6 Trucking Companies That Hire Felons
Trucking is widely considered one of the best career paths for people with criminal records. The industry faces a chronic driver shortage — the American Trucking Associations estimates a shortage of over 80,000 drivers — which means companies are more willing to work with applicants who have backgrounds. With a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) and a clean driving record, a felony conviction does not have to prevent you from building a solid career earning $50,000 to $80,000 or more per year.
The key factor in trucking is not whether you have a felony, but what kind of felony and how long ago it occurred. Most trucking companies use waiting periods rather than blanket bans. For non-violent, non-drug felonies, the typical waiting period is 1-3 years from the date of conviction or release. Drug felonies and DUIs typically require 3-5 years. Sex offenses and violent crimes are the most difficult but not universally disqualifying — some carriers will consider them after 7-10 years.
The DOT (Department of Transportation) sets federal regulations that all trucking companies must follow. These include mandatory drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion), a 10-year driving history review, and a physical exam. The DOT does not automatically disqualify felons, but individual companies set their own standards on top of DOT requirements. Companies like CRST International and Swift Transportation have built reputations as more felon-friendly carriers, while others like Schneider and Werner also consider applicants with records after appropriate waiting periods.
One of the biggest advantages of the trucking industry is that many companies offer paid CDL training programs. These programs typically last 3-4 weeks and cover the cost of your CDL in exchange for a commitment to drive for the company for a set period (usually 6-12 months). For people with records who may not have the $3,000-$7,000 to pay for CDL school out of pocket, employer-sponsored training is a game-changer. CRST, Swift, and Werner all offer programs that accept people with certain felony records.
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All 6 Trucking Companies
J.B. Hunt considers applicants with records after waiting periods. CDL training programs available.
Swift is known in the second-chance community as more felon-friendly than most trucking companies.
Werner hires some felons for OTR driving after waiting periods. Provides CDL training.
CRST is known as one of the most felon-friendly trucking companies. Offers paid CDL training.
Schneider considers felons case-by-case. Offers CDL training and team driving options.
Old Dominion is an LTL carrier with dock worker and driver roles. Background check required.
Tips for Getting Into Trucking With a Record
- 1.Get your CDL (Commercial Driver's License) first. Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs specifically designed for new drivers, and some — like CRST and Werner — are more willing to accept people with records into these programs.
- 2.DUI and drug-related driving offenses are the biggest barriers in trucking. The DOT (Department of Transportation) requires drug and alcohol testing, and a DUI within the past 3-5 years will disqualify you from most companies. Longer waiting periods improve your chances significantly.
- 3.Start with OTR (Over-the-Road) long-haul positions. These are harder to fill and companies are more flexible about backgrounds. Once you build experience and a clean driving record, you can transition to higher-paying local or regional routes.
- 4.Be upfront about your record during the application process. Trucking companies will find everything during the DOT background check anyway, and dishonesty is an automatic disqualification. Honesty combined with evidence of rehabilitation goes a long way.
- 5.Consider team driving as your first position. Many companies pair new drivers with experienced ones, and team driving positions are in constant demand. CRST, for example, is well-known for team driving opportunities for people with records.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon get a CDL and drive a truck?
- Yes, in most states a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from getting a CDL. The CDL is issued by your state's DMV, and most states do not have blanket felony restrictions. However, certain convictions — particularly those involving a commercial vehicle, drug trafficking using a vehicle, or driving under the influence — can result in CDL disqualification. The DOT (Department of Transportation) requires a clean driving record and drug/alcohol testing, but a past felony conviction alone does not prevent you from obtaining a CDL.
- What trucking companies hire felons?
- Several major trucking companies are known to hire people with felony records, including CRST International (one of the most felon-friendly), Swift Transportation, Werner Enterprises, Schneider, J.B. Hunt (after waiting periods), and Old Dominion Freight Line. CRST is particularly well-known for accepting felons into their paid CDL training program. Most companies evaluate records on a case-by-case basis, with waiting periods of 1-5 years depending on the offense type.
- Can I be a truck driver with a DUI on my record?
- A DUI is one of the most significant disqualifiers in trucking, but it does not permanently prevent you from driving. Most trucking companies require a waiting period of 3-5 years from the date of a DUI conviction. A single DUI that is more than 5 years old is generally not disqualifying at most companies. Multiple DUIs are much harder to overcome. Under DOT regulations, a DUI while operating a commercial vehicle results in a 1-year CDL disqualification for the first offense and a lifetime disqualification for the second.
- Do trucking companies offer CDL training for felons?
- Yes, several trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs that accept people with felony records. CRST International is the most well-known, offering a paid training program where you earn your CDL and then work as a team driver to pay off the training costs. Swift Transportation and Werner Enterprises also offer CDL training programs with varying acceptance criteria for people with records. These programs typically take 3-4 weeks and are a great way to enter the industry without paying thousands of dollars upfront.
- How much can a felon earn as a truck driver?
- Truck drivers with a CDL earn a median salary of around $50,000-$60,000 per year, with experienced OTR drivers earning $70,000-$80,000 or more. Specialized hauling (hazmat, tanker, oversized loads) pays even more, though some specialty endorsements may be harder to obtain with a felony record. Owner-operators can earn $100,000+ but have higher expenses. Trucking is one of the highest-paying careers accessible to people with records, especially given that many companies offer entry through paid CDL training programs.