A Guide to Trucking Companies That Hire Convicted Felons

There are some U.S. trucking companies that hire convicted felons.

If you are a truck driver and have been convicted of a felony in the U.S., you may have been worried you’ll have trouble getting hired for a truck driving job.

Well, I won’t lie.

Yes, it will be tough sledding for you. No doubt.

But, one of the best tips I can give you is to be honest with the employer.

Will Trucking Companies Hire Felons?

In the past, this was the case. Big trucking companies and small companies were reluctant to hire anyone with a felony charge.

But carriers in recent years, due to the driver shortage have relaxed their rules on hiring felons for truck driving jobs.

Each carrier has their own set of rules. Some will hire felons fresh upon release, after a review.

While other carriers stipulate hiring can only occur 5, 7 or 10 years after release.

According to our research and investigation, here is a list of trucking companies that may hire felons.

What Felonies Disqualify You From Getting a CDL?

Some crimes immediately disqualify you from CDL training.

Cannot take CDL training while your driver’s license is under suspension (eg. driving under the influence)
If there is a warrant out for your arrest in any state. It’s considered a serious felony and immediately disqualifies you
Driving under the influence
Murder
Smuggling, bribery, arson, treason, kidnapping
Assault (but depends on many factors)
Driving a truck without proper licensing
Reckless driving

Chances of getting a commercial driver’s license are better if the offence was not related to driving a commercial vehicle.

In most cases, you can get a CDL in your home state. The challenge can be getting a job after completing your truck driving training.

No Guarantees For Hire

Be aware that no trucking company hires any employee, felon or not, before going through an interview process, in which potential employees are vetted.

None of these carriers guarantee a truck driving job for anyone.

However, the above companies at the time of publication, have expressed that they would ‘consider’ hiring a qualified CDL truck driver.

Trucking Companies That Hire Recent Felons

Roadtex Transportation, Somerset, New Jersey
Paschall Truck Lines, Murray, Kentucky
Britton Transport – Grad Forks, North Dakota
Carolina Cargo – Rock Hill, South Dakota
Covenant Transport – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Freymiller Inc. – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Hirshcbach Motor Lines – Dubuque, Iowa
J&R Schugel Inc – New Ulm, Minnesota
Maverick Transportation – Little Rock, Arkansas
Millis Transfer – Black River Fall, Wisconsin
Navajo Express – North Washington Co.
Prime – Springfield, Missouri
Schneider National – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Tyson Foods – Springdale, Arkansas
U.S. Xpress – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Werner Enterprises – Omaha, Nebraska

Trucking Companies That Hire Felons – 5 Years After Release

Barr-Nunn Transportation – Granger, Iowa
Groendyke Transport – Enid, Oklahoma
Melton Truck Lines – Catoosa, Oklahoma
P.G.T. Trucking – Aliquippa, PA
Roehl Transport – Marshfield, Wisconsin
Stevens Transport – Dallas, TX
Tango Transport – Shreveport, Louisiana

Trucking Companies That Hire Felons – 10 Years After Release

Crete Carriers – Lincoln, Nebraska
C.R. England Inc., – Salt Lake City, Utah

Dick Laven Trucking – Bradford, Ohio
J.B. Hunt – Lowell, Arkansas
Swift Transportation – Phoenix, Arizona

CDL Grants For Felons

There is a government grant program available geared to job training for felons.

Check here for details and program eligibility.

Tax Credit For Hiring a Felon

It’s good to know there are tax credits available for employers who hire a felon for a job in their company.

I believe 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.

Learn more about the Hiring a Felon Tax Credit.

F.A.Q.

If I have a criminal history, is it worth it to get my CDL?

Depending on the charge. Certain crimes will not allow you to hold a CDL. Be sure to check into the details before wasting your time applying to truck driving schools and programs.

What happens if I don’t tell the CDL training school about my criminal record?

First of all, they can easily find out if you have a criminal record. Secondly, if they don’t find out right away, they will eventually and then because you have lied you won’t be able to continue in a truck driving training program. Be honest. You’ll get a lot better results if you do.

Can I get a CDL with a drug charge?

This can depend on if you were actually driving while you got the drug charge and other factors.

Can felons hold a CDL?

Yes, felons can hold a CDL. But in order to get truck driver training and be allowed to hold a CDL, it heavily depends on exactly what the crime was and how long ago the crime took place.