Does Stevens Transport do background checks?

Yes. Stevens runs criminal and motor vehicle checks — typically looking back 3-7 years depending on the offense — plus PSP and the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse for driver roles.

Does Stevens Transport drug test?

Yes. Every applicant undergoes pre-employment drug testing (commonly urine), with random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing throughout employment as a DOT-regulated carrier.

Will Stevens Transport hire you if you're on parole?

Reports indicate Stevens generally does not hire applicants still on active parole. Completing your supervision before applying improves your chances.

How old does a felony have to be for Stevens Transport?

There is no single published cutoff, but non-violent felonies at least 5 years from the conviction date are most likely to be considered. Recent, violent, theft, or drug offenses are the hardest to clear.

Does Stevens Transport Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Stevens' published qualifications list no felony convictions, but in practice recruiters review records case-by-case — older non-violent felonies (often 5+ years out) are considered, while recent, violent, theft, or drug offenses and active parole are the biggest obstacles.

Stevens Transport hires some people with felony records, though it is stricter on paper than in practice. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Stevens is one of North America's largest refrigerated (reefer) carriers and runs its own paid CDL training program, bringing in dozens of new candidates each week. Its published driver qualifications state no DWI, reckless/careless driving, or felony convictions — but recruiters and driver reports describe an individualized, case-by-case review in practice. Older non-violent felonies, commonly cited as at least 5 years from the conviction date, are the most likely to be considered, while recent offenses, violent crimes, theft (a concern given cargo value), and drug convictions are the hardest to clear. Some reports say Stevens will not hire applicants who are still on active parole. Because Stevens trains new drivers, its student program can be an entry point — but call a recruiter first to confirm eligibility.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Student Driver (Paid CDL Training)	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal + MVR, 3-7 year lookback	Company-sponsored training. Recruiters have accepted some applicants with older records.
Company Driver (Reefer OTR)	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal, MVR, PSP, Clearinghouse	Requires valid CDL-A. Older non-violent felonies (often 5+ years) reviewed individually.
Owner-Operator / Lease	Case-by-case	Yes — full DOT background check	Independent-contractor path, still subject to Stevens screening.
Diesel Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Non-driving shop role at Dallas and terminal locations.
Terminal / Office Support	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Dispatch, recruiting, and administrative roles in Dallas.

Stevens Transport Hiring Practices

Stevens Transport is a large Dallas-based refrigerated carrier with its own CDL training program. Its written qualifications are strict — listing no DWI, reckless or careless driving, and no felony convictions — but recruiter and driver reports consistently describe a case-by-case review rather than a hard ban. In practice, the crime's type, severity, and age drive the decision. Older non-violent felonies, commonly at least 5 years from conviction, are the most likely to pass; theft is a specific concern because of high-value refrigerated cargo, and violent or drug-related offenses are difficult to clear. Some recent reports indicate Stevens declines applicants who are still on active parole, so completing supervision first can matter. Because Stevens needs a steady flow of trainees, its recruiters are often willing to discuss individual situations before an application is filed.

Tips for Getting Hired at Stevens

Do not let the strict written qualifications stop you from calling — apply at stevenstransport.com and speak with a recruiter about your record before it appears in the background check. Be direct: state the conviction, the date, and that your sentence and supervision are complete, ideally after parole has fully discharged. Emphasize non-violent, older offenses and a clean recent driving record, since DWI and reckless-driving history are separately disqualifying. If you have no CDL, ask about the paid student-driver program, which has been an entry point for some applicants with records. Bring documentation of sentence completion, references, verifiable work history, and a valid DOT medical card. If a recruiter declines, ask which specific factor — recency, offense type, or parole status — was the issue so you know your timeline.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at stevenstransport.com and call a recruiter — the written qualifications are stricter than actual practice.
2.Wait until parole/supervision is fully discharged; some reports say Stevens won't hire applicants on active parole.
3.Emphasize older (often 5+ years), non-violent offenses; theft and violent crimes are the hardest to clear.
4.Keep your driving record clean — DWI and reckless-driving history are separately disqualifying.
5.No CDL? Ask about the paid student-driver training program as a possible entry point.
6.Bring proof of sentence completion, references, work history, and a valid DOT medical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Stevens Transport hire felons?: Sometimes. Stevens' published qualifications say no felony convictions, but recruiters review records case-by-case in practice. Older, non-violent felonies (often 5+ years out) have the best odds.
Does Stevens Transport do background checks?: Yes. Stevens runs criminal and motor vehicle checks — typically looking back 3-7 years depending on the offense — plus PSP and the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse for driver roles.
Does Stevens Transport drug test?: Yes. Every applicant undergoes pre-employment drug testing (commonly urine), with random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing throughout employment as a DOT-regulated carrier.
Will Stevens Transport hire you if you're on parole?: Reports indicate Stevens generally does not hire applicants still on active parole. Completing your supervision before applying improves your chances.
How old does a felony have to be for Stevens Transport?: There is no single published cutoff, but non-violent felonies at least 5 years from the conviction date are most likely to be considered. Recent, violent, theft, or drug offenses are the hardest to clear.

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Take Action — Direct Links

Stevens Transport Driver Careers
Company driver, owner-operator, and paid CDL training positions.
Stevens Transport Driver Qualifications
Official published driver qualification requirements.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).