Can I still get a trucking job after 2 DUI's?

by Roderick Dowdell
(Richton Park, IL; USA)

I am an Illinois driver with eight years of OTR experience prior to 1996. In 1996 I received two DUI's. As a result my license was revoked.

While attempting to get to other employment, I was pulled over in my personal vehicle; not once, but four times. I have been and still am a safe driver. In fact, I've received two safety awards from top trucking companies.

My driving privileges have been reinstated and I have taken a refresher course. At this point, I've been turned down by countless companies in Illinois and Indiana.

Is there any company out there that will give a good, safe driver a second chance?

Comments for Can I still get a trucking job after 2 DUI's?

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Aug 06, 2023
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CDL 2 DUI'S NEW
by: Robert

I got a DUI more the 12 years ago and one a little more thN 3 years ago is their hope for me in the trucking world just go laid off frin Yellow corporation.

Jun 10, 2020
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I CAN HELP NEW
by: Anonymous

I can help most all drivers get back on the road. AND if I can't I am sure I can point you in the right direction.

We have so much to offer! Lease, company, flatbed, dry van, team drivers, solo drivers, training positions, local jobs, dedicated freight, and over the road. Im sure we have something to fit your needs.

We hire drivers from all 48 states!

Call or text!!!

Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon!

HEATHER LAINE

615/720/6049

Oct 21, 2019
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Need a Dallas Tx basedTrucking job with 1 yr.old DUI
by: Anonymous

I have a 1 yr. old DUI. I completed all required classes,tests and have a valid CDL. Looking for a second chance in trucking.HELP! Dallas Tx. Local,Regional or OTR. 12 Yrs experience.

Aug 08, 2019
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Nov 07, 2018
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Congrats! NEW
by: Anonymous

Hey Kman, very happy to hear you got what you were looking for! I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I want to go for it. I like the idea of it and think about it often. I have a good paying job in an office, but I'm bored with it and need to decide if I want to give that up.

I really appreciate you getting back on the board here to update on your success. I feel better about the possibility of doing it myself.

Safe driving and best of luck to you!
Scooter

Nov 05, 2018
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Employed and happy!! NEW
by: Kman

Hey scooter. It was a rollercoaster ride trying to find a decent company that would hire me. After a multitude of applications and denials, I had it narrowed down to 3 companies that I wanted to work for that would actually accept me. I did not expect it to happen, but the one that I wanted the most hired me on. I have a great schedule, good training pay and excellent benefits. I'll be starting in my own truck next week and I've been home every weekend through it all and will continue to do so!! Best of luck to you. I hope it works out as it did for me!!

Nov 05, 2018
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Same Boat NEW
by: Anonymous

Hello Kman,
I'm pretty much in the same situation as you, I just have not started any training. I'm very interested to hear any updates on your experiences today with finding a job in the industry.

Thanks,
Scooter

Oct 19, 2018
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You can get your cdl back- just takes time NEW
by: Anonymous

My cousin has 4 DUIs- just over ten years ago- and is currently driving semi commercially. Don’t buy into everything these people have to say

Aug 21, 2018
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Same boat NEW
by: Kman

I am in a similar situation. I am 40. I got a DUI when I was 21. I drank 2 beers. We t for a drive. Got pulled over. Blew a .088. DUI! I couldn't afford a lawyer. Public defender did no good whatsoever. 6 years later I was in a bad spot and really tied one on with some friends. So much so that I blacked out. Apparently in my drunken stupor I was kicked out of the place we were drinking and because of my blackout I had no control over my actions. I drove and got another DUI. No recollection of the night beyond a certain point. The law doesn't care, nor anyone else for that matter. I am at fault for over drinking. It has been nearly 13 years since my last DUI and I was told that I could get my cdl and get a truck driving job. I confirmed with a couple different trucking companies who said I "could" get employed. I paid my own way and started truck driver training. I am now half way through the class and have applied at several companies. I have received multiple denials. Every recruiter will tell you that DUIs are ok if they're more than 10 years old but once your application goes to the review board it will be rejected. Now I'm left hoping that I didn't pay $4000 on a useless piece of plastic and knowledge that I will never use. Who you are as a person doesn't matter. Circumstances don't matter. The only thing that matters is how you look on paper. Lucky for me, I have a business to fall back on if this doesn't pan out, but I feel very sorry for anyone who doesn't have something else and has to start over with nothing. It is a cruel world and what you did in your past will haunt you forever. Good luck out there.

Mar 25, 2018
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Look, don't be discouraged NEW
by: Anonymous

All you need to remember is if you want it bad enough, it's already yours. I don't known if your spiritual, but stay mentally prepared for trolls to take advantage of your disadvantage. My friend had four duis within 10 years and she is a proud, happy teacher and foster Mom now with a beautiful family. She started out dating a drug addict girlfriend and now is married to an awesome Man with morals. I forgive you. Make it.

Feb 22, 2017
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Trucking is bad for your back anyways! NEW
by: Anonymous

I got my secound dui the same year i got my first. I brushed the first one off my shoulder. I thought "everyo e gets at least one". Well lord and behold 7 months later i got my 2nd while on a suspended licence. Am i the biggest screw up ever? Possibly.. But since then i quit drinking. After a year of not drinking i got a new job. At 26 yrs old i now make 80-90k per year. The best thing you can do is stop drinking. I promise your life will change in ways you couldnt even imagine. I had some very strange things going on in my life along with strange people. Sobriety weeded out the negative and slowly brought nothing but positive. Good luck!

