Does Melton Truck Lines Hire Felons?
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Melton hires drivers with records case-by-case, but generally requires a felony to be several years old (commonly 5+ years) and screens out recent DUI/DWI and violent or theft convictions.
Melton Truck Lines does hire some people with felony records. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Melton is one of the largest over-the-road flatbed carriers in North America, running more than 1,000 trucks and employing over 1,400 drivers who haul freight across the 48 contiguous states. Melton describes its background checks as fairly standard and openly encourages applicants to call recruiting about anything in their history rather than hide it. Reports indicate a felony generally needs to be several years old — commonly cited as at least 5 years since conviction — and recent DUI, DWI, or B.A.C. offenses (within about 5 years) are disqualifying. Violent and theft-related convictions are the hardest to clear because of cargo value and safety. Melton hires both experienced drivers and entry-level students, offers tuition reimbursement, and runs a pre-hire evaluation in Tulsa before final hiring.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTR Flatbed Driver (Experienced) | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal, MVR, PSP, Clearinghouse | Requires valid CDL-A. Felony generally must be 5+ years old. |
| Entry-Level / Recent CDL Grad | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + MVR | For new CDL holders. Tuition reimbursement available. Older records reviewed individually. |
| Regional Driver (OK & TX) | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + MVR | More home time within the region. Same driver screening standards. |
| Diesel / Trailer Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Non-driving shop role at the Tulsa terminal. |
| Office / Support Staff | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Recruiting, dispatch, and administrative roles in Tulsa. |
Melton Truck Lines Hiring Practices
Melton Truck Lines is a large Tulsa-based flatbed carrier that hires drivers from across the lower 48 and does consider applicants with records. Melton calls its background check process fairly standard and — notably — tells applicants to call recruiting proactively about anything concerning in their history, treating honesty as a plus rather than an automatic red flag. The most commonly reported requirement is that a felony be several years old, often at least 5 years from the conviction date, with each case reviewed individually. Recent DUI, DWI, or high-B.A.C. offenses within roughly the last 5 years are disqualifying, and Melton limits recent moving violations. Violent and theft-related felonies are the toughest to clear given flatbed cargo value and DOT safety requirements. Both experienced drivers and recent CDL graduates are hired.
Tips for Getting Hired at Melton
Start at meltontruck.com or call Melton recruiting directly and raise your record before it surfaces in the background check — Melton explicitly invites this and rewards candor. Be ready to state the conviction, the date, and that the sentence is complete, with paperwork to back it up. If your felony is close to the multi-year threshold, ask the recruiter exactly when you become eligible so you can time your application. Keep your driving record clean, especially any DUI/DWI history, since alcohol-related offenses have their own separate cutoff. Recent CDL grads with older, non-violent records may find the entry-level path smoother than experienced-hire lanes. Have references, verifiable work history, and a valid DOT medical card ready, and be prepared for the pre-hire evaluation in Tulsa.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at meltontruck.com or call recruiting; raise your record proactively — Melton openly invites this.
- 2.Expect a felony to generally need to be 5+ years old; ask the recruiter exactly when you qualify.
- 3.Keep DUI/DWI history clean — alcohol offenses within ~5 years are separately disqualifying.
- 4.Bring proof the sentence is complete plus verifiable work history and references.
- 5.Recent CDL grads with older, non-violent records may find the entry-level path more open.
- 6.Have a valid DOT medical card ready and prepare for the pre-hire evaluation in Tulsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Melton Truck Lines hire felons?
- Yes, Melton hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. A felony generally needs to be several years old — commonly cited as at least 5 years since conviction.
- Does Melton Truck Lines do background checks?
- Yes. Melton runs criminal and motor vehicle background checks, and for drivers also pulls PSP and the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Recruiters encourage honesty upfront.
- Does Melton Truck Lines drug test?
- Yes. Melton drug tests at orientation, reportedly including both urine and hair follicle testing, and expects drivers to be drug-free. Random and post-accident testing apply throughout employment.
- How old does a felony have to be for Melton?
- There is no single published cutoff, but reports commonly cite at least 5 years since conviction, with each case reviewed individually. Older, non-violent records have the best odds.
- Does a DUI disqualify you at Melton?
- A recent DUI, DWI, or high-B.A.C. offense — generally within the last 5 years — is disqualifying. Older alcohol-related offenses may be reviewed case-by-case.
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Take Action — Direct Links
- Melton Truck Lines Careers
Apply for experienced and entry-level flatbed driving positions.
- Melton Truck Lines Job Search
Browse driver, technician, and office openings by location.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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