Does Prime Inc. Hire Felons?
Last updated:
Prime Inc. reviews criminal records case-by-case and states an affirmative answer about a criminal record will not automatically deny employment. Non-violent, older convictions have the best odds.
Prime Inc. does hire some people with felony records. Based in Springfield, Missouri, Prime is one of the largest refrigerated, flatbed, and tanker carriers in North America, running thousands of trucks and offering paid company-sponsored CDL training. Prime's own qualifications page states that an affirmative answer to questions about a criminal record will not automatically result in denial of employment, and that each record is evaluated individually based on the job applied for. Recruiters and driver reports indicate Prime pulls background and motor vehicle records going back about 10 years and looks closely at violent or sexual offenses within that window. Honesty on the application matters — undisclosed convictions found during the check are the most common reason for rejection. Company driver, lease/owner-operator, and student-driver training roles are the primary openings for people rebuilding after a record.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Driver (Paid CDL Training) | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + MVR, ~10-year lookback | Company-sponsored CDL school in Springfield, MO. Best entry point for people without a CDL. |
| Company Driver (Reefer / Flatbed / Tanker) | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal, MVR, PSP, Clearinghouse | Requires valid CDL. Older non-violent convictions reviewed individually. |
| Lease / Owner-Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — full DOT background check | Independent-contractor path. Still subject to Prime's driver screening. |
| Maintenance / Shop Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Terminal-based diesel and trailer techs. Non-driving option. |
| Warehouse / Terminal Support | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Non-CDL support roles at Springfield and satellite terminals. |
Prime Inc. Hiring Practices
Prime Inc. is a driver-training carrier, which makes it more accessible than many trucking companies for people rebuilding after a record. Prime's published policy is that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant; each record is evaluated individually against the job applied for. In practice, recruiters review background and motor vehicle records going back roughly 10 years and weigh the type, severity, and recency of a conviction. Violent, sexual, or theft-related felonies — especially recent ones — are the hardest to overcome because of cargo value and DOT safety concerns. Older, non-violent convictions where the sentence is fully completed have the best odds. Because Prime pays for CDL training and needs a steady pipeline of drivers, it has a practical reason to consider applicants other carriers turn away.
Tips for Getting Hired at Prime
Apply through primeincdrivers.com or careers.primeinc.com and call a recruiter before your record comes up in the check — Prime values honesty and undisclosed convictions are a common reason for rejection. If you have no CDL, apply to the paid student-driver program; the training path is often more forgiving than lateral experienced-driver hiring. Be ready to explain your record briefly and factually, and to show rehabilitation: steady work, references, and time since the offense. Gather documentation of a completed sentence, probation, or parole discharge. Non-violent convictions older than 5-7 years, a clean recent driving record, and a valid medical card all strengthen your file. If one recruiter says no, ask specifically which factor was disqualifying so you know your timeline.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at primeincdrivers.com or careers.primeinc.com; call a recruiter first to discuss your record honestly.
- 2.No CDL? Apply to Prime's paid company-sponsored student-driver training — often the most accessible path.
- 3.Disclose every conviction. Undisclosed records found in the ~10-year background check are a top reason for rejection.
- 4.Non-violent felonies older than 5-7 years with a completed sentence have the best odds.
- 5.Bring proof of sentence completion, probation/parole discharge, and a clean recent driving record.
- 6.Keep your DOT medical card, work history, and references organized before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Prime Inc. hire felons?
- Prime Inc. hires some people with felony records. Its policy states a criminal record will not automatically deny employment; each record is reviewed case-by-case based on the job applied for.
- Does Prime Inc. do background checks?
- Yes. Prime pulls criminal and motor vehicle records — typically going back about 10 years — plus PSP and the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse for driver roles.
- Does Prime Inc. drug test?
- Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Prime requires pre-employment drug testing and conducts random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing throughout employment.
- How long does a felony have to be to get hired at Prime?
- There is no fixed cutoff, but recruiters focus on the last ~10 years. Non-violent convictions older than 5-7 years with a completed sentence generally have the best chance.
- Does Prime Inc. offer paid CDL training to people with records?
- Yes. Prime's company-sponsored student-driver program in Springfield, MO is open to applicants with records on a case-by-case basis and is often the most accessible entry point.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Prime Inc. Driver Careers
Apply for company driver, owner-operator, and paid CDL training positions.
- Prime Inc. Driver Qualifications
Official minimum requirements and criminal-record policy language.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
Related Resources on This Site
Similar companies
Helpful guides
- Safety & ProtectionProtective orders & restraining orders
- Free Legal AidFree legal aid by state
- HousingNo credit check apartments & rentals
- veteransJobs for Veterans with Criminal Records