Does CRST International Hire Felons?

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Why CRST Is the Go-To Trucking Company for People with Records

CRST International, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has earned its reputation as one of the most felon-friendly trucking companies through years of practical hiring decisions. The company's business model is built around training new drivers and pairing them as team drivers, which means CRST needs a constant flow of new recruits. Rather than competing with higher-paying carriers for experienced drivers with clean records, CRST has positioned itself as the company that gives people their start in trucking — including people with criminal records, gaps in employment, or other barriers. This is not just anecdotal: trucking forums, reentry organizations, and CDL training guides consistently recommend CRST as one of the first companies to try if you have a felony. CRST's willingness to hire people with records is a deliberate business strategy that serves both the company's staffing needs and the second-chance community. That said, CRST still has standards — DOT regulations must be met, and certain offenses (especially recent ones involving violence, drugs in a CMV, or sex offenses) can still disqualify applicants.

CRST's Paid CDL Training: Your Path into Trucking

CRST offers one of the most accessible paid CDL training programs in the trucking industry, and this is arguably their most important offering for people with criminal records who want to build a career. The CRST CDL training program covers the cost of CDL-A training in exchange for a commitment to drive for CRST for a contract period (typically 10-12 months). During training, students receive a stipend for meals and incidentals. The program includes classroom instruction, range practice, and road training. What makes CRST's program stand out for people with records is that their preliminary background screening is notably more lenient than programs run by Swift, Werner, or Schneider. CRST will consider applicants with non-violent felony convictions as recent as 1-3 years old, DUI convictions as recent as 2-3 years old (in a personal vehicle), and some property and drug possession felonies that other programs would automatically reject. Graduates are paired with an experienced team driver and begin earning immediately. The team driving model means you are never alone on the road, which some people find helpful as a transition back into structured work.

DOT Regulations and CRST's Company Standards

Even though CRST is one of the most flexible carriers for people with records, they must still comply with all federal DOT regulations. Under FMCSA rules, lifetime CDL disqualification applies to anyone who uses a commercial vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances. A one-year disqualification applies for DUI in a commercial vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident in a CMV, or causing a fatality through negligent CMV operation (three years if carrying hazmat). Beyond these federal minimums, CRST's company standards are notably lenient. For non-violent felonies unrelated to driving, CRST may accept convictions as recent as 1 year old in some cases, though 3 years is a more common practical threshold. DUI in a personal vehicle typically requires a 2-3 year waiting period. Theft and property crimes are generally acceptable after 1-3 years. Drug possession felonies (not trafficking) are often accepted after 1-3 years. Violent felonies require longer waiting periods, typically 5-7 years, depending on the severity. Sex offenses and drug trafficking are the most difficult to overcome at any carrier, including CRST.

Team Driving at CRST: What to Expect

CRST is primarily a team driving operation, and understanding team driving is important before you commit. Team driving means two drivers share a truck and take turns driving. While one drives, the other sleeps in the sleeper berth. The truck stays moving nearly 24 hours a day, covering more miles than a solo driver. For team drivers, this means higher earning potential (more miles means more pay), less home time than solo or regional positions (you may be out for 2-4 weeks at a time), shared living space in the truck cab with your driving partner, and a need for compatibility with your partner's schedule and habits. CRST pairs new graduates with experienced drivers, and they also recruit teams (pairs who want to drive together). If you have a friend or family member who also wants to get into trucking, applying as a pre-formed team can be an advantage. Some people with criminal records find the team model beneficial because it provides structure, accountability, and a built-in support system during the transition back to full-time work.

Background Check Process at CRST

CRST's background check for driving positions is DOT-compliant and includes criminal history search (typically 7 years), MVR review from all states where you have held a license, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, pre-employment DOT drug test, previous employer verification for the past 3 years, and verification of CDL status. For CDL training applicants, a preliminary screening is conducted before acceptance into the program. This screening is less comprehensive than the full post-training background check but covers the major disqualifiers. For non-driving positions, CRST conducts a standard criminal history check. CRST follows FCRA requirements and provides pre-adverse action notices when required. The company's practical approach means that even if something comes up in the background check, a recruiter may work with you to determine whether an exception can be made based on the full context of your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CRST hire felons?

Yes. CRST is widely recognized as one of the most felon-friendly trucking companies in the industry. They hire people with non-violent felony convictions as recent as 1-3 years old for CDL driving positions. Even some violent felonies may be considered after sufficient time has passed. CRST also hires for non-driving positions with even more relaxed background standards.

Does CRST do background checks?

Yes. CRST conducts DOT-compliant background checks for all driving positions including criminal history, MVR review, FMCSA Clearinghouse query, drug testing, and previous employer verification. However, CRST's interpretation of background check results is more lenient than most major carriers.

Can I get my CDL through CRST with a felony?

Yes, in many cases. CRST's paid CDL training program is one of the most accessible for people with criminal records. They pre-screen applicants but have lower disqualification thresholds than most carrier-sponsored training programs. Call CRST recruiting to discuss your specific record before applying.

Does CRST drug test?

Yes. All CDL positions at CRST are subject to mandatory DOT drug testing including pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and reasonable suspicion testing. CRST also checks the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. There are no exceptions to DOT drug testing requirements.

How much do CRST drivers make?

CRST team driver pay has improved in recent years. New drivers and recent training graduates typically earn $50,000-$65,000 per year in team driving. With experience and higher mileage, team drivers can earn $65,000-$80,000+. Pay is split between team partners based on total miles driven. Solo and dedicated positions may have different pay structures.

Is CRST the easiest trucking company for felons to get hired at?

CRST is consistently rated as one of the easiest major trucking companies for people with felony records to get hired. Their business model is built around training new drivers, and they actively recruit from populations that other carriers overlook. However, they still must comply with DOT regulations, so certain offenses (drug trafficking in a CMV, very recent violent felonies, sex offenses) can still disqualify applicants.