Who can help me

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

Hello all, I recently graduated from a driving school and am looking for a company to drive for out of Virginia. Now, the problem I have is a DUI in May 2007. I know most companies want 5 years from the date, some want 7, some want 10 . . . some say "None". I also know that there are some companies that only require 3 years. Does anyone know of a company out of or drives through Virginia that will hire a student with 3 years since a DUI? Thanks in advance for any information.

[GMAN]

I don't know of any carriers who will hire someone with a 3 year old DUI, especially one with no real experience. My suggestion would be to start making phone calls to carriers and see what they say. You may get lucky and find a carrier who will offer you an opportunity. You may try some smaller carriers. Some may be more flexible with that type of thing. Most of the major carriers will not hire a driver with a DUI unless it has been at least 5 years since conviction. Even then, you would need a spotless record to get on with most carriers. I am not saying that it is hopeless, but your work will be cut out for you to find the right carrier. I would suggest that if you do find a carrier who will take you that you stay with them for at lease 1-2 years. After that and with a good work history you will probably find it easier to find a different company.

[Kentla93]

Hello all, I recently graduated from a driving school and am looking for a company to drive for out of Virginia. Now, the problem I have is a DUI in May 2007. I know most companies want 5 years from the date, some want 7, some want 10 . . . some say "None". I also know that there are some companies that only require 3 years. Does anyone know of a company out of or drives through Virginia that will hire a student with 3 years since a DUI? Thanks in advance for any information.

Personally I think you need to get your azz back to Grand County, If I could my ass would be sitting in Fraser or Winter Park, Hell I could even deal with Granby or Grand Lake with the fire place glowing a beer in hand and warming up from a day of skiing "Outhouse" at Mary Jane, what else could you ask for in life... I grew up in Clear Creek County just next door to you guys, I even Skiied against you guys when I was on my high school ski team way back when..... " Go Gold Diggers"..
Seriously you just got to keep looking and keep your nose clean, I got my CDL in 04, 10 years after Grand Countys finest pulled me over leaving the Crooked Creek Saloon after a night of drinkng that lead to my one and only DUI.. my instructors told me it should not be a problem as it had been 10 years, what did your instructors tell you about your DUI? My advice is to just keep looking and sooner or later omeone will give you a chance, dont be picky and once you get hired deal with any BS you come across for a year or two and then move on, the idea is to get some sort of experience while keeping your nose clean in all areas of your life.. Nice to see another Colorado boy on this suffering board... Welcome...

Timberwolf

[AmEagleDrvr]

I would look for a mom and pop small company to go to work for. The major carriers prob won't hire you.

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

Personally I think you need to get your azz back to Grand County, If I could my ass would be sitting in Fraser or Winter Park, Hell I could even deal with Granby or Grand Lake with the fire place glowing a beer in hand and warming up from a day of skiing "Outhouse" at Mary Jane, what else could you ask for in life... I grew up in Clear Creek County just next door to you guys, I even Skiied against you guys when I was on my high school ski team way back when..... " Go Gold Diggers"..
Seriously you just got to keep looking and keep your nose clean, I got my CDL in 04, 10 years after Grand Countys finest pulled me over leaving the Crooked Creek Saloon after a night of drinkng that lead to my one and only DUI.. my instructors told me it should not be a problem as it had been 10 years, what did your instructors tell you about your DUI? My advice is to just keep looking and sooner or later omeone will give you a chance, dont be picky and once you get hired deal with any BS you come across for a year or two and then move on, the idea is to get some sort of experience while keeping your nose clean in all areas of your life.. Nice to see another Colorado boy on this suffering board... Welcome...

Timberwolf

Hello Timberwolf,
Thanks for the welcome and the advice. Doing my best to keep my nose clean and as stated, most carriers are 5 years from conviction date or stop date. I've only got about 7 months to go for that. I worked for Grand County Road & Bridge for 2 1/2 years and wouldn't have left except for the fact that we needed to get somewhere different with more opportunities for my wife. Fast forward 3 years, my wife joined the Army and we are now in the Norfolk, VA area.
Funny thing, we are still closer than you think. I attended Denver Lutheran High School and my parents still live at the Chief Hosa exit and have been there since 1970! Thanks again for the advice and it is just going to take a little time and patience.

