Does Covenant Logistics do background checks?

Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Covenant runs a criminal background check, a motor vehicle record review, and an FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query on drivers.

Does Covenant Logistics drug test?

Yes. Covenant uses a DOT urine drug test (not hair follicle) at orientation, with no retake if you fail, plus random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing after hire.

Does Covenant hire new CDL drivers?

Yes. Covenant hires recent CDL graduates and is frequently cited by reentry organizations as a realistic first driving job for people rebuilding after incarceration.

Does Covenant Logistics Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Yes

Covenant is one of the trucking companies most openly associated with second-chance hiring, with a published time-based policy: felonies older than 5 years are reviewed, while convictions within the last 5 years are generally disqualifying.

Covenant Logistics (formerly Covenant Transport) is widely recognized as a second-chance trucking employer and does hire people with felony records. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Covenant Logistics Group operates over 3,000 trucks and 7,000 trailers across truckload, dedicated, and managed-freight brands. Its published driver requirements use a time-based standard: felony convictions within the last 5 years are generally disqualifying, but all felonies older than 5 years are reviewed by safety, and misdemeanors within 5 years are also reviewed. Certain debt-related offenses (bad checks, child support) and some non-violent domestic matters may have exceptions; active parole or an open warrant triggers further review. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Covenant runs a criminal background check, motor vehicle record review, FMCSA Clearinghouse query, and a pre-employment urine drug test (not hair follicle) during orientation. Covenant welcomes new CDL grads and is frequently cited by reentry organizations as a starting point for drivers rebuilding after incarceration.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
CDL-A OTR Solo Driver	Yes — felonies 5+ years reviewed	Yes — DOT criminal check, MVR, Clearinghouse query	Core role. Felonies within 5 years generally disqualifying; older ones reviewed.
CDL-A Team Driver	Yes — case-by-case	Yes — full DOT background check	Higher-mileage team freight. Same time-based conviction standards apply.
Student / Recent CDL Grad Driver	Yes — case-by-case	Yes — DOT criminal check + MVR	Entry point for new drivers. Common on-ramp for people rebuilding.
Diesel Technician / Shop	More accessible	Yes — standard criminal check	Non-driving maintenance roles. Fewer DOT driving restrictions.
Warehouse / Logistics / Office (Chattanooga)	More accessible	Yes — standard criminal check	Support and managed-freight roles. Individualized review of the record.

Covenant Logistics Hiring Practices

Covenant Logistics Group, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, runs more than 3,000 trucks across truckload, dedicated, and managed-freight operations and is one of the trucking companies most openly associated with second-chance hiring. Its driver requirements use a clear time-based standard: felony convictions within the last 5 years are generally disqualifying, but all felonies older than 5 years are reviewed by the safety department, as are misdemeanors within the last 5 years. Some debt-related offenses (bad checks, child support) and certain non-violent domestic matters may qualify for exceptions, while active parole or an open warrant prompts further investigation. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Covenant still runs a full criminal background check, motor vehicle record review, and FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, plus a pre-employment urine drug test during orientation. Reentry programs frequently point drivers to Covenant as a realistic starting point.

Tips for Getting Hired at Covenant

Apply at covenantlogistics.com/employment or drive4covenant.com. Covenant's time-based policy means timing is everything: if your felony is more than 5 years old, you clear the first screen and move to an individualized review, so lead with that. Be completely honest about your record — Covenant will run the background check and FMCSA Clearinghouse, and non-disclosure is a faster disqualifier than the conviction itself. The pre-employment drug test happens during orientation and there is no second chance if you fail it, so do not report until you are certain you will pass. New to trucking? Covenant hires recent CDL grads and offers a genuine entry point. If a recent felony blocks driving roles, ask about diesel technician, warehouse, and office jobs in Chattanooga, which face fewer DOT restrictions.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at covenantlogistics.com/employment or drive4covenant.com.
2.Timing is key: felonies older than 5 years clear the first screen and get an individualized review — lead with that.
3.Be fully honest about your record; Covenant runs the DOT background check and FMCSA Clearinghouse.
4.The pre-employment drug test happens at orientation with no retake if you fail — only report when you are certain you'll pass.
5.New to trucking? Covenant hires recent CDL grads and is a realistic entry point for people rebuilding.
6.If a recent felony blocks driving roles, ask about diesel technician, warehouse, and office jobs in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Covenant Logistics hire felons?: Yes. Covenant is widely recognized as a second-chance trucking employer. Felonies older than 5 years are reviewed by safety, while convictions within the last 5 years are generally disqualifying.
Does Covenant Logistics do background checks?: Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Covenant runs a criminal background check, a motor vehicle record review, and an FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query on drivers.
Does Covenant Logistics drug test?: Yes. Covenant uses a DOT urine drug test (not hair follicle) at orientation, with no retake if you fail, plus random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing after hire.
How old does a felony need to be for Covenant to consider me?: Covenant's published standard reviews felonies older than 5 years, while convictions within the last 5 years are generally disqualifying. Some debt-related and non-violent domestic offenses may have exceptions.
Does Covenant hire new CDL drivers?: Yes. Covenant hires recent CDL graduates and is frequently cited by reentry organizations as a realistic first driving job for people rebuilding after incarceration.

Take Action — Direct Links

Covenant Logistics Careers
Driving and non-driving openings across Covenant's brands.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Federal database CDL carriers query before hiring — know your record.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).