Does Averitt Express Hire Felons?
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Averitt considers applicants individually but its guidance generally looks for no felony conviction in the past 7 years. Older records and non-driving dock roles offer the best path in.
Averitt Express hires people with records on a case-by-case basis, but its published guidance generally looks for no felony convictions in the past seven years and no misdemeanors in the past three. Averitt is a large, privately held transportation and logistics carrier headquartered in Cookeville, Tennessee, with service centers and distribution operations across the United States and roughly 8,000-plus associates. The company hires CDL-A truck drivers as well as non-driving dock associates, warehouse workers, and diesel mechanics, and it runs a Dock-to-Driver training program that lets you earn a CDL while working on the dock. Averitt considers the nature of an offense, how long ago it happened, and evidence of rehabilitation rather than rejecting every applicant with a record automatically. Older or non-violent convictions, and non-driving dock and warehouse positions, offer the most realistic path in. Driving roles carry additional DOT and hazmat background requirements.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dock Associate / Warehouse | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + drug screen | Loading and unloading freight. Entry role; also feeds the Dock-to-Driver program. |
| Dock-to-Driver Trainee | Case-by-case | Yes — includes DOT / MVR check | Paid dock work while earning a CDL-A. Subject to driving-record and DOT rules. |
| CDL-A Truck Driver | Case-by-case | Yes — DOT background, MVR, drug test | Generally no felony in the past 7 years; hazmat loads add a separate TSA screening. |
| Diesel Mechanic / Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + drug screen | Fleet maintenance. Certifications and experience weigh heavily. |
| Freight Handler / Forklift Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + drug screen | Moving freight in the service center. Non-driving entry point. |
Averitt Express Hiring Practices
Averitt conducts background checks on applicants as part of maintaining a safe workplace, and its published hiring guidance generally looks for no felony convictions within the past seven years and no misdemeanors within the past three. Importantly, the company describes this as a starting point rather than an automatic bar: Averitt says it weighs the nature of an offense, the time that has passed, and an applicant's efforts toward rehabilitation before deciding. That means an older or unrelated conviction does not necessarily end your candidacy. Driving positions carry the most requirements, because CDL roles are governed by federal DOT and FMCSA standards, motor-vehicle-record checks, and drug testing, and hazmat endorsements trigger a separate TSA background check that disqualifies certain recent felonies. Non-driving dock, warehouse, and mechanic jobs face fewer regulatory hurdles, so they are typically the most accessible entry points for people rebuilding after a conviction.
Tips for Getting Hired
Start with non-driving roles at averittjobs.com — dock associate, warehouse, and freight-handler positions have fewer regulatory barriers than driving jobs. If your goal is to drive, the Dock-to-Driver program lets you prove yourself on the dock while earning a CDL-A, which can strengthen a later driving application. Be honest about your record; Averitt reviews history individually, so being upfront and explaining what has changed works in your favor. If a felony is more than seven years old, say so clearly, since the age of a conviction matters to their assessment. Call 888-AVERITT to speak with a recruiter about your specific situation before assuming you are ineligible. Highlight steady work history, any certifications, and a clean recent record. For driving roles, keep your motor-vehicle record clean, and remember that hazmat endorsements require a separate federal background check.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Start with non-driving roles at averittjobs.com — dock, warehouse, and freight-handler jobs have fewer barriers.
- 2.Consider the Dock-to-Driver program to earn a CDL-A while working on the dock.
- 3.Call 888-AVERITT to ask a recruiter about your specific record before ruling yourself out.
- 4.Be upfront about your record and note that older convictions weigh less in their review.
- 5.For driving roles, keep your motor-vehicle record clean; hazmat needs a separate TSA check.
- 6.Highlight steady work history, certifications, and any prior logistics or mechanic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Averitt Express hire felons?
- Averitt hires people with records case by case. Its guidance generally looks for no felony in the past seven years, but it weighs the offense, time passed, and rehabilitation.
- Does Averitt Express do background checks?
- Yes. Averitt runs criminal background checks, and driving roles also include DOT motor-vehicle-record checks.
- Does Averitt Express drug test?
- Yes. Averitt requires drug testing, and CDL drivers are subject to federal DOT testing rules.
- What is the Dock-to-Driver program?
- It is a paid on-the-job program where you work as a dock associate while training to earn a CDL-A, typically in about four weeks.
- Can I drive for Averitt with a felony?
- Possibly, if the felony is old enough and not disqualifying under DOT rules; hazmat loads require a separate TSA background check that bars certain recent felonies.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Averitt Careers (Drivers)
CDL-A driver, dock associate, and diesel mechanic openings across Averitt.
- Averitt Jobs (Non-Drivers)
Dock, warehouse, and support positions across Averitt service centers.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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