Does Saia Inc. Hire Felons?
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Saia hires some people with records. LTL carrier with dock and driver positions available.
Saia Inc. hires some people with felony records, particularly for dock worker and freight handler positions. Saia is a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier with over 180 terminals across the US. The company conducts DOT-compliant background checks for driving positions and standard checks for non-driving roles. Dock worker and warehouse positions are the most accessible for people with records. CDL drivers need clean records with specific waiting periods after felony convictions.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTR Truck Driver (CDL-A) | Sometimes | Yes — DOT compliant | Over-the-road driving. DOT background check and drug test required. Waiting period for felonies. |
| Regional / Local Driver | Sometimes | Yes — DOT compliant | Shorter routes. Same DOT requirements as OTR but more home time. |
| Dock Worker / Freight Handler | Sometimes | Yes | Non-driving position. Loading/unloading freight. More accessible for people with records. |
| Yard Jockey / Spotter | Sometimes | Yes | Moving trailers within the yard. CDL required but less strict than OTR driving. |
| Warehouse / Cross-dock | Sometimes | Yes | Warehouse and sorting operations. Non-driving with physical labor. |
| CDL Training Program | Sometimes | Yes | Company-sponsored CDL training if available. Background checked before enrollment. |
Saia Inc. Hiring Practices for People with Records
Saia Inc. is a trucking and freight company that hires for both driving and non-driving positions. For CDL driving positions, all trucking companies must comply with DOT regulations including background checks and drug testing. Saia Inc. evaluates criminal records for driving positions on a case-by-case basis. Most trucking companies require a waiting period of 3-10 years after a felony conviction before considering applicants for driving roles. Non-driving positions like dock worker and warehouse roles may have more flexibility.
Background Check Process
Saia Inc. conducts DOT-compliant background checks for all driving positions, which include criminal history, driving record (MVR), drug and alcohol testing history (via the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse), and employment verification for the past 10 years. Non-driving positions typically receive standard criminal background checks. The DOT requires a minimum 3-year lookback for driving violations.
What Disqualifies You from Driving for Saia Inc.
For CDL driving positions: DUI/DWI convictions within the past 3-5 years are typically disqualifying. Drug trafficking convictions may be permanently disqualifying. Reckless driving and vehicular homicide are disqualifying. Any positive drug or alcohol test in the FMCSA Clearinghouse without completion of return-to-duty process is disqualifying. For non-driving positions: violent felonies and theft are evaluated individually. Sex offenses are typically disqualifying for all positions.
Tips for Getting Hired at Saia Inc. with a Record
For driving positions, be upfront about your record and know exactly how long ago each conviction occurred. Many trucking companies have specific waiting periods (usually 3-10 years from conviction or release date). Consider starting with a non-driving position (dock worker, warehouse) to build a relationship with the company before transitioning to driving. If your CDL training is company-sponsored, the company is invested in your success. Keep your driving record clean and stay enrolled in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online through Saia Inc.'s career portal — be completely honest about your record and driving history.
- 2.Know exactly how long ago each conviction occurred. Many trucking companies have specific waiting periods (3-10 years).
- 3.Consider starting in a non-driving role (dock worker, warehouse) to build a track record with the company.
- 4.Keep your driving record clean — even minor violations matter for CDL positions.
- 5.Register for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to show compliance.
- 6.If Saia Inc. offers CDL training, inquire about eligibility requirements for applicants with records.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Saia Inc. hire felons?
- Saia Inc. hires some people with felony records, primarily after waiting periods. Non-driving positions like dock worker and warehouse are generally more accessible than CDL driving positions.
- Does Saia Inc. do background checks?
- Yes, Saia Inc. conducts background checks for all positions. CDL driving positions require DOT-compliant checks including criminal history, MVR, and FMCSA Clearinghouse verification.
- Does Saia Inc. drug test?
- Yes, drug testing is required for all CDL driving positions under DOT regulations. This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. Non-driving positions may also require drug testing.
- Can I drive a truck with a felony?
- Yes, many people with felony records work as truck drivers. Most companies require a waiting period of 3-10 years after conviction. DUI, drug trafficking, and certain violent felonies have longer waiting periods or may be permanently disqualifying.
- Does Saia Inc. offer CDL training?
- Check Saia Inc.'s career page for CDL training program availability. Many trucking companies offer company-sponsored CDL training but may have background requirements for enrollment.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Saia Inc. Careers
Official career page.
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
Required for all CDL holders.
- National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.
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