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

Thanks all for your advice so far. Will probably just have to wait another 7 months or so until my DUI is 5 years old. Will keep on trying to find a company that only requires 3 years. I have found one company so far, Total Transportation out of Mississippi. They only require 3 years since and they do hire newly graduated students. Keep the advice and knowledge coming though, things are always changing!

[Orangetxguy]

Thanks all for your advice so far. Will probably just have to wait another 7 months or so until my DUI is 5 years old. Will keep on trying to find a company that only requires 3 years. I have found one company so far, Total Transportation out of Mississippi. They only require 3 years since and they do hire newly graduated students. Keep the advice and knowledge coming though, things are always changing!

There is nothing wrong with working for that company as a "starter". I have talked with a lot of their drivers over the last 6-7 years, and have seldom run into one that was pissed off about them.

[golfhobo]

If you have an "offer," or a good chance of getting on with TOTAL, then do it now. If you wait 7 months or more to start driving a truck, it will look bad on your record. Many companies will immediately disqualify you and you would have to take a refresher course.

There are very few companies that will give you a chance with a "3 yr old" on your record. But, they are out there. I started my career with one. [not saying why I needed them.] Hey, there are felons who get a chance in this business!

Get "IN" to trucking... then get "INTO" trucking!

Seriously.... ANY way into this gig, is a good move. Get a few years and a bunch of miles under your belt, without a rollover or any other kind of "Swifty accident," and you got it made.

[Kentla93]

Hello Timberwolf,
Thanks for the welcome and the advice. Doing my best to keep my nose clean and as stated, most carriers are 5 years from conviction date or stop date. I've only got about 7 months to go for that. I worked for Grand County Road & Bridge for 2 1/2 years and wouldn't have left except for the fact that we needed to get somewhere different with more opportunities for my wife. Fast forward 3 years, my wife joined the Army and we are now in the Norfolk, VA area.
Funny thing, we are still closer than you think. I attended Denver Lutheran High School and my parents still live at the Chief Hosa exit and have been there since 1970! Thanks again for the advice and it is just going to take a little time and patience.

Wow Chief Hosa, I spent many a day cruising the chief Hosa camp ground as a high school kid every summer when the Grateful Dead came to town always a easy place to find an escape from life when the dead heads were campng there for the three days of concerts at Red Rocks. We moved to Eastern Clear Creek County in 1970 as well from Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Aurora. Our house was in Evergreen on Stagecoach road a mile from the jeffco border in Clear Creek County yet I went to Jeffco schools until 6th grade and then my dad decided Jeffco sucked and had us transfer Idaho Springs, so we made the 17 mile treck down soda creek road over to I 70 and on to Idaho Springs to school every day two years before the rest of Eastern Clear creek County residents had to do it. So i guess you can say Evergreen is my true home and idaho springs was my high school home, I know the area like the back of my hand, even as I type i can remember spring of 1980 I was a jr and coming home from crusing Colfax on a Friday night in my Brother's TR-7 rounding the slight corner there at Chief Hosa at the exit heading west and got caught in some sand, the rest is history I did at least 4 360's until I reached the bridge and came out smelling like a rose. Back then all that was in that area was El Rancho and that old Sinclair Gas Station just behind El Rancho, now it has changed so much it alost does not feel like home. Its great to talk to a fellow Evergreen guy. Not sure of your age however I graduated high school in 81 who knows maybe we cossed paths at one time or another... As far as the DUI it can happen to the best of us, just make sure it only happens once and tht you learned your lesson, Good luck with your job search and keep me infomed...

By the way my sister in law went to Denver Lutheran High school as well She graduated in 1987 I think her husband went there too.. When did you graduate?

