Are There Truck Driving Jobs for Ex Felons?
TDI | January 28, 2020 |

If you or a loved one has a criminal record, you may be wondering, “Are there truck driving jobs for ex felons?” The answer is yes, there are truck driving jobs for ex felons, if you get your commercial driver’s license and choose the right company. 

Are There Truck Driving Jobs for Ex Felons?

Some companies refuse, or are at least reluctant, to hire people with any criminal record. Other companies might be concerned about your lack of professional experience or professional recommendations. 

Here at TDI, we believe that having a criminal record should not automatically prevent you from finding a career you love with a great salary and meaningful work. That is why we are happy to report that there are truck driving jobs for ex felons out there. Having a criminal record does not immediately exclude you from earning your commercial drivers license (CDL) or from getting a truck driving job. 

However, if you are a former convict, there are some restrictions both in terms of earning your CDL and in terms of getting a job. 

Can Ex Felons Get a CDL?

To become a truck driver, the first step for anyone is to get their CDL. Many ex felons can, and have, received their CDL thanks to TDI. But if you or someone you know has a criminal record, there are some felonies that make you ineligible to receive a CDL.

Some types of criminal offenses prohibit you at the federal level from earning your CDL. Most of these are in relation to your past experiences handling vehicles. 

The following vehicle-related crimes prohibit you receiving your CDL at the federal level: 

  • Causing a fatal accident, whether of another driver or a pedestrian, through reckless or negligent vehicle operation
  • Manslaughter in the first or second degree with a motor vehicle
  • Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony
  • Misconduct with a motor vehicle

There are also some felonies unrelated to vehicles that will prohibit you at the federal level from receiving your CDL. These felonies are:

  • Extortion
  • Arson
  • Kidnapping
  • Assault with intent to murder
  • Treason
  • Bribery

States also have their own restrictions on what kinds of felon records might make you ineligible to receive your CDL. In Florida, for instance, you are generally unable to receive your CDL if you have fled the scene of a vehicle accident. Be sure to read up on your state’s restrictions when it comes to earning your CDL.

If you have not been convicted of any of the above felonies, and you meet your particular state’s requirements, then you are all set to earn your CDL and start looking at truck driving jobs. 

Can I Get A CDL With A Traffic Violation? 

We’ve established that, depending on the particular felonies, you can still get your CDL if you are an ex-felon. But what about traffic violations such as speeding, not using a turn signal, forgetting to wear a seatbelt, or running a red light? Would these disqualify you from earning your CDL?

Just like with the types of felonies that might prohibit you from receiving your CDL, the laws regarding traffic violations that might stop you from getting a CDL are set state-by-state, so you will need to research your particular state’s laws for further details.

Generally speaking, one traffic violation does not prevent you from earning your CDL, but two or more will. Understandably, both the federal and state governments only want people to become truck drivers if they have good driving records in order to try and make sure that truckers, commuters, and pedestrians alike all stay safe on the roads. 

What about DUIs? At the federal level, if you have received one DUI, you will need to wait one year before obtaining your CDL. You will need to check the laws of your particular state, as well as the hiring regulations of the particular trucking company you want to work for, for further details. 

In general, one DUI will not prevent you from receiving a CDL or being hired by a trucking company, although most truck driving companies prefer that your DUI happened at least five years ago. 

What Kinds of Truck Driving Jobs for Ex Felons Are There?

If you are an ex-convict with a good driving record, and you have not been convicted for any of the prohibited felonies, then you are all set to go out there and get your CDL.

But what kinds of truck driving jobs will await you once you’ve gotten your license? Will your job opportunities be limited by your record as an ex-felon even if you have a CDL?

There are luckily lots of truck driving companies out there willing to hire ex-felons. We have listed just some of these companies below.

Companies that have hired felons with convictions 10 or more years old:

Companies that have hired felons with convictions which are 7 or more years old:

Companies that have hired felons 5 or more years after release from prison:

Companies that have hired felons on a case by case basis:

Let TDI Help You Start Your Career

We know that, when you are an ex-felon, finding a job can be super tough.  And finding a job that you enjoy with stability and great pay can seem like just a pipe dream. 

But that doesn’t have to be true. 

Truck driving jobs for ex-felons are out there, allowing you to have a gig with great benefits, job security, and the freedom of the open road. 

Ready to start training to become a truck driver? Contact us by phone or email today. With our help, you’ll be ready to apply for truck driving jobs in no time. 


Get Started

Get your Class A CDL in our friendly, supportive CDL training program. TRAIN with experienced instructors – multiple good-paying, secure job choices with benefits available for eligible graduates. EARN $700 – $1000+ / week to start as a truck driver. Get started today by filling out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!