Starting A Trucking Career Without A Clean Driving Record

I have called a few company sponsored driving schools today and they have all told me I would not qualify because of my speeding tickets, one in April 2013 for 20 mph over and one Aug 2012 for 15 mph over. Is there anything I can do to get CDL training and a job with this record or should I give up now and start looking at other job opportunities?

I'm hoping there is someone out there that is willing to take a chance on me, I am a hard working dedicated employee that is ready to learn!

Check with Swift and Western Express if you have not done so. However you may be forced to wait until the last ticket is at least three years old. Oh and slow down ;)

The issue is less about "being a hard-working employee", than being INSURABLE.

This is especially the case with new entrants into the industry, which are already in a higher risk class due to their lack of experience.

For better or worse - +15 & +20 over - is "just speeding" - it's REALLY SPEEDING. In some states a +20 over would get you a set of handcuffs and a suspension.

Not trying to be a "dark cloud" here - but a couple of +5 overs, would be easier to overcome, than the speeds you were cited at. While you might find one of the larger carriers that would be willing to absorb the risk (as this is all dictated by their insurance companies), one more moving violation would disqualify you.

Seriously - do slow down. If you are planning on entering this industry, your driving record is the most precious resource you bring to the table.

Check with Swift and Western Express if you have not done so. However you may be forced to wait until the last ticket is at least three years old. Oh and slow down ;)

Thanks, I called a recruiter at swift and he said it should not be a problem so I applied there and at western. We'll see what happens!

And I have slowed down, these two tickets were part of a learning curve I went through after getting a motorcycle, it's so easy to go fast! I know that there is no excuse for it but I did learn my lesson and I do drive much slower now, my insurance co and my wife gave me enough of a beating to keep me slowed down.

The flatbed division here, Swift, is not bad at all. Would recommend as a starting point to anyone.

I spoke to someone at western express and the recruiter said as long as I had no felony's or DUI's the tickets would not be a problem, but they do not have a school. They do have a tuition reimbursement program up to $6,000 if you attend private a school.

I am really worried about going through private school and then finding out that the recruiter was full of B.S. and not be able to find a job.

I spoke to someone at western express and the recruiter said as long as I had no felony's or DUI's the tickets would not be a problem, but they do not have a school. They do have a tuition reimbursement program up to $6,000 if you attend private a school.

I am really worried about going through private school and then finding out that the recruiter was full of B.S. and not be able to find a job.

Go where ever someone will take you, get your foot in the door and that Endorsement. Once you have done that drive for a bit and then jump ship to a better company.

Choose a company that will train you...then spend your year with them to pay off your school, and get your experience to show to your next employer...

Good news, I've been approved at Swift! I also think Stevens transport will take me but I would probably go with Swift.

Only one more hurdle to go. I currently work in a copy center for a publishing company, Elsevier. They have decided to outsource my shop and our mailroom to another company. That company will make me an offer to work for them doing the same thing I do now, but probably for less money. If that offer is more than a 10% pay cut I can take a severance package and begin my new career. If the offer is closer to what I currently make I can not afford to take the time off work to get my CDL and train.

We find out Monday which company was awarded the contract and within the next couple of weeks I should have an interview and hopefully a low ball offer so I can get my 14 week severance check!

Well....they will probably REALLY low ball you, since the only reason they grab up outsourced work is to make money off it..and cutting costs is the main way to make fast money...they will smile and EXPECT you to be so desperate that you will take any wage just to keep a paycheck coming in...I've always enjoyed telling those people that I hope they can get someone to replace me who has all the knowledge and work ethic that they don't feel like paying for by offering me a reasonable wage..... Good luck, and be sure and tell us what goes on.