Timberwolf

[D17554]

There are lots of companies in Va. that run freight out of the ports in the Norfolk area. They are less strict than most major carriers, however you will still have the issue of getting one to train you. I started out with a carrier there after school myself and went through 4 weeks before they cut me loose. That company is called Pilot and I see some of their trucks still around, but I'm not sure if they still train. Actually I had a little inside help on getting trained, they just didn't train everyone at that time out of school, but it's a name and a start for you anyway. There also was a website that listed all carriers with access to haul freight out of the ports and I believe I got it off the Norfolk terminal website. But anyway you should be able to Google it and get carrier lists. regardless of the driving job that you can get other than farming gigs, it will be beneficial to get in a truck soon as possible and don't wait because the insurance companies will reject you for sure. Whatever don't give up there is someone out there that will give you a shot if that is the only blemish that you have on your driving record and your criminal side is squeaky clean. Also be careful going to work for owner ops. Most major carriers frown on the experience because they can't document you properly with their insurance companies as to your actual driving jobs and even some local jobs won't qualify you, most want a minimum of three states where you live in your truck and don't cry for home every night. Good Luck and AiM HiGh.

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

Wow Chief Hosa, I spent many a day cruising the chief Hosa camp ground as a high school kid every summer when the Grateful Dead came to town always a easy place to find an escape from life when the dead heads were campng there for the three days of concerts at Red Rocks. We moved to Eastern Clear Creek County in 1970 as well from Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Aurora. Our house was in Evergreen on Stagecoach road a mile from the jeffco border in Clear Creek County yet I went to Jeffco schools until 6th grade and then my dad decided Jeffco sucked and had us transfer Idaho Springs, so we made the 17 mile treck down soda creek road over to I 70 and on to Idaho Springs to school every day two years before the rest of Eastern Clear creek County residents had to do it. So i guess you can say Evergreen is my true home and idaho springs was my high school home, I know the area like the back of my hand, even as I type i can remember spring of 1980 I was a jr and coming home from crusing Colfax on a Friday night in my Brother's TR-7 rounding the slight corner there at Chief Hosa at the exit heading west and got caught in some sand, the rest is history I did at least 4 360's until I reached the bridge and came out smelling like a rose. Back then all that was in that area was El Rancho and that old Sinclair Gas Station just behind El Rancho, now it has changed so much it alost does not feel like home. Its great to talk to a fellow Evergreen guy. Not sure of your age however I graduated high school in 81 who knows maybe we cossed paths at one time or another... As far as the DUI it can happen to the best of us, just make sure it only happens once and tht you learned your lesson, Good luck with your job search and keep me infomed...

By the way my sister in law went to Denver Lutheran High school as well She graduated in 1987 I think her husband went there too.. When did you graduate?

Timberwolf

Yeah, it's all changed up there. As soon as the new highway went through, it all changed. Heck, you can't even tell where that old Sinclair used to be. I worked at both Chief Hosa and the El Rancho in the early 80's. I remember the Grateful Dead days quite well. I also worked at the King Soopers in Bergen Park as recently as 2004; and then I transferred to the new (new in 2004) City Market in Granby. I remember working at the King Soopers and having to listen to people calling themselves "locals" after having only been up there 5 years! Of course, I would start asking them questions they couldn't answer, like, "Where were the 3 teepees located?" It is great to talk to a fellow Evergreen guy! It's quite strange to come on this forum and meet somebody that knows all about the same stuff. As far as the DUI thing, yeah, it's a mistake that I obviously wish I could get back. Heck, it's probably the best thing that happened though. I had probably been drinking and driving for at least 20 years and had enough "warnings" to stop but never did! What an idiot! The way I look at it is, I got off the easiest way possible. I just got pulled over. I didn't have an accident and I didn't kill anybody; that in itself is a blessing I should be thankful for. Thanks for all the chat and support. The thing with Total Transportation took a step forward today when I found out they approved the school I attended. Now I just have to wait for my HAZMAT to come through. I will keep you up to date as things change.

I graduated in 1983. You and I probably did cross paths at some point! Your sister-in-law and husband (providing he graduated the same year) would've been Freshman (which I'm sure you figured out).

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

There are lots of companies in Va. that run freight out of the ports in the Norfolk area. They are less strict than most major carriers, however you will still have the issue of getting one to train you. I started out with a carrier there after school myself and went through 4 weeks before they cut me loose. That company is called Pilot and I see some of their trucks still around, but I'm not sure if they still train. Actually I had a little inside help on getting trained, they just didn't train everyone at that time out of school, but it's a name and a start for you anyway. There also was a website that listed all carriers with access to haul freight out of the ports and I believe I got it off the Norfolk terminal website. But anyway you should be able to Google it and get carrier lists. regardless of the driving job that you can get other than farming gigs, it will be beneficial to get in a truck soon as possible and don't wait because the insurance companies will reject you for sure. Whatever don't give up there is someone out there that will give you a shot if that is the only blemish that you have on your driving record and your criminal side is squeaky clean. Also be careful going to work for owner ops. Most major carriers frown on the experience because they can't document you properly with their insurance companies as to your actual driving jobs and even some local jobs won't qualify you, most want a minimum of three states where you live in your truck and don't cry for home every night. Good Luck and AiM HiGh.

