Trucking Companies That Hire Felons

Several trucking companies hire drivers with felony convictions. Western Express, CRST, and May Trucking employ qualified drivers regardless of criminal history. Swift, Roehl Transport, and Prime Inc. provide CDL training programs for individuals with past convictions. Schneider and Werner hire applicants with non-violent offenses committed several years ago. Employment eligibility depends on conviction type, time elapsed since conviction, and current driving record.

This guide explores transportation firms employing individuals with criminal records. It details carrier-specific hiring policies, waiting periods after conviction, and application strategies for success. The article covers available route types, endorsement limitations, career advancement paths, and support resources. Discover which transport companies provide second chances and how to maximize employment opportunities despite past legal issues.

Key Facts

• Western Express, CRST, and May Trucking hire qualified drivers with felony convictions.
• Swift Transportation, Roehl Transport, and Prime Inc. offer CDL training programs for individuals with criminal records.
• Schneider and Werner show flexibility in hiring for non-violent offenses after sufficient time has passed.
• Most trucking companies require 5-10 years since conviction for serious offenses.
• Smaller carriers provide more hiring flexibility than larger companies for applicants with criminal backgrounds.

Top Felon-Friendly Trucking Companies

Several trucking companies hire felons seeking driving jobs. Western Express, CRST, and May Trucking accept qualified drivers with convictions older than 5-10 years. Roadtex and Paschall Truck Lines evaluate candidates with more recent felonies on a case-by-case basis. Swift Transportation, Roehl Transport, and Prime Inc. provide CDL training programs for convicted felons. Schneider and Werner employ drivers with non-violent offenses committed several years ago when applicants disclose their criminal history during the application process.

Criminal Background Policies in Trucking

Federal regulations and company policies determine felony hiring practices in the trucking industry. DOT regulations require criminal background checks for interstate CDL drivers. Background checks categorize offenses into 2 types: Part A offenses (terrorism, espionage) permanently disqualify candidates, while Part B offenses (murder, bribery) restrict endorsements for 7 years. Smaller carriers provide more hiring flexibility than larger trucking companies transporting sensitive freight. Drivers on active probation/parole face employment restrictions due to travel limitations. Specialized endorsements for hazardous materials or passenger transport require stricter background checks. The DOT Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse maintains records of violations that typically trigger automatic rejection.

Types of Routes and Positions Available for Felons

Felons with a commercial driver's license can access multiple driving opportunities. Over-the-Road (OTR) positions with Swift Transportation and J.B. Hunt involve long-distance hauling. Regional routes with Carolina Cargo cover specific territories. Dedicated routes through PAM Transport offer consistency and advancement potential. Local delivery positions with Walmart's private fleet allow truck drivers to return home daily. CDL training positions exist for industry newcomers. Specialized routes have strict requirements: hazardous materials and reefer routes prohibit violent crimes. Employment options include full-time positions with Prime and USA Truck, and owner-operator opportunities at Schneider National after 7-10 years post-conviction.

How Long After Conviction Can You Apply?

Trucking companies enforce varying waiting periods after felony convictions. Companies like Knight Transport implement a 5-year waiting period. Others such as Melton Truck Lines and Stevens Transport require 7 years post-conviction. Companies like Paschall Truck Lines and Swift Transportation maintain 10-year waiting periods for serious offenses. Western Express evaluates felony applications individually while enforcing stricter timelines for DWI convictions (10 years). A minority of carriers, including Prime and USA Truck, may consider applications from recent felons under specific circumstances, examining each case on a case-by-case basis.

Navigating the Application Process With a Record

3 key strategies increase hiring success for felons applying to trucking companies. Disclose all criminal history upfront—background checks reveal undisclosed information, potentially disqualifying candidates for dishonesty rather than the offense itself. Contact HR departments directly at companies like Cardinal Logistics and CFI/TFI to discuss specific policies. Prepare documentation including proof of rehabilitation, expungement paperwork, or character references. Many trucking companies maintain relationships with CDL training programs and provide placement assistance. Research company-specific hiring policies before applying, as requirements vary dramatically between carriers based on location and operational needs.

Endorsement Restrictions and Opportunities

CDL endorsement restrictions affect felons based on conviction type. Federal regulations permanently disqualify drivers with human trafficking convictions. TSA imposes strict controls on hazmat endorsement, particularly for terrorism-related, violent crimes, or smuggling offenses. TSA grants rehabilitation waivers for approximately 90% of hazmat disqualifications. Many truck driving jobs don't require hazmat endorsement, with companies like Tony Robertson's Feed Mix hiring locally without such requirements. Swift Transportation and Celadon offer CDL training to felons ineligible for hazmat roles. Over-the-road positions, tanker endorsements, and freight specializations provide alternatives for those with criminal records.

Success Stories: From Conviction to Career

FreeWorld's structured training program demonstrates success for formerly incarcerated individuals. Graduates earn substantial incomes after gaining driving experience while maintaining low recidivism rates. 3 common career progression patterns emerge in the trucking industry: Entry-level advancement—starting with smaller, felon-friendly companies like SAT/Tidwell before progressing to established carriers. Career to entrepreneurship—shifting from employed driver to business owner through programs helping graduates launch their own trucking companies. Community reinvestment—successful alumni creating hiring pipelines for newer graduates at companies looking to hire drivers, reinforcing a self-sustaining cycle of opportunity and stable employment.

Resources for Felons Entering the Trucking Industry

Numerous resources help felons enter the trucking industry. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act offers federal grants for CDL training. Job Corps provides similar funding opportunities for qualified candidates. Job boards identify felon-friendly positions at trucking companies that hire felons. Industry directories help locate smaller carriers with more flexible hiring policies. Local employment offices maintain lists of employers open to applicants with past convictions. Businesses receive tax credits for hiring felons. Industry-specific job fairs connect candidates with employers willing to provide a second chance. Online platforms link drivers with owner-operators who often bypass traditional hiring restrictions, examining each applicant on a case-by-case basis.

Related Resources for Trucking Careers

The trucking industry offers additional opportunities beyond felon-friendly companies. Drivers seeking maximum earning potential should research where truckers make most money by location and freight type. Understanding typical compensation structures helps set realistic expectations—comprehensive information about how much truck drivers make across different positions provides valuable context. For those considering employment with major carriers, reviewing the biggest trucking companies in US helps identify which organizations dominate the industry and their specific hiring policies. These resources provide essential context for career planning regardless of background.

How Do Felony DUIs Affect Hiring Chances?

Felony DUIs considerably reduce employment opportunities for truck drivers. Employers evaluate 3 factors: when the felony occurred, remediation efforts, and relevance to job safety. DOT regulations restrict commercial vehicle operation for drivers with DUI convictions in their driving record.

Can Felons Qualify for Owner-Operator Leasing Programs?

Felons qualify for owner-operator leasing programs at carriers with varying eligibility requirements. Prime Inc. explicitly hires felons for these programs. Other trucking companies evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis, considering offense type and how long ago the conviction happened.

Do Felon-Friendly Trucking Companies Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits?

Felon-friendly companies offer competitive base pay with industry-standard ranges. Recent felony convictions result in lower starting wages. Benefits include health insurance and CDL training opportunities. Larger trucking companies provide more extensive benefits packages for drivers with clean driving records.

Which Trucking Jobs Never Hire Violent Offenders?

4 transportation sectors never hire felons with violent crimes: hazardous materials carriers, international routes requiring border crossing, high-value cargo transporters, and companies serving federal facilities with strict security requirements.

How Do Pardons and Expungements Improve Hiring Chances?

Pardons and expungements improve hiring prospects in the trucking industry. Pardons help with licensing and federal clearances. Expungements remove certain offenses from your criminal record, though some felonies disqualify candidates permanently under federal regulations.

Does US Xpress Trucking Hire Felons?

US Xpress evaluates felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. They consider non-violent offenses occurring more than 7 years ago. Applicants must possess a valid commercial driver's license and demonstrate stability since conviction. Location and operational needs affect hiring decisions at this major carrier.

Does FedEx Hire Felons for Truck Drivers?

FedEx handles felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. Their company policies vary by division, with FedEx Ground offering more opportunities than FedEx Express. Non-violent offenses with significant time elapsed receive greater consideration. Local delivery positions provide the best entry point for drivers with past convictions.