Carolina Cargo....yes Or No

I know I can't be choosy being that I am a convicted felon released from prison about a year ago I don't have any sex offenses violent offenses or drug offenses but none of the large trucking companies will give me the time of day the only company that has agreed to hire me is Carolina cargo I have heard a lot of bad things about this company from low pay to bad Management and even claims of "slave labors there anyone out there that can give me an unbiased opinion about Carolina Cargo?

Metalhead, it is always difficult when you feel forced to make a decision without having options. I realize that you are unaware of my history, but I had a terrible time getting hired into the trucking industry. I got sent home from three different orientations, and was starting to wonder if there was any hope at all that I could pursue this career. I had to go with the only company that would take me, and they had nothing but terrible internet reviews. Here I am just a few years later with a great foundation under me and any where I try to go is glad to have me.

Carolina Cargo is a place where we have suggested some other folks in situations similar to yours go for their first trucking job. We have never heard any such crazy reports back from any of them that sound anything like what you've suggested. I read all the same bogus stuff about my first company (Western Express) and I did wonderfully there. They are still calling me begging me to come back. Just two days ago I got another call from a recruiter there promising to match my current pay if I would just get back on board with them.

If it's your only shot, you've got to take it and run with it. My experience has been that even if it is not an ideal situation, you will be able to make it work for you, and once you've proven yourself by getting one year of safe productive commercial driving under your belt you will be very much surprised at how many other companies will become interested in you.

I've actually heard great things about Carolina Cargo. Yes, their pay is very low -- but if you have no other options, low pay is better than no pay. They would be a good opportunity to get your foot in the door. Work with them for 6 months to a year, get some experience and keep a clean driving record, and then you may be able to get on with a better paying carrier.

How many company's have you tried, reason I ask is because I know they are not the only company that will take someone with a shaky past, yea, I got one of those to. I tried at quite a few company's, and didn't even make it to orentation but finally did get a pre hire from USX, I specifically asked if they had fully considered my past, and in writing was told it was not an issue. Yes I had to pay for my schooling, but I was good to go. However when I got to the school they set up a interview with a smaller more local company, we talked, and now I work for them, and love it so far. They know my history, and don't care, all they ask is I do my job the best I can. So if your worried that CC is your only option, I doubt it. They all look at your charges, the time that has passed since, and what you have done since. Keep you head up, there are good company's out there that will give you a chance, you just have to. "Seek and yea shall find."

What about PTL i had a previous student come into class and say everyone there has a past including himself and said he likes it there. It is forced teams so that kinda sucks but he said they will get you home to take care of business like court and probation plus he said he makes some money not a lot but enough.

Http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/2nd-chances-for-felons-and-some-trucking-companies-that-may-hire-them.html

Metalhead, it is always difficult when you feel forced to make a decision without having options. I realize that you are unaware of my history, but I had a terrible time getting hired into the trucking industry. I got sent home from three different orientations, and was starting to wonder if there was any hope at all that I could pursue this career. I had to go with the only company that would take me, and they had nothing but terrible internet reviews. Here I am just a few years later with a great foundation under me and any where I try to go is glad to have me.

Carolina Cargo is a place where we have suggested some other folks in situations similar to yours go for their first trucking job. We have never heard any such crazy reports back from any of them that sound anything like what you've suggested. I read all the same bogus stuff about my first company (Western Express) and I did wonderfully there. They are still calling me begging me to come back. Just two days ago I got another call from a recruiter there promising to match my current pay if I would just get back on board with them.

If it's your only shot, you've got to take it and run with it. My experience has been that even if it is not an ideal situation, you will be able to make it work for you, and once you've proven yourself by getting one year of safe productive commercial driving under your belt you will be very much surprised at how many other companies will become interested in you.

Thanks for the positive feedback. PTL just offered me a job and I think I'm gonna take it

What about PTL i had a previous student come into class and say everyone there has a past including himself and said he likes it there. It is forced teams so that kinda sucks but he said they will get you home to take care of business like court and probation plus he said he makes some money not a lot but enough.

it's funny that you mention them,because PTL did agree to hire me and as of now ,that's who I'm probably gonna go with.

I heard horrible things about Carolina Cargo as well, but I had only a couple of other options, and I decided that C.C. was the "best of the worst" options. I am so glad I went to C.C.!! They must have realized they were getting a bad reputation, even among people with few options, and changed a few policies because I find the pay, treatment, equipment to be just fine. Granted, this is my 1st trucking job, and I have nothing to compare them to, but the only negatives I've found is I can't take my 2015 Pete home for breaks, and I have to drive to and from my home 700 miles from their terminal. It's worth it for $800-$1000/week! Just don't be lazy, want to drive a lot of miles, be able to handle being constantly on the road, have a co-driver for 6 months (then you have an option to go solo), and, most importantly...have a great attitude. Be grateful for a well paying, secure job, and act like it! You'll be amazed at how much you'll be driving and how much money you'll make. I LOVE DRIVING!! (Disclaimer-I am older, single w/a girlfriend who supports and encourages me. If I were married, younger, and/or had children at home, I'm not sure I could do this because of all the time spent away from home) I encourage you to NOT let others put false fears in your mind. Carolina Cargo is a 2nd chance company...take advantage of the opportunity at a 2nd chance. Again, be grateful (gratitude is an attitude). Be positive.

Tony B wrote:

They must have realized they were getting a bad reputation, even among people with few options, and changed a few policies because I find the pay, treatment, equipment to be just fine.

Possibly...but I doubt any adjustments were a direct result of negative cyber press. Most of the negative information is written by former disgruntled employees, or prefaced with "I heard". Never will an ex-employee suggest that maybe, just maybe they were directly responsible for their own demise and the company held them accountable for their countless bad decisions, poor attitude, and careless mistakes. That part of the story is rarely told.

We say it all the time, "good drivers can be successful for most any company".

Good luck...!