
Many people struggling to find work after a felony conviction are looking for trucking companies that hire felons.
Swift Transportation, one of the largest trucking companies in the US, has a program to help felons get back on their feet.
Some companies, like Prime Inc, have a dedicated team to work with felons and help them get hired.
Companies like Prime Inc and Swift Transportation often require a background check, but they consider each case individually.
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Trucking Companies That Hire Felons
If you're a felon looking to become a truck driver, there are several companies that may consider hiring you. Bear Trucking, for example, will review felonies older than five years and require two years of Class A driving experience.
In Texas, many trucking companies have relaxed their hiring policies due to the driver shortage and will consider those with a felony conviction. Each company may have different requirements or stipulations.
Companies like Carolina Cargo and Dart America Trucking in California are also open to hiring felons, including those with drug-related offenses after a certain number of years have passed since their conviction. However, specific endorsements like a HazMat endorsement may be off-limits depending on the nature of your felony.

CR England, one of the largest refrigerated transportation companies in the world, does hire convicted felons on a case-by-case basis. The company evaluates each applicant's criminal history considering the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's conduct since the conviction.
Knight Transportation offers a second-chance employment program for individuals with a felony background, evaluating each applicant on a case-by-case basis. They consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's overall qualifications.
Swift Transportation accepts drivers who have committed felonies ten years ago or more and provides proper training. They also treat their drivers with respect and offer equal opportunities like other truck drivers in the company.
UPS considers hiring qualified drivers with a criminal background, but employment opportunities may vary depending on the location and specific circumstances. It's essential to be honest about your past, demonstrate your commitment to personal growth, and emphasize your skills and qualifications when applying.
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Trucking Companies That Hire Felons
Swift Transportation is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States that considers hiring individuals with a criminal background. They often consider applications for those whose felonies have aged a bit, but may not hire felons immediately upon release.
Swift Transportation has a motto of "Can Do Spirit" and provides proper training to its drivers, treating them with respect and offering equal opportunities. They accept drivers who have committed felonies ten years ago or more.
C.R. England is another trucking company that's open to hiring felons, providing training programs and a supportive environment for those looking to build a career in trucking. Contacting C.R. England directly is essential for information on their specific policies and hiring requirements.
Knight Transportation offers a second-chance employment program for individuals with a felony background, evaluating each applicant on a case-by-case basis. They consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's overall qualifications.
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UPS is a well-known company in the trucking industry that considers hiring qualified drivers with a criminal background, although employment opportunities may vary depending on the location and specific circumstances. Applying and speaking with a UPS representative about your individual situation is essential to determine your eligibility.
Cardinal Logistics is recognized for its willingness to provide opportunities for drivers with a criminal background, although each applicant's case is reviewed individually. Gathering information on their hiring process and requirements is crucial to assess your eligibility for a position at the company.
CR England evaluates each applicant's criminal history on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's conduct since the conviction.
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Can a Felon Be a Truck Driver?
Can a felon be a truck driver? The answer is yes, in some cases. Many trucking companies have relaxed their hiring policies due to the driver shortage and will consider those with a felony conviction.
Some companies, like Bear Trucking, will review felonies that are older than five years and require two years of Class A driving experience. This means that if you have a felony that's been cleared from your record, you may still be eligible to drive a truck.
In Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety conducts a thorough background check and evaluates each applicant individually. This means that every case is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether a felon can be a truck driver.
Companies like Swift Transportation are known for providing employment opportunities for individuals with a criminal background. They may not hire felons immediately upon release, but they often consider applications for those whose felonies have aged a bit.
In California, several trucking companies, including Carolina Cargo and Dart America Trucking, may consider hiring felons based on their conviction history and experience. However, specific endorsements, like a HazMat endorsement, may be off-limits depending on the nature of your felony.
Commercial Motor Vehicle
Commercial Motor Vehicles are a crucial part of the trucking industry, and understanding what they are can help you navigate the hiring process for trucking companies that hire felons.
A Commercial Motor Vehicle, or CMV, is a vehicle used as part of a business, involved in interstate commerce, and meets certain weight or passenger requirements.
Weighing 10,001 pounds or more is one way to define a CMV, which also includes vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more.
A CMV can also be a vehicle designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, not for compensation.
On the other hand, a CMV can also be a vehicle designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers for compensation.
Some CMVs are also used to transport hazardous materials, requiring placards to indicate the type and quantity of the materials being transported.
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Here are the key characteristics of a CMV:
Obtaining a CDL
You can obtain a CDL, even as a felon, by attending a driving school that offers CDL training.
First, search for approved driving schools in your area, but be aware that some schools may have policies against accepting individuals with felony records.
Certain convictions, such as drug-related offenses, may require a specific waiting period before you can enroll in a driving school.
You'll need to review the school's admission requirements and reach out to them with any questions about your eligibility.
In Tennessee, the state's Department of Safety and Homeland Security evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature and severity of the felony conviction, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's conduct.
While certain felony convictions may disqualify individuals from obtaining a CDL, there are opportunities for felons to pursue a career in trucking in Tennessee.
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Background Checks and Convictions
Driving convictions can have an impact on your trucking career, but they don't necessarily disqualify you from being a truck driver.
Some trucking companies may be open to hiring you despite past issues, so it's essential to be transparent about your driving record, as companies will likely run background checks.
The severity of your conviction and how long ago it occurred will affect your chances of finding a job with a trucking company.
