A huge challenge for former felons interested in trucking is finding companies to hire them with no experience.
Trucking can be a great option if you’re looking for a new career but have a criminal record.
It pays well, gets you out on the open road, and doesn’t require a lot of experience.
Luckily, there are some companies out there that are willing to give second chances to those with criminal records.
This article will explore different trucking companies that hire felons who need more experience.
We’ll also touch on what you need to do to get hired and how you can stand out as a potential employee.
Let’s get started!
Trucking Companies That Hire Felons With No Experience
The trucking industry is an essential part of the economy, and many companies are taking steps to make it empowering for individuals with criminal records.
Felons can now find employment in trucking despite having little or no prior experience.
Here are some of the most popular trucking companies that hire felons with no experience:
1. PAM Transport
One such company, PAM Transport, is an industry leader in hiring felons. Not only do they offer competitive pay and benefits, but they also have a lenient attitude toward drug testing.
As long as employees comply with the rules and regulations of the company, they are welcome to join their team.
In addition, they also offer on-the-job training and SAP (Safety Awareness Program)-friendly trucking services.
2. Covenant Transport Solutions
Another option is Covenant Transport Solutions. They provide quality freight services and offer no-experience jobs to felons released from prison within the past three years.
These companies value their customers and make sure that their drivers are well-trained and prepared for any situation that may arise on the road.
Also, they offer felons the opportunity to build a new life as professional drivers.
3. CRST
This is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States, and they have made strides to provide equal opportunities to felons.
They offer paid training and flexible schedules, making transitioning from prison to the workforce easy.
4. Swift Transportation
Swift is a significant player in the trucking industry, and they also accept felons without prior experience.
While Swift requires its drivers to have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), they provide extensive training to help them qualify for their CDL quickly.
5. Werner Enterprises
Werner is another big name in trucking that hires felons who have yet to gain prior experience.
The company provides comprehensive onboarding and training programs to help felons transition into their new careers.
As you can see, plenty of options are available for those with a criminal record who wish to enter the trucking industry.
With proper research and due diligence, you should find a company that meets your needs and allows you to start a new career path.
Benefits of Working in the Trucking Industry
If you’re a felon looking for employment, there are many job opportunities in the trucking industry.
You may not know this, but there are many benefits to working in this field.
Below is a list of benefits trucking companies hiring felons bring you.
1. Steady Pay
Truck drivers can make a decent living and provide for their families. The median annual salary for truck drivers was $42,480 in 2017, with the top 10% earning over $68,000 annually.
With steady pay, truck drivers don’t have to worry about facing financial uncertainty.
2. Consistent Work
The demand for truck drivers is increasing as businesses look for reliable ways of transporting goods across the country.
With increased demand comes more job opportunities, making finding work in this field easier even without prior experience.
3. Ability To Travel
Finally, being a truck driver is ideal if you’re looking for a job that allows you to see different parts of the country (or even abroad!).
You can explore new places while still getting paid for your work! Plus, the long hours on the road can also be quite therapeutic.
How to Prepare for Applying to Trucking Companies
Believe it or not, trucking companies hire felons with no experience. You need to take the proper steps. That’s why preparing correctly before applying to these companies is essential.
Here are some tips on how to prepare:
1. Research the Companies
Research is crucial to know which companies have friendly policies towards felons, which companies may be hiring, and their requirements.
The more research you do, the better your chances of finding the right fit for your skills and qualifications.
2. Prepare an Impressive Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be tailored to each company you’re applying to. It needs to emphasize how your skills, experience, and qualifications are related to their needs.
It should also explain why you’re passionate about driving and why it’s an ideal career.
Include specific details about your experience and any certifications or licenses demonstrating your industry commitment and capability.
3. Prepare Your Resume
Your resume should be professional and up-to-date. It must contain contact information and a list of past experiences or educational backgrounds related to driving.
Be sure to include any courses or certificates related to safe driving practices or specialized technical skills that could make you stand out from other candidates.
Finally, your resume should be easy to read, with clear headings and paragraphs that concisely highlight your accomplishments.
What to Expect During a Hiring Process
When searching for trucking companies that hire felons with no experience, it’s good to know what to expect during the hiring process.
It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but you can make it easier by taking some steps to prepare.
Here are some tips to help you get through the process:
1. Online Application
Be prepared with your resume and references, and highlight success stories demonstrating your commitment, loyalty, and desire for success.
You will likely have to complete an online application, so take your time and provide accurate information.
2. Interview
It’s important to practice answering any questions you may get asked during an interview.
Also, research the company beforehand to demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of its values and mission.
Be positive, upbeat, professional, and confident throughout the whole process!
3. Training Periods
Many trucking companies have initial training periods for drivers that involve learning about the rules of the road, basic vehicle maintenance procedures, etcetera.
It would help if you used this time to prove yourself and demonstrate your willingness and enthusiasm for learning new skills.
With some preparation and effort, one of these trucking companies that hire felons with no experience is within reach.
Types of Trucking Jobs Available to Felons
What kind of trucking job can you apply for? Fortunately, there are multiple types of trucking jobs available to felons.
Equally, Depending on your experience and qualifications, opportunities range from local delivery to driving a long-haul semi-truck nationwide.
1. Local Delivery Driver
Local delivery drivers often use box trucks, vans, or smaller vehicles to transport items or packages from one location to another within a specific city or region.
These positions typically involve a lot of driving and navigating through traffic but do not require any overnight trips away from home.
This is an excellent option for those looking for steady employment with the potential for good pay.
2. Long Haul Driver
Long haul drivers travel long distances that span multiple states and provinces. They transport freight items, including coal, oil, lumber, and other goods, across the country in 18-wheelers or semi-trucks.
This type of job requires more experience than local delivery driving and a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which many employers will help you obtain.
Most long-haul jobs involve weeks away from home with generous pay.
3. Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators drive machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, and excavators on construction sites or in mines and quarries.
Most employers look for valid certification, such as an OSHA card, to hire heavy equipment operators due to the highly regulated nature of this work environment.
Operators should also have experience operating heavy machinery safely to be considered for these positions.
Tips to Reduce the Brunt of Rejection Letters
When looking for trucking companies that hire felons without experience, it can be hard to find one when there are so many rejections.
However, the good thing about trucking companies is that there are a few tricks that you can use to reduce the number of rejection letters you receive.
1. Research Companies
When researching trucking companies, determine what kind of background check or drug test they require as part of their application process.
Knowing this beforehand can help you determine which companies might be more open to hiring felons with no experience.
2. Tailor Your Resume
Once you’ve identified which companies might be more open-minded, tailor your resume toward them.
Also, highlight the transferable skills and experiences that make you a great candidate for the job.
3. Network & Make Connections
One important tip is to use your network and make connections as much as possible to get yourself out there and increase your chances of getting hired.
Reach out to people who have worked with these trucking companies. Attend job fairs and other networking events to make connections that could lead to potential job opportunities.
These above steps will help secure employment with trucking companies that hire felons with no experience.
Conclusion
For those with a criminal history who may have difficulty finding work, trucking companies provide an opportunity to start a career.
Many trucking companies hire felons who have yet to gain experience, and with some research, you can find the right one for you.
With the right mindset and goals, trucking can be a rewarding career with the potential for long-term stability.
So, if you are considering trucking as a viable option for employment, more trucking companies now hire felons with no experience than ever before.