Jan 13, 2017
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"Life" means 10 years only NEW
by: Anonymous

After 10 years from the date of conviction you can apply to have your CDL re-instated. Life only means 10 years. Meanwhile, if you were a driver then you already have 95% of the knowledge & experience you need to be a dispatcher or Driver Rep or whatever title the companies wish to label it. Going from driver to the office is very very easy. The money ofter times is actually better also. So losing your license is NOT the end of the world. I was a driver and transferred into the office portion of the industry very easily. I had no knowledge except that of a driver and all I did was tweaked my resume and boom, I was making more $$$ and home every day.

May 12, 2016
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Can I get a trucking company job after license been suspended NEW
by: Anonymous

If my license is suspended and if I get it revoked? Can I still get a job for two man trucking job on the road?

May 12, 2016
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Apr 28, 2016
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Its over NEW
by: Anonymous

2 duis is a lifetime revocation of your cdl.

Apr 28, 2016
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Its over NEW
by: Anonymous

2 duis is a lifetime revocation of your cdl.

Apr 28, 2016
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YER DONE NEW
by: Anonymous

2 duis ends your trucking career.FMCSA rules are 2 duis mean a lifetime revocation of cdl. I recently got a 2nd dui and flushed my 30 year 4 million safe mile career and my life down the drain. You will be treated worse than a child molester by society and especially potential employers. Be prepared to do menial jobs for the rest of your life, or take my path and just end it all. My life is over, Im just waiting for the right time. I really hope that people who treat us as vermin would look back at their own life. I simply cant bear the shame and contempt thrown at me. Good Luck!!

Apr 28, 2016
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YER DONE NEW
by: Anonymous

2 duis ends your trucking career.FMCSA rules are 2 duis mean a lifetime revocation of cdl. I recently got a 2nd dui and flushed my 30 year 4 million safe mile career and my life down the drain. You will be treated worse than a child molester by society and especially potentional employers. Be prepared to do menial jobs for the rest of your life, or take my path and just end it all. My life is over, Im just waiting for the right time. I really hope that people who treat us as vermin would look back at their own life. I simply cant bear the shame and contempt thrown at me. Good Luck!!

Sep 06, 2015
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most of you are pricks NEW
by: Anonymous

I have 3 DWIs and I'm an amazing driver/person. Not only were my DWIs over a decade ago but I'm a totally different person now than I was then. Any of you judging this person - especially the last comment - means you are probably not being honest with yourself about all the horrible things you do. The people making such negative comments probably do plenty of things that should get them in jail. You have no idea what this person's story is. Would you suggest that anyone with a DWI never work again? Gee that'd be a great idea. Not employing people who've made mistakes in the past isn't a good idea for anyone, especially our economy. Figure it out.

Apr 07, 2014
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some times it sucks NEW
by: steve

I have had two DUI's and I don't have any problem admitting it. One I got in my driveway changing a tranny. Apparently, I was putting myself at risk. The police were not even there for me, they wanted to know if I had seen anyone running around the neighborhood. Yet, they arrested me for a DUI,despite my eagerness to help. I didn't have enough money for a lawyer, so I was given a public defender. The DUI was dropped, but guess what, I still can not get a job because one is a criminal case and the other is a civil case. I had no idea what the hell all that was. So my driving privledges were suspended for years and I can not get a job driving a truck, even today. It is total bullshit and no one can help me. I love my country, but what the hell. I don't have madd crazy money like the mothers against drunk driving, so I guess I'm just screwed. MADD can piss off on this occasion, I'm madd. The law has screwed up my life. I have been driving for over 20 years and have countless awards with no tickets after millions of miles. I'm done, it just pisses me off some times. thanks for listening. steve
\

Apr 20, 2013
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Life Changing NEW
by: Anonymous

People can change, My friend got 1 DUI the day his buddies took him to the bar to celebrate the birth of our daughter,and It destroyed his career. People deserve a 2nd chance.

Jan 05, 2013
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CAN YOU STILL GET A TRUCKING JOB NEW
by: FORMER DRIVER WESLEY

The answer is yes you can get a trucking job but not with any ligitamte companys forget the major carriers they wont take a chance on you unless they was a driver shortage or somthing truck schools are just turning out too many graduates every week for them to even consider hiring you.what u gonna have to do is find either a desparate owner operator or very small mom & pop kind of company willing to talk there insurance companys into accepting you ive seen this done before but you have to be honest with these guys and they'll put u on probation during that time which is about 6 months you pretty much need to walk on water after you prove you can keep ya nose clean for at least six months then you have a good record to work with ive seen guys do this before. thats about all u can do at this point other wise no ligitamate co. is gonna give the time of day-another thing is some of those very small companys are a bit shady in how they operate and there equipment isan't the best-good luck.

Jan 04, 2013
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oxymoron NEW
by: Anonymous

You are a good and safe driver that has two d.u.i.s and has been pulled over four times? And you didn't say what you were pulled over for but buddy that's an oxymoron. Are you under the influence now???

Jan 04, 2013
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high risk NEW
by: Montway

Let's be realistic. You would be considered a high risk for insurance companies. That makes the trucking company insurance go very high. Most of them are not going to deal with it.

Jan 04, 2013
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dui NEW
by: Anonymous

lord, i certainly hope not. 2nd dui shoulda landed you in jail til about now.

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