Many people with criminal records struggle to find work after serving their time. The trucking industry offers a chance for a fresh start.
Several truck companies hire felons, giving them a second chance at building a stable career.
Getting a job as a trucker with a criminal record isn’t always easy. Each company has its own rules about hiring felons.
Some look at how long ago the crime happened. Others care more about what type of crime it was. Many transportation carriers judge each case on its own merits.
For those with a felony, becoming a truck driver can be a good choice. The pay is often better than other jobs open to people with records. Trucking also offers a chance to see the country and work independently. With hard work and dedication, driving a truck can lead to a solid, long-term career.
Key Points
Some trucking companies offer job opportunities to people with criminal records
Each company has different rules for hiring felons based on time since conviction and type of crime
Truck driving can provide good pay and career growth for those with a criminal background
Second Chance Employment Rights
Second chance employment gives felons opportunities to rebuild their lives through work. It helps reduce recidivism and benefits both employees and companies.
Legal Framework for Hiring Felons
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidelines for hiring people with criminal records. Employers must consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and its relevance to the job.
Some states have “ban the box” laws. These laws delay when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process.
The Federal Bonding Program offers insurance to employers who hire at-risk individuals, including ex-offenders. This protects companies from potential losses.
Benefits for Employers
Hiring felons can bring several advantages to trucking companies. These individuals often show high loyalty and motivation to succeed in their new roles.
Companies may qualify for tax credits through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program when hiring ex-offenders. This can lead to significant savings.
Second chance hiring expands the talent pool, especially important in industries facing labor shortages like trucking. It can help fill vacant positions more quickly.
Employers who give second chances often report improved company morale and a more diverse workforce. This can enhance the overall work environment and company culture.
But how does this second chance right apply to the transportation industry? Let’s take a deeper look…
Can You Get Hired For Truck Driving Jobs With a Felony?
Yes, you can. A criminal record will have no bearing on your ability to obtain a CDL license – unless it affects the status of your license (i.e. your license was suspended). In this case, you would not be able to obtain the CDL endorsement until the suspension has been lifted.
How to Become a Truck Driver With Past Felonies
If you’re new to the trucking world, you’ll need to first obtain your CDL. As mentioned previously, your criminal record will have no effect on your ability to obtain this endorsement.
The first step is to enroll in a trucking school or take advantage of any CDL training opportunity.
If you’re opting for company-sponsored training, you’ll need to make sure that you choose a company that hires felons and that you’re 100% honest on your application. You’ll also need to makes sure that you include your work history for the past 10 years. Your driving record and, of course, your criminal record will also need to be disclosed.
Most training programs will include a mixture of classroom training and practical, on-the-road training. Make sure that you attend all classes and put in the extra effort to excel in your training.
At the end of the program, you’ll be required to pass the final exam, road test and skills test. Once you complete your training, you’ll obtain your CDL. At this point, you’re ready to start looking for a job. If you opted for company training, you may start working right away.
Getting your CDL is the easy part. Getting hired as a felon may prove to be a bigger challenge.
Getting Hired
The age of your felony will have an effect on who hires you and how long it takes to get hired. Of course, your work history and your driving record will also play a big role in landing you a job.
One key important thing to remember here is that you have to be 100% upfront and honest about your conviction on your application. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is required to perform a thorough background check on all driver applicants. This will include a criminal background check. Even drivers who have never been convicted of a crime have been disqualified because they were dishonest on their application.
Having a felony on your record does put you at a disadvantage, but just because you have to reveal your conviction, it doesn’t mean you have to dwell on it. Instead, you want to focus on highlighting your positive attributes.
Having a DUI or DWI on your record can make it difficult to land a job – even with companies that hire ex-cons. The older the DUI or DWI is, the better your chances of being hired. Just bear in mind that if you have multiple DUI convictions, most companies will not hire you.
What About Misdemeanors and Traffic Violations?
If you were charged with reckless driving or any other crime while you were operating a commercial vehicle, you’ll have a very hard time finding a trucking company that will hire you.
That being said, misdemeanors can typically be overlooked by most trucking companies.
Finding a job will be a challenge (in today’s job market, everyone is having a hard time finding a job), but the trucker shortage in the U.S. does give you an advantage. Even if the first 10 companies turn you down, don’t give up. Remember that in some cases, hiring a felon is against company policy. That doesn’t mean you should give up on your search, but rather shift your efforts towards companies that will are open to hiring truckers with prior convictions.
Our List Of Trucking Companies that Hire Felons
Many trucking carriers offer job opportunities to people with criminal records and past felonies. These carriers understand that everyone deserves a second chance.
As you can see, there are many trucking companies that are willing to hire felons. And most of these companies have simple application processes that you can complete online.
Helpful Tips
Don’t get discouraged if you’re turned down by the first few companies you apply with. Remember, your attitude is your greatest asset, so be positive and dress to impress when going on interviews.
Be sure to highlight your positive attributes to downplay your conviction. Again, don’t lie about your qualifications or your criminal record, but do dote on your positive qualities and demonstrate the value that you can bring to the company. Do you have a squeaky clean driving record? Do you have a long and steady work history? These are important qualities that trucking companies are looking for. And if you do have experience in the field, that will be a major asset as well.
