I am trying real hard to get into the industry and I am having a real tough time doing so.
I have a drug related felony in my past.
This is killing me.
Is there any companies or O/O or small Mom and Pop companies that would give me a shot if I provide my own bonding, Ins, or what ever else to help me get started. I am very serious about getting into this and would like to become an O/O in 2 - 3 years.
The felony was a big mistake I made in my life but was blown out of proportion by the local courts. Still no excuse for it.
I am willing to get whatever I need to get into the industry.
Any positive help would be appreciated.
Bashers need not respond. I have heard enough negative regarding my past.

 

I think that if a person is truly reformed, then, yes, they deserve a second chance. Proving that you're reformed is something that's done by every person out there, not as a group in whole. One person will say you are and the next will say you aren't.

My wife and I are going through this crap with her oldest son. He got out of federal prison around November of 2006 after spending 5 years for trafficking drugs. We all thought he was reformed - until about a month after he got out. To make a long story short he's now up for his second offense of federal drug trafficking and is looking at a minimum of 25 years in prison.

So, his 6 year old son who has only known him for this past year will again be without his father - this time, however, he won't see him until he turns 32 years old.

 

Well I can honestly say I am reformed. I made a HUGE mistake and definitely learned my lesson. However the record is killing me in this manual labor industry. I have even created that website in the banner below to provide some fun for truckers and show my dedication to getting into this industry.
Tell me what you think

 

There are companies who won't hire you period, but....
there are plenty of companies which have more relaxed policy concerning criminal history. If you go through the Company Listings in the header link at the top of the page, you will find many companies with limits that will allow you to apply with them. Also, as you mentioned, smaller local companies can provide a good start.

Once you get a couple years of experience, you will have better opportunities ahead, or as you mentioned, you may go into business on your own. Just keep positive and don't give up. Right now is a tough time for everyone, and especially people without any experience.

 

Are there any companies you know of off hand that I could check with?
Any help is appreciated.
I have been calling, applying, emailing anyone whos contact info I can get my hands on.

 

If you list where you are hoping to find work, that will help people here who may have some leads you could follow.
Also in the Company Listings (above) , it will go by State.
I've looked on sites like Monster.com and other search engine job finders, and always pulled up lots of companies hiring.

 

Well I am located in Wisconsin. But I don't see why that would matter for a OTR position seeing I would be traveling everywhere. And I just want a 1/2 decent company willing to give me a break. I have contacted alot of companies and been hung up on from a few rude recruiters that do not have any people skills.

 

Have you tried Marten Transportation? On their profile here at CAD they say their felony restrictions are 1 year. They are Wisconsin based.Their website is www.marten.com and it says they are now training student drivers.

 

Yes I contact them by phone and they couldn't hire me as to policy. I have tried many companies. Thanks though.
Any other companies??

 

As to getting a start, there are two things that are going to determine if any company will be willing to give you a chance.

The exact nature of the conviction and how old the conviction is and/or how much time has passed since a person has fully completed their sentence and parole.

Most companies that are willing to hire a felon, regardless of what is on their web sites, want at least 5, though some it is 10 years from either the date of conviction or the completion of the sentence. Most, if not all, OTR companies are not going to mess with hiring you if you are still serving probation or parole.

You can also take a look at THIS POST

I do not know anything about it other than the author posted his company will hire ex-felons.