Many trucking companies say they hire felons. In reality, hiring depends on insurance underwriting, time since conviction, offense type, and whether a human ever sees your application.
This guide explains:
- How CDL companies actually decide who they hire
- Why insurance matters more than company policy
- Which carriers are known for second-chance hiring (and why)
- How to apply strategically instead of blindly
- What to expect in your first year
There is no universal “yes.” Policies change. Strategy matters.
⚠️ Reality Check:
If you apply online without speaking to a recruiter first, many companies will reject you automatically — even if they would have hired y
How CDL Companies Decide Who They Hire
Understanding the gatekeepers is more important than knowing company names.
Gatekeeper 1: Insurance (Most Important)
Insurance underwriting controls most hiring decisions—not the company’s willingness to hire.
How it works:
Externally insured carriers (most small and mid-size companies):
- Buy insurance from third-party providers
- Insurance company sets the rules on who can be covered
- Common restrictions:
- No felonies within 5-7 years
- No violent crimes within 10 years
- No drug trafficking ever
- No theft/fraud within 7-10 years
Result: The trucking company wants to hire you, but their insurance company says no. You’re rejected.
Self-insured carriers (large companies like Western Express, CRST):
- Carry their own insurance risk instead of buying external coverage
- More flexibility in hiring decisions
- Can accept drivers that external insurers reject
Why this matters:
Most “second-chance” trucking companies are self-insured. That’s not charity—it’s a business model that allows them to hire drivers others can’t.
The reality: Small “mom and pop” carriers often have the strictest hiring policies because their external insurance won’t allow flexibility.
Gatekeeper 2: Time Since Conviction
Most companies use time-based cutoffs that are non-negotiable.
Common thresholds:
| Time Since Conviction | Typical Hiring Accessibility |
|---|---|
| Under 3 years | Very limited options, mostly Western Express, Carolina Cargo |
| 3-5 years | More options open, including CRST, PTL, U.S. Xpress |
| 5-7 years | Most major carriers consider applications, including Swift, Werner |
| 7-10 years | Significantly expanded options, local/regional jobs accessible |
| 10+ years | Most restrictions lifted, offense type matters more than time |
Important notes:
- Time is calculated from conviction date or release date, whichever is later (varies by company)
- Violent offenses, drug trafficking, and sexual offenses often have longer waiting periods
- Multiple felonies are treated differently than single offenses
This is not flexible. If a company’s policy says 5 years and you’re at 4 years 11 months, you’ll be rejected.
Gatekeeper 3: Type of Offense
Not all felonies are treated equally.
Harder to get hired with:
- Drug trafficking or distribution (blocks Hazmat, insurance issues)
- Violent crimes (assault, robbery, weapons charges)
- Theft or fraud (cargo liability concerns)
- Sexual offenses (extremely limited options)
- DUI/DWI (especially multiple or recent)
Easier to get hired with:
- Non-violent property crimes
- Drug possession (not distribution)
- White-collar crimes unrelated to transportation
- Older offenses (10+ years)
Reality check:
If you have drug trafficking, violent crimes, or theft convictions within 5 years, your options are limited to 3-5 carriers maximum. If you’re outside that window, options expand significantly.
Gatekeeper 4: Automated Screening (2026 Reality)
Many applications never reach a human recruiter.
How automated rejection works:
- You apply online
- System runs background check
- Algorithm checks: time since conviction, offense type, driving record
- If any parameter fails → instant rejection
- You get a generic “we’ve decided to move forward with other candidates” email
You never spoke to a person. Your situation was never reviewed individually.
How to bypass this:
Call a recruiter BEFORE applying online.
What to say:
“I have a [offense type] from [year]. Does your company consider applicants with this background?”
Why this works:
- Human review before automated rejection
- Recruiters can flag your application for manual review
- You avoid wasting time on companies that will auto-reject
Strategy: Spend 10 minutes on a phone call instead of 2 hours filling out applications that go nowhere.
2026 Context: Important Hiring Realities
Self-Insured vs. Externally Insured (Why It Matters)
Self-insured carriers = more hiring flexibility.
