Does Western Express do background checks?

Yes. Western Express runs a criminal background check, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, and checks the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse on all driver applicants.

Does Western Express drug test?

Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Western Express requires pre-employment drug testing and participates in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, with random testing throughout employment.

Does Western Express offer paid CDL training?

Yes. Western Express runs a paid CDL-A training program with no upfront tuition and hires many new graduates, which makes it a common first job for people reentering the workforce.

What felonies keep you from driving for Western Express?

Violent and sexual offenses, recent drug-trafficking convictions, and CDL-disqualifying driving offenses (such as multiple DUIs) are the hardest to clear. Older non-violent records are the most workable.

Does Western Express Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Yes

Western Express is widely known as one of trucking's more genuine second-chance carriers. It offers paid CDL-A training and regularly hires new drivers with non-violent felony records. Decisions are still individualized.

Western Express does hire people with felony records, and it has earned a reputation across the trucking industry as one of the more genuine second-chance carriers. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee since 1991, Western Express is an asset-based truckload carrier hauling dry van and flatbed freight across the continental United States, with OTR, regional, dedicated, team, and lease-to-own driving options. The company offers paid CDL-A training and regularly hires new graduates, including people returning to work after incarceration for non-violent offenses. Hiring is still evaluated individually: recruiters weigh the type of felony, how long ago it happened, your driving history, and any DOT or FMCSA disqualifications. Violent, sexual, and recent drug-trafficking convictions are the hardest to place, while older non-violent records are often workable. Western Express partners with WIOA-funded training programs and reentry organizations, making it a realistic first CDL job for many people rebuilding after a record.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
CDL-A OTR Driver	Yes	Yes — criminal + MVR + FMCSA Clearinghouse	Over-the-road dry van driving. Most accessible role for people with older non-violent records.
Flatbed Driver	Yes	Yes — criminal + MVR + FMCSA Clearinghouse	Flatbed freight, often higher pay. Requires load securement skills; training provided.
Student / Trainee Driver (Paid CDL Training)	Yes	Yes — criminal + MVR	Paid CDL-A training with no upfront tuition. Popular entry point after incarceration.
Regional / Dedicated Driver	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal + MVR + FMCSA Clearinghouse	More home time. Some dedicated accounts have stricter customer background requirements.
Diesel Technician / Shop	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Terminal maintenance roles. Individualized review of record vs. job duties.

Western Express Hiring Practices

Western Express is a Nashville-based truckload carrier operating dry van and flatbed fleets nationwide since 1991. The company is repeatedly named on industry lists of carriers that hire felons, and driver forums describe it as a place where people with older non-violent records — including those hired straight out of CDL school — can get a first over-the-road job. Western Express runs paid CDL-A training and works with WIOA workforce grants and reentry programs, so applicants without a license can still start. Every driver goes through a criminal background check, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, and the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Because it hauls freight, DOT rules matter: certain drug-trafficking, violent, and recent driving-related felonies are hard or impossible to clear. Older, non-violent convictions are the most workable.

Tips for Getting Hired at Western Express

Call a Western Express recruiter before you enroll in any CDL school so you know where your specific record stands — recruiters at second-chance carriers will tell you honestly. Apply through drivewithwestern.com and be completely upfront about your history; trucking background checks are thorough, and non-disclosure gets people removed from training. Emphasize how long ago the offense was and what has changed since. If you have no license, ask about their paid training program and whether WIOA or a reentry organization can help fund or support you. Multiple DUIs, recent drug-trafficking, or CDL-disqualifying offenses are the biggest obstacles, so gather documentation showing sentence completion, clean driving history, and any rehabilitation or endorsements. Being flexible on OTR routes and start location improves your odds significantly.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply through drivewithwestern.com and call a recruiter to check your specific record before enrolling in CDL school.
2.Be completely honest about your history — trucking background checks are thorough, and non-disclosure gets people removed.
3.Ask about paid CDL-A training if you don't yet have a license; WIOA and reentry programs may help fund it.
4.Bring documentation: sentence completion, clean MVR, and any rehabilitation certificates.
5.Be flexible on OTR routes and starting terminal — flexibility strongly improves your odds.
6.Understand DOT/FMCSA rules: recent drug-trafficking and CDL-disqualifying offenses are the hardest to clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Western Express hire felons?: Yes. Western Express is one of trucking's better-known second-chance carriers and regularly hires people with older, non-violent felony records, including new CDL graduates. Decisions are individualized.
Does Western Express do background checks?: Yes. Western Express runs a criminal background check, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, and checks the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse on all driver applicants.
Does Western Express drug test?: Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Western Express requires pre-employment drug testing and participates in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, with random testing throughout employment.
Does Western Express offer paid CDL training?: Yes. Western Express runs a paid CDL-A training program with no upfront tuition and hires many new graduates, which makes it a common first job for people reentering the workforce.
What felonies keep you from driving for Western Express?: Violent and sexual offenses, recent drug-trafficking convictions, and CDL-disqualifying driving offenses (such as multiple DUIs) are the hardest to clear. Older non-violent records are the most workable.

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Take Action — Direct Links

Western Express Driver Careers
Apply for CDL-A driving jobs and paid training with Western Express.
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Federal database all trucking employers check before hiring a CDL driver.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Criminal LawFederal & state sentencing guidelines explained

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).