Trucking Jobs for Felons
An honest, practical guide to building a trucking career after a felony conviction. Which companies hire, what to expect, and how to get started.
A note to our readers: If you are reading this page, you are already taking a step in the right direction. Trucking is one of the most accessible high-paying careers in America for people with criminal records, and the industry genuinely needs drivers. This guide provides honest information to help you make informed decisions.
The Reality: Trucking Offers Second Chances
The trucking industry faces a persistent shortage of over 80,000 drivers. This shortage means carriers cannot afford to automatically reject every applicant with a criminal record. Many reputable companies have adopted "second chance" hiring policies that evaluate applicants based on the nature and timing of their offense rather than applying blanket disqualifications.
Trucking pays $45,000-$75,000+ annually for CDL-A drivers, offers health insurance and benefits, and provides a structured work environment. For people rebuilding their lives after incarceration, it is one of the most realistic paths to financial stability and independence.
Can You Get a CDL With a Felony?
Short answer: usually, yes. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a Commercial Driver's License. The CDL is issued by your state's DMV, and most states do not have blanket bans on felons getting a CDL.
However, there are important exceptions:
- DUI/DWI: Multiple DUI convictions can disqualify you from getting a CDL. A single DUI in a personal vehicle typically needs to be 3-5+ years old.
- Drug trafficking: A federal drug trafficking conviction is a lifetime disqualifier for HazMat endorsement and makes CDL issuance very difficult.
- CMV-related felonies: If your felony involved a commercial motor vehicle (using a truck in a crime), this is a hard disqualifier.
- Non-violent, non-driving felonies: Typically NOT a disqualifier for CDL issuance. These include property crimes, non-violent drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Timing matters: the older the conviction, the better.
Companies Known to Hire Felons
These carriers are known to evaluate applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis. This does not mean they hire everyone regardless of record. It means they will look at the full picture rather than automatically rejecting your application.
Werner Enterprises
Case-by-case review, generally 3-5 year lookback for non-violent offenses. One of the largest carriers with CDL training programs.
PAM Transport
Known as one of the most felon-friendly carriers. Will consider most non-violent felonies 1-3+ years old. Offers CDL training.
Western Express
Considers applicants with felony records on individual basis. Training program available. Generally requires 3+ years since conviction.
CRST International
Team driving carrier that considers applicants with records. Paid CDL training. Good entry point for new drivers.
USA Truck
Reviews applications individually. Typically requires 5+ years for felonies, 3+ for misdemeanors.
Celadon (now Truckload Carriers)
Has historically been open to second-chance hiring. Check current policies as this changes.
Regional LTL Carriers
Many smaller, regional Less-Than-Truckload carriers have more flexible hiring policies than large OTR companies.
Types of Convictions: What to Expect
| Conviction Type | CDL Eligible? | Typical Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Non-violent drug possession | Yes | 1-5 years |
| Theft / property crimes | Yes | 3-5 years |
| Assault (non-aggravated) | Case-by-case | 5-7 years |
| DUI (single, non-CMV) | Yes | 3-5 years |
| DUI (multiple) | Difficult | 7-10+ years |
| Drug trafficking | Very difficult | Possible lifetime |
| Sex offenses | No (most carriers) | N/A |
| Arson | Very difficult | 10+ years |
How to Strengthen Your Application
If you have a felony on your record, here is how to give yourself the best chance of getting hired:
- Be honest on your application. Carriers run thorough background checks. Lying about your record is an automatic disqualification at every company. Being upfront shows integrity.
- Get your CDL first. Having your CDL before applying shows commitment and investment. It also expands your options significantly since some companies only accept CDL holders.
- Maintain a clean record. Every month that passes without an incident strengthens your case. Even traffic tickets matter. Drive cleanly and stay out of trouble.
- Get character references. Letters from employers, parole officers, community leaders, or clergy who can speak to your character and work ethic carry real weight.
- Complete rehabilitation programs. Drug treatment programs, anger management courses, or vocational training demonstrate your commitment to change.
- Start with whoever will hire you. Your first trucking job might not be your dream job. Start building a clean driving record and verifiable work history, then move up after 1-2 years of clean experience.
Second Chance Programs & Resources
- Federal Bonding Program: The U.S. Department of Labor provides free fidelity bonds to employers who hire people with criminal records. This reduces the carrier's risk and makes them more likely to hire you. Ask your state workforce agency about this program.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Employers receive a tax credit of up to $2,400 for hiring ex-felons. Mentioning this to potential employers can tip the scales in your favor.
- State Reentry Programs: Most states have workforce reentry programs that provide CDL training funding, job placement, and support services for people with criminal records.
- Expungement/Record Sealing: Depending on your state and conviction type, you may be eligible to have your record expunged or sealed. This can dramatically improve your employment prospects. Consult a legal aid organization in your state.
Non-CDL Trucking Options
If you are having difficulty getting a CDL-A position, consider starting with non-CDL driving jobs that build experience:
- Box truck/delivery drivers: Amazon DSPs, FedEx Ground contractors, and local delivery companies often have more flexible hiring policies.
- CDL-B positions: Dump trucks, straight trucks, and bus driving may have less restrictive background check requirements.
- Warehouse-to-driver programs: Some companies hire you as a warehouse worker first, then transition you to a driving position after building trust and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon get a CDL and drive a truck?
- In most cases, yes. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from getting a CDL. Each state's DMV evaluates CDL applications individually. The main disqualifiers are DUI/DWI convictions, drug trafficking, and felonies involving a commercial vehicle. Non-driving felonies from several years ago typically do not prevent CDL issuance, though some endorsements (like HazMat) require a TSA background check.
- Which trucking companies hire felons?
- Several major carriers consider applicants with felony records depending on the offense type and how long ago it occurred. Companies known to be more open include Werner Enterprises (case-by-case, 3-5 year lookback), PAM Transport, Western Express, CRST International, and many regional LTL carriers. Most require the conviction to be at least 3-7 years old.
- What felonies disqualify you from trucking?
- Hard disqualifiers include: DUI/DWI within the past 5-10 years, any drug trafficking conviction, any felony involving a commercial motor vehicle, sex offenses (permanent disqualification from most carriers), and arson. The HazMat endorsement has the strictest requirements since it requires TSA security clearance. Non-violent property crimes and drug possession from 5+ years ago are usually not automatic disqualifiers.
- How long after a felony can you get a trucking job?
- It depends on the offense and the carrier. Most trucking companies have a 3-7 year lookback window for non-violent felonies. Some regional and local carriers will consider applicants with convictions as recent as 1-3 years old if the offense is non-violent and unrelated to driving. DUI convictions typically need to be at least 5 years old. The further in the past and the more you have done to rebuild (clean record, stable work history, references), the better your chances.
- Can you get a HazMat endorsement with a felony?
- Getting a HazMat endorsement requires passing a TSA security threat assessment. Certain offenses are permanently disqualifying (espionage, treason, terrorism-related), while others have a lookback period. Many non-violent felonies do not disqualify you from HazMat if the conviction is old enough. However, the TSA reviews each case individually. If HazMat is denied, you can still drive non-HazMat loads, which make up the vast majority of trucking jobs.
Everyone Deserves a Second Chance
The trucking industry needs drivers. Your past does not have to define your future.