Does TMC Transportation do background checks?

Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, TMC runs a criminal background check, a full motor vehicle record review, employment verification, and an FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query on every driver.

Does TMC Transportation drug test?

Yes. TMC requires a DOT pre-employment urine drug test (not hair follicle) plus random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing as required by federal law.

How long ago does a felony need to be for TMC to consider me?

Driver self-reports indicate TMC generally reviews felony convictions only once they are more than 10 years old. Contact a recruiter to confirm how your specific record is treated.

Does TMC hire new CDL drivers with no experience?

Yes. TMC runs a paid, Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship for recent CDL graduates and drivers with no Class A experience, with pay during training.

Does TMC Transportation Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

TMC reviews criminal records case-by-case but applies stricter minimum standards than many carriers — no DUIs in the last 10 years, and felonies are generally only considered once they are 10+ years old.

TMC Transportation does consider some applicants with older records, but its standards are among the stricter in flatbed trucking. Founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 1972 and now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), TMC is one of the largest privately held flatbed carriers in the United States, running thousands of trucks nationwide from hubs in Des Moines, IA and Columbia, SC. Every applicant goes through a DOT-regulated hiring process: a criminal background check, a full motor vehicle record (MVR) review, employment verification, the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, and a pre-employment urine drug test (not hair follicle). TMC's published qualifications require no DUIs in the past 10 years, and self-reports indicate felonies are typically only reviewed once they are more than 10 years old. TMC runs a paid, Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship for new CDL grads, and non-driving shop and office roles may offer more flexibility.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
CDL-A Flatbed Driver (Experienced)	Case-by-case (older records only)	Yes — DOT criminal check, MVR, Clearinghouse query	Core role. No DUI in 10 years; felonies generally reviewed only if 10+ years old.
Driver Apprentice / Recent CDL Grad	Case-by-case	Yes — DOT criminal check + MVR	Paid, DOL-registered apprenticeship. Same driving-record standards apply.
Diesel Technician / Shop	More accessible	Yes — standard criminal check	Non-driving maintenance roles at terminals. Often more flexible on older records.
Office / Support (Des Moines, Columbia)	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Recruiting, dispatch, admin. Individualized review of the record.

TMC Transportation Hiring Practices

TMC Transportation is a 100% employee-owned flatbed carrier headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, operating one of the largest privately held flatbed fleets in the country. As a DOT-regulated motor carrier, TMC background-checks every driver and pulls the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a full motor vehicle record, and employment history. Its published driver qualifications are stricter than the industry average: no DUIs in the past 10 years, and driver self-reports indicate felony convictions are generally only considered once they are more than 10 years old. That does not mean an automatic no — federal EEOC guidance bars blanket bans, and TMC evaluates the nature, recency, and job-relevance of each conviction. Non-driving shop and office positions typically face fewer regulatory hurdles than driving roles.

Tips for Getting Hired at TMC

Apply through the driver careers site at tmctrans.com/drive-for-tmc. If your record is older than 10 years and your driving history is clean, you are in a much stronger position. Call a recruiter directly and be upfront about your background before you invest in the process — TMC's recruiters can tell you quickly whether your specific situation clears their standards. New to trucking? TMC's paid, Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship is a real on-ramp for people rebuilding, and it pays during training. If driving roles are out of reach because of a recent conviction, ask about diesel technician and terminal support jobs, which face fewer DOT restrictions. Bring documentation of rehabilitation, steady work history, and any completed programs.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at tmctrans.com/drive-for-tmc and call a recruiter to confirm your record clears their standards before starting.
2.TMC generally requires no DUIs in the past 10 years and reviews felonies mainly once they are 10+ years old — timing matters most.
3.New to trucking? Ask about the paid, DOL-registered apprenticeship, which pays during training.
4.If driving roles are closed to you, ask about diesel technician and terminal/office jobs with fewer DOT hurdles.
5.Bring proof of rehabilitation, a clean recent driving record, and steady employment history.
6.Be honest on the application — DOT background checks and the FMCSA Clearinghouse will surface undisclosed history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TMC Transportation hire felons?: TMC considers applicants with records case-by-case, but its standards are stricter than many carriers. Felonies are generally reviewed only once they are 10+ years old, and no DUIs are allowed in the past 10 years.
Does TMC Transportation do background checks?: Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, TMC runs a criminal background check, a full motor vehicle record review, employment verification, and an FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query on every driver.
Does TMC Transportation drug test?: Yes. TMC requires a DOT pre-employment urine drug test (not hair follicle) plus random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing as required by federal law.
How long ago does a felony need to be for TMC to consider me?: Driver self-reports indicate TMC generally reviews felony convictions only once they are more than 10 years old. Contact a recruiter to confirm how your specific record is treated.
Does TMC hire new CDL drivers with no experience?: Yes. TMC runs a paid, Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship for recent CDL graduates and drivers with no Class A experience, with pay during training.

Take Action — Direct Links

TMC Transportation Driver Careers
Driver qualifications, apprenticeship info, and applications.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Federal database CDL carriers query before hiring — know your record.

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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).