Do you have any other information for NIT? I looked at their website and couldn't find a link. I will do as you suggest and try to Google something and try to find out who hauls in and out of the ports. I am currently waiting on my HAZMAT, after that I am going to apply for my TWIC. Are you saying that if if takes me 1 year to find a job that the insurance companies don't like that? Anyway, yes the only moving violation in the past 7 or so years (knock on wood) is the DUI.

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

I don't know of any carriers who will hire someone with a 3 year old DUI, especially one with no real experience. My suggestion would be to start making phone calls to carriers and see what they say. You may get lucky and find a carrier who will offer you an opportunity. You may try some smaller carriers. Some may be more flexible with that type of thing. Most of the major carriers will not hire a driver with a DUI unless it has been at least 5 years since conviction. Even then, you would need a spotless record to get on with most carriers. I am not saying that it is hopeless, but your work will be cut out for you to find the right carrier. I would suggest that if you do find a carrier who will take you that you stay with them for at lease 1-2 years. After that and with a good work history you will probably find it easier to find a different company.

Thanks for the information GMAN. The possibility with Total took a step forward today when they accepted the curriculum of the school I attended. The good thing is, the DUI is the only thing on my record for at least the past 7 years or so (knock on wood). As of right now, USA Truck said they would talk to me in 8 months, so things are looking okay. Thanks again.

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

Just a quick note to all who have responded . . . Thank you. Thanks for the information and if you happen to run across anymore please forward it on.

[snoopyandpuppy]

Might try A-Ok truck in Portsmouth. Saw a sign for them hiring the other.

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

Well, for anybody keeping track of this thread, here's an update. Today I learned that Total of Mississippi just raised their requirements to 7 years since a DUI. What this boils down to is the fact that until my conviction date is at least 5 years old, I have no chance to get on with any company. So, I will wait until August 2012 and start applying for jobs. Until then I will just have to sit on my CDL and wait. Thank you all again for your posts and suggestions.

[Musicman]

...I will wait until August 2012 and start applying for jobs. Until then I will just have to sit on my CDL and wait.

If you go that long without a driving job, most carriers wouldn’t even think of hiring you because you had been out of a truck for so long and they might even expect you to take a refresher course at a CDL school before you’d be eligible for hiring. I would do everything I could now to keep my foot in the door and keep my CDL from going “stale”.

What about:

Yard dog job somewhere local.
Local driving job, even if it’s Class B.
Job where your primary function would be something other than driving, but you’d still need your CDL at times (I once did water well drilling and although 99% of the job was in the field, we still had to get the equipment from place to place so I had to have a CDL).

[GrandCountyColoradoBoy]

If you go that long without a driving job, most carriers wouldn’t even think of hiring you because you had been out of a truck for so long and they might even expect you to take a refresher course at a CDL school before you’d be eligible for hiring. I would do everything I could now to keep my foot in the door and keep my CDL from going “stale”.

What about:

Yard dog job somewhere local.
Local driving job, even if it’s Class B.
Job where your primary function would be something other than driving, but you’d still need your CDL at times (I once did water well drilling and although 99% of the job was in the field, we still had to get the equipment from place to place so I had to have a CDL).

Musicman,
I guess if I have to do a refresher course, or even retake the cdl course through a carrier, that's what I'm going to have to do. I am still looking and am doing everything above that you suggested; in fact I had an interview today with a company called Midasco that does highway signage, toll both installation, and traffic light installation. The position is driver/laborer and requires a cdl 'a'. Another thing I am going to do is post an ad on Craigslist and see if I get any "bites" that way. There are also other avenues of networking I can try to use. Believe me, I am not giving up totally,but it seems the prospects are getting slim. Nice thing is, the school I attended lets me hop in the driver seat for a couple of hours every month.