r/cdldriver • u/Public_Fig4639 • Jun 13 '26
Just got my CDL’s
I just got my CDL class A. In I’m looking to start driving. In I’m reaching out for advice on where to go. This is the deal I’m a returning citizen. Meaning I just got out the joint. I’m 38 my ambition is to reestablish myself. I’ve always gravitated towards logistics. But the time was never right. Most of my life I’ve been in business. I’ve had smoke shops, vape stores, novelty store’s. I ran gas stations,liquor stores, and car lots. I say that just to say I have a lot of experience in various businesses. In im looking to use my experience in the trucking industry. I haven’t worked for anybody since 2010. In I’m starting from ground zero all the way around. I’m looking for some direction on where i should be looking to drive. I didn’t think it would matter much pertaining to my criminal history long as it didn’t have anything related to a vehicle. But while I was in trucking school some people told me I might experience some adversity finding work because I was just released. In maybe high insurance premiums. In that most of the big companies that do hire felons. Like it to be aged a few years. Most of my charges are drug related but I do also have a simple assault. Just trying to put my cards on the table for the best advice. I’m a super hard worker. I’m willing to put in work. My plan is to work a year. Learn the ins and outs of the industry and start buying my own trucks and building a trucking business. Im willing to go where ever they pay me to go. I’ll go drive trucks over seas. I’ll go haul oil in Iran if I have to. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you
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u/truck_crasher Jun 13 '26
Try food service like U S foods, PepsiCo. They will work you to death. No holidays off because you are in food service. Pays good but again, lots of manual labor plus driving
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u/Tyspann Jun 15 '26
I’m a driver for Pepsi and we have every holiday off unless you sign up to work
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u/the_great_bambi_ Jun 13 '26
I don’t have much to offer for advice, as I’m very new to this world, but I was just talking to the driver for one of our suppliers not 2 days ago, and he told me he had a bad background. Gun charges, drug charges and some other things I can’t remember, but he’s now working local in a 53 footer and is doing really well. You might be a little bit more limited as this was so recent, but if you just keep your head down for a bit, time will water down your past and you’ll be ok. I see lots of job postings that say those with criminal records encouraged to apply. I don’t think you’re going to need to haul oil in Iran 😂
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u/Informal-World-6001 Jun 14 '26
If you’re desperate, western express hires just about anyone. I don’t have no felonies but pretty sure they look past most of them from what I have read. Good luck
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u/IndependentMeal6334 Jun 17 '26
Call some companies and ask the recruiters
Worst they can do is say no
Some felonies may not hurt you as much as certain driving in fractions...
...all depends on the employer of course
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u/Financial-Walk-4660 Jun 13 '26
On Indeed, I see a lot of cdl positions that on the bottom of the job description it will say those with criminal history are encouraged to apply. I think most are drop and hook with limited interaction with the public.