Question for the Pro's...

[JOS]

I am considering a career change into the truck driving industry and have a serious concern/question. I have done alot of research, both online and offline, about trucking and feel that I have a good understanding of what I'm getting into.

Quick background: 40 yrs old, retired Marine, great driving record (except for one little glitch)

I had a DWI in 1983. That was my LAST ticket of any kind! I have read here and on other boards that some companies won't even hire you if you've EVER had a DWI/DUI. I am concerned that if I get into this line of work that I may have some difficulty finding a job with a good carrier because of a mistake I made 21 years ago. I am very gunshy to spend the money to attend a good truck driving school only to find that 5 out of 10 (or worse) companies won't have any to do with me because I zero experience and a DWI 21 years ago!!!

I know there are companies that will hire you if you have a pulse! I want to avoid these companies and hire on with a quality carrier!

Any advice?

[truckertom]

It is going to show up, and the best way to handle it is to come out right from the top and let them know. It will be worse if you cross your fingers and hope.

I know of many that would hire you with your ancient DWI, being a retired serviceman does carry some clout. No one gets the suprime driving job right out of the box.

[JOS]

truckertom, thanks for the reply. I fully understand that I will have do my time "in the trenches" before I can find a supreme job/carrier. I was just a little leary that I may have to stay in the trenches because of a mistake a long time ago...

[truckertom]

It was such a long time ago, I'm sure most would appreciate your service record more than hold your past against you. Nobody's perfect, I have done alot of things that are taboo in todays trucking. There was a time when you got your "road dope" from your dispatcher! Now drivers have to submit to random drug screens to make sure they are clean.

Turcking is a career that is always evolving and what it will become in the future is dependant on what we do today. I am sure you would make a great addition to the trucking industry.

[Pikeminnow]

This time of year things slow down at my regular job and I usually start looking for a part-time gig to fill the gaps (hasn't happened yet this year, knock on wood). Most of the outfits I've talked to say no DWI (DUII) in the last five years.
I know there's a few (very few) that have "zero tolerance" but I wouldn't sweat it unless there's more to the story, like a felony DUII. That would be a serious problem for most carriers.
Truckertom is right- your first job will most likely suck anyway. Mine did in all but one aspect- it got me the experience I needed to move on to a better one.