Can Someone Please Answer this question?

I have been cruising this site and must say I find it very interesting and helpful.

I see a lot of post from people who have been convicted of a felony... and want to drive a truck.

One thing I don't understand.

1) Why is it so difficult for a Felon to get a job as a OTC driver?

2) Why is it so difficult for a Felon to get a job as a truck driver?


I can understand if an excon wants to be a Teacher, Cop or Judge... I think that poses a problem... but a truck driver?

Please help me understand this...

Thanks!

Simple answer? The opportunity to become involved with the intra- or inter-state transport of goods is a tempting target for the nefarious.

Also think about the insurance company that the driving firm enlists to insure their vehicles and drivers. Depending on the felony, the felon might not be eligible. For example, drug related charges. Far too easy for transporting drugs across state lines and those experienced in hiding drugs, can hide them well. The insurance company might feel it is too great a risk.

So you are saying that ex-cons want to be involved in truckin to take advantage of any "criminal" opportunity that may present itself?

Sounds a little cynical...

Good point... thank you!

I didn't infer that ex-con trucker's wanted to be involved with illegal transport. I was saying they make an easy target for those who wish to move illegal contraband and, as shygrneyzs more adeptly pointed out, other's related to the industry are aware of this.

Another point is that an felon is frequently not allowed free reign, meaning restricted travel. Also, will sometimes be required to see a parole officer and/or random drug screening, either of which makes that individual a poor candidate to become an OTR driver.

Thanks Captain... I appreciate your incite. From an non-trucker perspective... I am neive on how this would work...

So... you saying that because they are ex-cons... they become targets for illegal trafficers of contraband... How so?

Do trafficers find ex-cons and propose deals with them?

No. Felons doesn't wear a badge on their foreheads.

The drug dealers have no idea if someone may or may not have a record of illegal activity. The dealrs and smugglers are opportunist and are willing to take risks in their endeavor.

There are many variables to this and no answer will be complete, but some of those who have been convicted may also be willing to risk going for an easy dollar. They're not the only ones, so I don't want you think I'm generalizing. But, that's part of why trucking companies and insurance carriers don't want to take the chance.

Take some time to see this from different perspectives...

Thanks Captain...

I am not a felon but was actually considering getting my CDL and taking a stab at driving cross country.

So what you are suggesting is eye opening... I guess I'm a little nieve about what's out there... Drug dealers shipping and using truck drivers to transport their goods... wonderful!

Just go to show you... I've been behind the desk too long..

I drove semi's for years... out of Denver... ahh, the Rockies are beautiful!

It is, in my opinion, a quite enjoyable and rewarding way to make a living. What's better than taking in the scenery and getting paid??

Unless you let your guard down and don't ask the right questions, trouble can find you. But don't let that scare you away...

If you drive for a reputable carrier, it will be a lot of fun. Just remember, the driver is ultimately responsible for what's in the load, sealed or not.

Thanks again Captain... I really appreciate your remarks.

Yeah... I'm stuck here in S.Fla... working in the RE biz... and getting depressed everyday. I drove a cab in college and, even though the hours were terrible... and the conditions deplorable... I still enjoyed the freedom of being on the road.

What do you think of the idea of doing "ride alongs" with a OTW driver... just to get a feel for it?

Of course... I want to make sure that I'm driving with someone carrying illegal merchandise... (sigh).

Spreading the Rep to Captain Rich. Yes, the driver is the one held responsible for what is in the load. Learned that one from experience. My (now ex) husband used to drive the lower 48 and Canada. He was in Spokane and called to leave his truck there and rent a car and go to Edmonton to pick up a truck from a driver who had been caught speeding and DWI. So he did. He did not know that the other driver had coke stuck in the wheel wells. He found out at the port of entry. That was some explaining to do there. Gladly it did get straightened out, although the truck was impounded, etc.

To answer your question about "ride alongs" - you may not be allowed to do this. Insurance reasons again. Check with the company.

Sorry to hear that, shy... he was tricked because he trusted.

Thank you Shy...

Jesus... can anyone try and make a clean living without worrying about getting tangled up with the Law?

Thank God your husband was able to get out of that issue... my God!!

Whoa! That's a different angle... You shouldn't have to worry about the law...
Worry about crime trying to seduce and take advantage of any opportunity.

Thanks Captain...

No... I am one of those weirdos who thinks we live in a police state. I've had run ins with corrupt cops... on more than one occasion.

I think we have too many cops... too many laws... and not enough job opportunity... not enough family values. Too many government workers... and not enough free enterprise opportunity. I see government stangling business with regulation and BS.

Crime taken advantage of opportunity... hmmmmm... I would have to say Crime is created for one of two reasons. 1) Basic human emotion like; Hate, revenge, jealousy, envy and greed. 2) Money. Criminal enterprise for a profit. Drugs, weapons, gambling and vices.

For the most part... I don't have a problem with number 2. If people want to gamble let um. Drugs use can be controlled. Here's a good idea for that:

The War on Drugs - A Vision for the Future

Hey, acw

Before we go any further on this thread, I would like to clear up an abbreviation from your first post, and correct you on subsequent posts... the abbreviation is: OTR. It's short for Over The Road, as in long haul driver.

Then, I'd like all to note a subtle change in the thread, from the potential stifling of opportunities available to felons to, now, the apparent anti-social twist.

Yes, I believe we have enough laws to cover just about every aspect of what society is capable of ( I could be wrong ) and many laws are unjust and unenforcable. But, even in the harshest environment, beat cops have a tough task, every day they go to work.

Envy and greed, the chance to make a quick buck, poses itself to virtually every aspect of life. No matter what you do, or who you work for, or where you work, there is a potential for deception, waste, fraud or abuse, for personal gain.

The ultimate question is how you deal with any given temptation when confronted by it. Let your conscience be your guide and hope you make only the right choices.

Acw If you are interested in driving OTR try a small trucking service. I work for a small company and we have a few felons, that have worked for us for quite a few years. These are people that made mistakes served their time and are very dependable employees. Good Luck

Hello acw:

It's difficult because people don't usually trust someone who has broken the law.

However, I do know excons who have jobs. Imagine that? Yes, I suppose they had to work a little harder to get them. But they DID get them. I think I even know some who drive trucks. As a matter of fact, they offered a CDL course in the latest joint I was in.

excon

PS> Actually, I have never had trouble getting a job... I don't know why.