problem not just the felony. Companies have less loads than drivrrs right now. Florida is a terrible location for freight.

Keep applying. Is he still working? A work gap eill caude even more issues