Been looking for an o/o that is willing to train a one year CDL Class A rookie that can't find a position in larger companies due to felony (over 18yrs. ago) and the fact that I have no OTR experience.
I have been searching the forums for stuff like this and have come up empty. Can anyone help me?
Maybe an o/o is looking to retire and is willing to sell his truck? Financing would be an issue that would have to be flexiable....I am willing to do just about anything (as long as it is legal) to get my own GOOD truck.
Also, willing to team with an experienced o/o. I could get the experience I need and he could get a cheap driver.:thumbsup:
I admit, I don't know what to do in my situation....PLEASE someone help me! And don't tell me to find another career....not going to happen. I love driving and have been hooked on it since I was 9yrs. old. :argue:
Any help will be greatly applauded:clap:.

There are good companies that will hire with a felony over 10 years old depending on what they are. These companies will train a student. 7 of 10 listed on this site will hire a student with a felony, whether they are hiring or not right now is a different story. If it is a drug charge most companies will not hire ever and good luck finding an O/O that would hire with one. Good luck in finding what you are looking for and hope it works out.

Not what you want to hear, but ...

You are going to need to find something else to do. There are thousands of experienced drivers with clean records out there looking for jobs and they will get them first.

When the economy recovers in another year or two you might have a shot with one of the training companies, but you'll have to go through school again to make that happen when the time comes. (refresher course)

I would suggest you keep on applying if this is something you really want to do. As was mentioned, many carriers will give you an opportunity with a felony conviction as long as it is at least 7-10 years ago and not drug related or involve a commercial vehicle. Your lack of experience may cause a problem with owner operators or smaller carriers due to insurance coverage. Most require at least 2 years of otr driving experience. One insurance company with whom I have spoken requires a minimum of 3 years experience. Another factor is your MVR. If you have a clear MVR then that could help you.

With the current economic situation carriers can afford to be more selective in those whom they hire. This forum has a company listings at the top of the page. Most list their basic requirements including felony convictions. I suggest you start with those or find a truck stop that has some of the trucking ads and start applying to various carriers. Not all carriers are willing or able to train new recruits.

I appreciate the info...I knew this info, but thanks. What I think is that I need to find an O/O willing to help. About the insurance issues, Progressive will insure me. So, the insurance isn't a problem. I just need some one to give me a chance to get the 3-6 months of OTR experience. With that I can get a career going. And if the O/O wants to keep me on with him...if he's loyal to me, I'll be loyal to him.
About my MVR...it should be golden! I don't have any wrecks or sitations going back as far as when I was 17. I got a speeding ticket back then, NOTHING since.
I don't think that I mentioned that I have a year of class B in a Sterling tamdem straight truck. The gross wieght on the truck is 52k. I have driven it in the city, on the highway, and into another state. Almost any situation!
I recently applied to get a frieghtliner on lease through US Express, but as soon as they heard...FELONY... it was over! Experience wasn't even a factor. Should I have lied about it and hoped that it would have been over looked long enough to actually get into the truck?

Well, in any case, I will keep trying. :badmood:

You're right, not what I want to hear. And, call me single-minded, but I will not give up! If I did, I'd be letting myself down. I don't let myself down. Just not in my vocabulary. And besides, I only need ONE of those clean drivers to decide to leave the industry and I might be able to fill his spot. Any takers?:lol:

Most companies, at least two weeks ago, are not hiring much. They are taking in students, but only about 1/4 of the normal.
No, it is not a drug charge. It is a juvinile charge that was made an adult charge. Don't want to go into it here, but I was 15yrs. old at the time. I'm 38 now.
Don't understand why an O/O would be any more adverse to hiring on a felony than the bigger companies? If anything, maybe insurance concerns. But, that can be remedied. In fact, JB Hunt was going to hire me, but...don't have experience. That, to them, was the key.
Thanx for being positive.:thumbsup:

Just keep applying to all the companies you see and something will surely come up good luck to you sir.

If it is something that happened as a 15 year old I don't see why it would even be a factor as long as you have kept your record clean since that time, especially after that many years have elapsed. I thought that juvenile records were sealed anyway. If not then you may see if your record could be sealed.

Even though Progressive would cover you that doesn't mean that other insurance companies will. Most insurance companies, especially those that insure smaller fleets and owner operators, want to see at least 2 years of experience. They usually go by the length of time that you have had your CDL. Most owner operators and carriers use insurance companies other than Progressive. Progressive is usually used by those starting out and who only travel a short hauling distance. After a year or two most will go with a different insurance company due to the haul restrictions and rates. Other insurance companies tend to have lower rates, but those with little or no experience are greatly limited in their insurance options. If Northland or Great West will insure you then you stand a better chance of getting on with a smaller carrier. I believe both have a 2 year minimum experience requirement.