Why second-chance companies are often self-insured:
- They assume their own risk instead of relying on external insurers
- This allows them to hire drivers that traditional insurance companies reject
- They manage risk through intensive training, monitoring, and rapid termination for violations
This isn’t about being “nice”—it’s a calculated business model.
Self-insured carriers can hire drivers with recent records, train them cheaply, and still be profitable even with higher turnover rates.
Key self-insured carriers:
- Western Express
- CRST
- Carolina Cargo
- U.S. Xpress
The “First Year Clean Record Effect”
12 months of clean OTR driving is the most valuable asset you can build.
Why this matters:
After 1 year with no accidents or violations:
- Insurance underwriters reassess your risk profile
- Future employers see proof of reliability
- Your felony becomes less relevant than your driving record
- Local and regional jobs become accessible
- Pay increases significantly ($50K-$65K+)
What “clean” means:
- Zero accidents (even minor ones)
- Zero traffic violations
- Zero failed drug tests
- Zero attendance issues
- Completed contract if company-sponsored training
Strategy:
Your first year is about building credibility, not maximizing comfort or pay. Companies like Western Express or CRST serve as stepping stones—not permanent careers.
Avoid language suggesting the felony disappears—it doesn’t. But a clean driving record reshapes how you’re perceived.
Mega Carrier Reality (Swift, Werner, Schneider)
2026 update: Standards have tightened.
What changed:
- Swift, Werner, and Schneider have increased time-since-conviction requirements
- 5-7 years is now common for many felonies (was 3-5 years in previous years)
- Policies vary by region and offense type
- Some divisions hire while others don’t (regional differences)
Why this happened:
- Insurance market tightening
- Increased regulatory scrutiny
- Focus on retention over volume hiring
Some companies hire in one division but reject in another. Always ask which division you’re applying to.
Bottom line: Don’t assume “mega carriers always hire felons” is still true. Verify current policies before applying.
AI Rejections: The Invisible Wall
Many drivers are rejected by algorithms, not humans.
How to combat this:
1. Call recruiters directly
Get human review before automated systems filter you out.
2. Ask pre-qualification questions
“Do you accept [offense] from [year]?” Get a yes/no before applying.
3. Apply selectively, not widely
5 targeted applications with recruiter contact > 20 blind online applications.
4. Request manual review if rejected
Some companies allow you to appeal automated rejections. Call and ask.
Companies Known for Second-Chance Hiring (2026)
These companies are known for hiring people with felonies—but acceptance depends on offense type and time.
Western Express
Why they hire:
- Self-insured
- High turnover model (constantly need drivers)
- OTR-focused (less attractive to experienced drivers)
Typical acceptance:
- Felonies as recent as 1-3 years
- Drug possession, theft, non-violent crimes
- Will consider violent offenses case-by-case
Time expectation:
- Often accepts felonies within 1-3 years
- Some offenses require 3-5 years
Reality check:
- Lower starting pay ($45K-$55K)
- Intensive monitoring
- High turnover (many drivers leave after 1 year)
- Good stepping stone, not long-term career for most
Contact strategy: Call recruiter, be upfront about offense.
Carolina Cargo
Why they hire:
- Self-insured
- Regional focus (Southeast U.S.)
- Smaller fleet, more flexible policies
Typical acceptance:
- Felonies within 2-5 years
- Non-violent crimes prioritized
- Drug possession considered
- Theft/fraud reviewed individually
Time expectation:
- 2-5 years for most offenses
Reality check:
- Regional routes (home more often than OTR)
- Pay: $48K-$60K
- Smaller company = less bureaucracy, faster hiring decisions
Contact strategy: Apply directly, mention second-chance focus.
CRST (CRST Expedited)
Why they hire:
- Self-insured
- Team driving focus (less attractive to experienced drivers)
- Company-sponsored training (invest in drivers upfront)
Typical acceptance:
- Felonies within 3-5 years
- Non-violent crimes
- Some drug possession cases
- Theft considered if 5+ years old
Time expectation:
- 3-5 years for most offenses
- 7+ years for violent crimes
Reality check:
- Team driving (paired with another driver, share truck)
- Lower individual income but faster miles
- Free CDL training (1-year contract)
- Good option if you can’t afford CDL school
Contact strategy: Call recruiter, ask about team driving requirements.
