Question From A Career Coach -- Getting CDL Employment With 1+ OVWI's On Your Record
Topic 34807 | Page 1
If we're being completely honest here DUI/OUI is one of those offenses that is really a killer for this industry. Unless it's very old (10+ years) then you're likely not to find many places willing to hire. Other offenses will likely depend of the type of crime committed. But even then most won't hire with felonies.
Really the only company I've heard of touching records like this would be Western Express. I know through people I worked with that they actually train people straight out of prison. Now mind you it's not a great gig in the beginning. Inconsistent work and a very short leash. The equipment is not very well taken care of and have a generally terrible FMCSA score, so they tend to get picked on at the weigh stations.
In the end getting a CDL is never a bad thing and there's nothing that says a local dump truck contractor or small mom and pop company wouldn't give them a shot.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
From what I’ve seen, getting hired with one OVWI is definitely possible, especially if it’s older and they’ve kept a clean record since. Two or more gets a lot tougher, though-not impossible, but many big carriers will pass.
The determining factor is how old is the DUI? The longer the better. Five years for most companies, but there are a few with shorter waits:
Trucking Companies That Hire Drivers With DUI
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
DWI:
Driving While Intoxicated
My 2 DUI's from my youth at 19,were almost 40 years in my past.When I went to Roadmasters to try them, and the head recruiter told me they were not as problem due to their time span. Even though I started elsewhere, those never were even brought up, and I did truthfully reply "yes" to have you EVER had on any application I made.....
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Hey Everyone,
I’m a Career Coach based in Indiana, and I primarily support clients who are pursuing their CDL Class A License. The individuals I work with come from diverse backgrounds—many are making career transitions from other industries, starting fresh with little to no experience, or have prior convictions, including felonies or misdemeanors.
I’m reaching out with a question specifically about clients who have one or more OVWIs (Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated) on their record.
How challenging is it for someone with one OVWI to secure employment after earning their CDL?
What about individuals with two or more OVWIs?
If you have direct experience working with this population or know of employers, programs, or resources that are open to second-chance hiring, I would be grateful for any insights or referrals. I’m always looking to better support my clients in building realistic and sustainable pathways into the industry.
Thanks in advance for your time and expertise!
Best,
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: