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[stonecold se]

Just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I'm thinking of getting into trucking I'm a home contractor now rebuilding damaged homes and other things screwed up by hurricaine Ike. I live in Chattanooga Tn. and am gone 3 to 4 weeks at a time working on Galveston Island Tx. so being away isn't a problem, I just need to make a good living. I would rather own or lease my own truck cause I've been working for myself for so long, playing the company game isn't for me but I realize I would need to for awhile to get some experiance. I have contacted two independent schools both are in Murpheesboro Tn. Volunteer and TDI.I have 3 DUI's and 1 class C felony that are 25 to 28 years old, and have not drank or been in any trouble in 25 years. So should I keep drivig nails or drive a truck something I always wanted to do but was unsure as how to go about it. what do you folks think.

[brigpilgrim]

DUI's are far enough back they shouldn't be any problem. The big red flag I see is the desire to own or lease your own truck. Spend the first year driving someone else's truck until you figure out how to set the sails. It is better to make dumb newbie mistakes in a company truck where you have a support network. Paying for a new tire or scale ticket is no fun when momma is waiting back home for the rent money.

There isn't a whole lot to this job, if a dispatcher is telling you to go faster, farther and your late, it gets real quiet once you hang up the phone. You are not going to get rich your first year anyway. Good luck to you.

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by stonecold se

Just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I'm thinking of getting into trucking I'm a home contractor now rebuilding damaged homes and other things screwed up by hurricaine Ike. I live in Chattanooga Tn. and am gone 3 to 4 weeks at a time working on Galveston Island Tx. so being away isn't a problem, I just need to make a good living. I would rather own or lease my own truck cause I've been working for myself for so long, playing the company game isn't for me but I realize I would need to for awhile to get some experiance. I have contacted two independent schools both are in Murpheesboro Tn. Volunteer and TDI.I have 3 DUI's and 1 class C felony that are 25 to 28 years old, and have not drank or been in any trouble in 25 years. So should I keep drivig nails or drive a truck something I always wanted to do but was unsure as how to go about it. what do you folks think.

i do not know what a class C felony is..........

But I DO KNOW, that some companies have a lifetime ban on ANY felony.....

when filling out a job application, some may ask, "have you ever been convicted of a crime"?..

some may ask, "have you ever been convicted of a crime in the past 10 years, 5 years, (whatever)"?

if you "fall into" ANY time frame they ask for, you got to state so in your application. otherwise, you might be good to go.

being an owner-operator isn't easy, but at least you have been working for yourself as you say. however, sometimes getting a bank loan can still be difficult due to the current banking rules. be prepared to lay down some serious bucks for a down payment.

sorry, but i do not have any information regarding your schools.

[stonecold se]

Thanks for the replies guys good info, as far as a class C felony it is just a step above a misdameaner, you know the stupid stuff you do when drunk. I just didn't have enough money to buy it down from a felony to a misdameaner so I'm stuck with it now.

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

You may very well have a big problem with the DUIs because these are still seen as problems regardless of age. I have a DUI from '92 and it has recently been a banning offense at some companies.
Some companies state clearly no more than X amount in a Lifetime, say no more than ONE or TWO.
FELONIES are usually considered on a case by case (applicant by applicant) study.
Most of the LTL companies are not therefore a good idea.

Buying a truck and having your own Authority while seen as a good idea by some in these turbulent times of LARGE companies downsizing or folding up, is really a bad idea unless one is financially sound, however having NO DRIVING EXPERIENCE one is best to apply FIRST as a Company Driver to assure one that Trucking IS what one really wants.
Working away from home 3-4 weeks is NOT THE SAME as Trucking.

[brigpilgrim]

Originally Posted by Cerberus_Kelpie

You may very well have a big problem with the DUIs .......... it has recently been a banning offense at some companies............

DUI is a Felony in Canada, you would be barred from driving there. Any company that runs Canada probably won't hire you.