PTL (Paschall Truck Lines)
Why they hire:
- Self-insured
- OTR and regional options
- Second-chance reputation
Typical acceptance:
- Felonies within 3-7 years
- Non-violent crimes prioritized
- Drug possession considered
- Case-by-case for violent offenses
Time expectation:
- 3-7 years depending on offense
Reality check:
- Pay: $50K-$65K
- OTR and regional divisions
- More stability than Western Express
- Decent long-term option
Contact strategy: Apply online, follow up with recruiter call.
U.S. Xpress
Why they hire:
- Large self-insured fleet
- Multiple divisions (some more flexible than others)
- Constant hiring need
Typical acceptance:
- Felonies within 3-5 years (varies by division)
- Non-violent crimes
- Drug possession if 3+ years old
- Some violent crimes if 7+ years
Time expectation:
- 3-5 years for most offenses
Reality check:
- Pay: $48K-$62K
- OTR focus
- Larger company = more structured than smaller carriers
- Decent equipment and support
Contact strategy: Ask which division is most felon-friendly.
Stevens Transport
Why they hire:
- Self-insured
- OTR refrigerated freight (less competitive hiring)
- Company-sponsored training available
Typical acceptance:
- Felonies within 3-5 years
- Non-violent crimes
- Some drug possession cases
Time expectation:
- 3-5 years
Reality check:
- Pay: $48K-$60K
- Refrigerated (reefer) hauling
- Free CDL training option
- Temperature-sensitive freight = tighter schedules
Contact strategy: Mention willingness to do reefer work.
Important disclaimer:
Policies change frequently. These are general hiring patterns as of 2026, not guarantees. Always verify directly with recruiters before applying.
Why Smaller Companies Are Often Harder (Counter-Intuitive Truth)
Common misconception: “Small family-owned companies will be more understanding and flexible.”
Reality: Small companies often have the strictest hiring policies.
Why:
1. External insurance underwriting
Small carriers buy insurance from third parties who set strict driver requirements. The company has zero flexibility.
2. Cargo liability
Small companies can’t absorb losses from theft, damage, or accidents. One bad driver can bankrupt them.
3. Limited hiring volume
They hire 5-10 drivers per year, not 500. They can afford to be selective.
4. Personal reputation
In small communities, one driver with a felony causing an accident reflects directly on the owner.
Self-insured large carriers can take risks small companies cannot.
Western Express can hire 1,000 drivers with felonies, monitor them closely, and terminate the 10% who cause problems. A small carrier hiring 5 drivers can’t afford even one bad hire.
This is why the “second-chance” carriers are large companies, not small ones.
How to Apply Strategically
Applying blindly to 20 companies wastes time. Applying strategically to 5 works better.
Step 1: Identify Your Offense Type + Conviction Year
Write this down:
- Offense: [Drug possession / Theft / Assault / etc.]
- Conviction year: [XXXX]
- Release year (if applicable): [XXXX]
- Time since conviction: [X years]
This is your baseline for every conversation.
Step 2: Call Recruiters BEFORE Applying Online
Why:
- Bypass automated rejections
- Get human review
- Save time on dead-end applications
Sample recruiter script:
“Hi, my name is [name]. I’m interested in driving for [company]. Before I apply, I want to be upfront: I have a [offense type] conviction from [year]. Does your company consider applicants with this background?”
Possible responses:
“Yes, we can work with that.”
→ Ask about next steps. Apply.
“It depends—what’s the exact charge and timeframe?”
→ Provide details. They’ll tell you yes or no.
“No, we require [X] years since conviction.”
→ Thank them, move on. Don’t waste time applying.
Step 3: Ask Direct Questions
Don’t just ask “Do you hire felons?” Ask specifics:
- “What’s your policy on [offense type] from [time period]?”
- “Do you use external insurance or are you self-insured?”
- “Is there a waiting period after I’m hired before I can drive?”