CR England, one of the largest refrigerated transportation companies in the world, does hire convicted felons, but they evaluate each applicant's criminal history on a case-by-case basis.
The company considers factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's conduct since the conviction.
Second Chance Employment
Many trucking companies are open to hiring individuals with felony convictions, but it's essential to be transparent about your driving record. Companies will likely run background checks, so it's best to disclose any past issues.
Driving convictions, such as DUI, DWI, or OWI, can impact your trucking career, but they don't necessarily disqualify you from being a truck driver. The severity of your conviction and how long ago it occurred will play a significant role in determining your chances of finding a job.
In Texas, many trucking companies have relaxed their hiring policies due to the driver shortage and will consider those with a felony conviction. Bear Trucking, for example, will review felonies that are older than five years and require two years of Class A driving experience.
Rebuilding Lives with Employment
Second chance companies play a crucial role in empowering formerly incarcerated individuals and helping them rebuild their lives. By providing employment opportunities, rebuilding trust, and offering a sense of purpose, these companies make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Many of these companies have embraced the Fair Chance Business Pledge, initiated by the Obama White House in 2015, which encourages businesses to evaluate qualifications rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
Second chance companies span various sectors, including agriculture, retail, entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and more, demonstrating inclusivity regardless of a person's criminal record.
Trucking companies may be open to hiring individuals with past issues, such as driving convictions, as long as they are transparent about their record and meet certain requirements.
In Texas and California, several trucking companies are open to hiring felons based on their conviction history and experience, offering opportunities for individuals to pursue a career in trucking.
Companies like CR England, which hires convicted felons on a case-by-case basis, demonstrate that second chance employment is a viable option for those looking to rebuild their lives.
Tax Credit for Hiring
It's good to know there are tax credits available for employers who hire a felon for a job in their company.
Felons deserve a fair shake and a second chance.
This employer incentive program will give an employer that little boost that it may take to give deserving individuals a job.
CDL Disqualification and Hiring Policies
Certain felony convictions immediately disqualify you from CDL training, including driving under the influence, murder, smuggling, bribery, arson, treason, kidnapping, and assault (although this depends on many factors).
To give you a better idea, here are some specific crimes that disqualify you from CDL training: Driving under the influenceMurderSmuggling, bribery, arson, treason, kidnappingAssault (but depends on many factors)Driving a truck without proper licensingReckless driving
In California, the rules are even stricter. Felony convictions that disqualify individuals from obtaining a CDL in California include offenses such as driving under the influence, hit and run resulting in injury or death, fleeing the scene of an accident, and any felony involving the use of a commercial motor vehicle.
CR England, one of the largest refrigerated transportation companies in the world, does hire convicted felons, but they evaluate each applicant's criminal history on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the applicant's conduct since the conviction.
Employment and Training Options
Rebuilding Lives Through Employment is a crucial aspect of second chance companies. These companies play a vital role in empowering formerly incarcerated individuals and helping them rebuild their lives.
By providing employment opportunities, second chance companies make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities. This is achieved through offering a sense of purpose and rebuilding trust.
Second chance companies empower formerly incarcerated individuals by providing them with a second chance at a better life. This is a positive impact that can be seen in individuals, families, and communities.
Employment opportunities are key to rebuilding lives. By providing a job, second chance companies help individuals to become self-sufficient and independent.
Rebuilding trust is a crucial part of the process. This is achieved through consistent and reliable employment, which helps to rebuild relationships and a sense of community.
A sense of purpose is essential for individuals to move forward with their lives. Second chance companies provide this sense of purpose through employment opportunities and a supportive work environment.
By providing employment opportunities, second chance companies make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities. This is a testament to the power of second chances and the importance of rehabilitation.
Industry and Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and it's essential to understand these rules if you're a felon looking to get behind the wheel. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific restrictions in place.
Felons can still obtain a CDL, but individual trucking companies' hiring policies can impact your ability to use it. Your parole terms can also affect your opportunities in the industry.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that drivers with certain felony convictions cannot transport hazardous materials under specific circumstances.
DOT Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) plays a significant role in regulating the trucking industry.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that drivers with certain felony convictions cannot transport hazardous materials under specific circumstances. This means that even with a CDL, felons may face restrictions in their work.
Your parole terms can also impact your ability to use your CDL as a felon. This is something to consider when looking for a job in the industry.
The FMCSA's regulations can be quite strict, but they don't strictly prohibit felons from obtaining a CDL or working in the industry.
Industry Potential

The trucking industry has a high demand for qualified drivers, making it an attractive option for felons looking for employment.
Many trucking companies offer felons a second chance, recognizing that past mistakes should not define a person's future. This shift in hiring policies is largely driven by the ongoing driver shortage.
The trucking industry provides ample job opportunities, with a high demand for qualified drivers. This demand ensures that felons are more likely to find employment than industries with more stringent background checks.
Trucking jobs offer competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. With experience and a clean driving record, felons can earn a respectable income to support themselves and their families.
The flexible work schedules in the trucking industry allow felons to work around their commitments and focus on their rehabilitation. This flexibility can be a game-changer for those trying to turn their lives around.
Sources
- https://www.truckingtruth.com/wiki/topic-52/trucking-companies-that-hire-drivers-with-felonies
- https://trisontarps.com/blog/trucking-companies-that-hire-felons/
- https://georeentryconnect.com/blog/second-chance-trucking/
- https://www.smart-trucking.com/trucking-companies-that-hire-convicted-felons/
- https://www.thehumancapitalhub.com/articles/trucking-companies-that-hire-felons
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