I would like some info please

[old mover]

Ok..I have read a few things about this but...here it goes, I had a injury on my other job as a mover, took 2 surgeries to my arm to reattach tendons and would like to become a OTR. now here's the messed up part...felonies, my felony is over 25 years old and my last arrest was in 1995 for a DWI. does anyone know what my chances are for being hired?...currently my driving record is very good except for the DWI which is old now...I know a few of you may get a laugh out of this but I am sincere in wanting to drive.
Thank you for your time and for those that can help...thank you for the info
P.S. I found it much better to be free than to have 3 hots and a cot. I enjoy my "freedom"

[Roadhog]

What are your felonies? You only discribed one. That makes a big difference. 2 DWI's?? I'd say straight off, just forget it.
The fact your last felony is over 10 years old is a plus.

[old mover]

I have had only 1 DWI. my felonies were burglary and a conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree...I was strung out on coke and I was going to go rob a coke house, I did 2 years for that, I learned my lesson and have a great work history since then...sometimes reform does happen. I'm still getting my time loss from L&I. I'm trying to gather all info I can so when retraining comes along I can make the best desision

[Roadhog]

Those crimes no matter how old have limiting factors. One is, you will never qualify for a Canadian pardon, and be allowed to enter Canada.
Some insurance companies may consider you too much of a liability.

It will be tough to pursue a driving career, but not impossible. In todays job market, if I were you, I would try to line up a job with someone who will hire you for some local Class B work.

If you live around a city, you might find something. Where I live in the sticks, if you have any felony period, you would be lucky to get a minimum wage job washing dishes at the Tomaine Palace on a day they just happen to be short handed, or wiping blood off the whips at Helga's House of Pain.

That's just todays reality.

[old mover]

Oh I know all about the not being able to go near Canada, As it stands now I am not allowed in the country, not because of my criminal record...because of the DWI, how ironic.

[freebirdrfd]

the whips at Helga's House of Pain.



I sure do miss Helgas' house of pain.

[GMAN]

DWI's and other offenses have less impact after 10 years have passed. It would be easier if you only had one offense, but with the time lapse it may not affect you as much. Some carriers won't consider any driver who has a felony. Others are more willing to give someone another chance. Any carrier will want to take a closer look at what transpired. DWI's can sometimes be over looked after at least 5 years. Some may want to see 10 years history after an offense. If I were you I would check with some carriers for whom you might be interested in working and see what they say. There is a company listings on this forum that has most of the larger carriers and their requirements. That will give you an indication of their policy, but I would still speak with their safety or recruiting department. They will likely not give you a firm answer until they have a completed application and criminal background check. However, they can give you a feel of what you may find in the marketplace.

It is a much different market today than just a year or so ago. Carriers are being much more selective in whom they will consider. It will be up to you to do the leg work. The advantage you have is that both have been over 10 years ago.

[old mover]

Thank you road and gman, I'm looking into this as a possibility for new career as my moving days are done...Being 49 I really dont want to be going into something that will take me another 20 years to be able to "do what I want when I want to do it".
My Ex-inlaws worked for May back some years, They made good $$$. Dont know what the average is now but it's got the b better than minimum wage . Being on L&I right now I am able to see what I have the best chance of doing with the restrictions on my capabilities, basically have my arm torn out at the shoulder makes it so I can not do what I loved to do...move household goods.
thank you for your input and I will be reading alot on here...I like the site, infomative.

[GMAN]

There are also other jobs in this industry other than driving a truck. You could be a forklift operator, work in a shipping department or perhaps even dispatch. Some of these carriers don't seem to care if you have actual driving experience. Just thought that I would throw out some options if the driving doesn't work out for you.

[jd112488]

i would say call around to some companies. be honest with them, i had an abbondonment with my first job..i am always honest about it and have had no trouble. find some that will work with you before you go sinking money into the cdl schools. which it appears you are already doing..just throwing it out there. good luck!!

[old mover]

i would say call around to some companies. be honest with them, i had an abbondonment with my first job..i am always honest about it and have had no trouble. find some that will work with you before you go sinking money into the cdl schools. which it appears you are already doing..just throwing it out there. good luck!!

no dear...I'm not just throwing it out there, I'm trying to make the best informed dessision that I can. I do like to drive and dont mind long hours in a seat, but then again I might not like the loneliness that might come with the job. Just trying to figure what would be the best for me...0 kids...0 g/f and or wife...so...it's just one of those things I'm looking at.

[GMAN]

Loneliness is something that many drivers have difficulty coping. Having a cell phone can help. Many communicate using email. There is usually someone on the CB or if you are taking some time at a truck stop there is usually someone who is anxious to sit down and have a conversation. I think this profession works better for those who like to be by themselves. I do some of my best thinking when I am driving. If drivers can make it past the first 6 months to a year they have a good opportunity to make this work as a career.