- “What’s your monitoring process for new drivers with records?”
Get clarity before committing.
Step 4: Avoid Auto-Rejection Traps
Don’t:
- Apply to 20 companies online without calling first
- Lie or omit information (automatic disqualification when discovered)
- Apply to companies with known strict policies (Swift if you’re under 5 years)
Do:
- Target 3-5 companies known for second-chance hiring
- Be honest and upfront
- Follow up after applying
Step 5: Apply Selectively, Not Widely
Quality over quantity.
Target application strategy:
- 3-5 second-chance carriers (Western Express, Carolina Cargo, CRST, PTL, U.S. Xpress)
- 1-2 company-sponsored training programs (if you need CDL)
- 1-2 regional carriers (if you’re 7+ years out)
This beats applying to 30 companies and getting 30 automated rejections.
What to Expect in Your First Year
Your first year is about survival and credibility building—not comfort.
Lower Pay
Starting pay: $45K-$55K/year (sometimes lower)
Why:
- Entry-level OTR rates
- You’re higher risk in insurance eyes
- Limited negotiating power
After 1 year with clean record: $50K-$65K+ becomes realistic.
OTR Reality
Expect:
- 3-4 weeks on the road, 2-4 days home
- Sleeping in the truck
- Irregular schedules
- Physical demands (loading, tarping, backing in tight spaces)
Not glamorous. But it’s the path.
Intensive Monitoring
Second-chance companies watch you closely:
- GPS tracking
- Electronic logs (ELD)
- Regular manager check-ins
- Instant termination for violations
Zero tolerance for:
- Accidents (even minor ones)
- Traffic violations
- Failed drug tests
- Being late or unreliable
You’re under a microscope. Act accordingly.
Year One = Credibility Building
Goal: Finish 12 months with zero accidents, zero violations, zero incidents.
This unlocks:
- Better companies
- Local/regional jobs
- Higher pay
- Less monitoring
If you can’t handle 12 months of OTR grind, trucking isn’t for you.
Common Myths to Kill
Myth 1: “If one company says no, all will”
Reality: Companies have different policies. Western Express might accept a conviction that Swift rejects.
Action: Apply to 3-5 companies strategically, not 1.
Myth 2: “Getting a CDL guarantees a job”
Reality: A CDL is a license, not a job offer. Hiring depends on background, insurance, and company policy.
Action: Research hiring before paying for CDL school.
Myth 3: “Small companies are easier to get hired at”
Reality: Small companies often have stricter policies due to external insurance requirements.
Action: Focus on large self-insured carriers first.
Myth 4: “Old felonies don’t matter anymore”
Reality: Time helps significantly, but some offenses (violent crimes, sexual offenses, drug trafficking) carry longer restrictions.
Action: Understand your specific offense’s typical waiting period.
The Bottom Line
Trucking offers real second chances—but only if you approach it strategically.
Key takeaways:
- Insurance underwriting controls hiring more than company willingness
- Self-insured carriers (Western Express, CRST, Carolina Cargo) offer the most flexibility
- Time since conviction matters more than almost anything else
- Call recruiters before applying to bypass automated rejections
- Your first year is about building credibility, not comfort
- 12 months of clean driving reshapes how employers see you
This isn’t a shortcut. It’s a process.
You’ll start at the bottom with lower pay, long hours, and constant monitoring. If you can survive 12 months without incidents, better opportunities open up.
Don’t apply blindly. Don’t believe promises. Do your research. Call recruiters. Be strategic.
Next Steps
Before applying to companies:
- CDL With a Felony — Eligibility Guide — confirm you can legally get a CDL
- CDL Drug Testing Rules — understand federal drug requirements
- CDL Schools That Accept Felons — choose legitimate training
Understanding what’s blocked:
- Trucking Niches to Avoid for Felons — which paths require clearances you may not get
Start with these carriers (call recruiters first):
- Western Express
- Carolina Cargo
- CRST
- PTL
- U.S. Xpress
- Stevens Transport
Be honest. Be strategic. Be patient.
Trucking can change your life—if you do it right.