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By Michael Howe

     A number of outstanding questions were sent to me since the last column. Please continue sending questions and I will do my best to answer as many as I can. If I don't answer your question in the column, there is the possibility that a similar one has already been answered in a previous column, so I encourage reviewing the archives when possible. Thank you for making this column the success that it is.

 

FORM MAILER 2009-09-06T21:50:15

Submitted by: 98.222.46.249

From URL: http://www.layover.com/driverscorner/recruiter/reality-check-0908.html

  

Around 10/05/07, I was pulled over in my own car.  To keep a long story short, I got my CDL back on 04/17/09 and have renewed it to 2013. The pull over in October 2007 was my 1st offense (I'm now 52) for a DUI.  Do I stand a chance of ever getting hired? I've done everything by law that was required and have kept myself clean.  It's starting to look a little grim!

A DUI is a serious offense for anyone, but especially for a professional truck driver.  As a professional truck driver there is a reasonable expectation that you, of all drivers on the road, know that drinking and driving is a very poor decision.

Most carriers will see a DUI that is less than 7-10 years old and will automatically disqualify you from any hiring possibility.  Some may have lesser standards but are heavily driven by the insurance industry, so it is rather uniform.  Your best bet is to find a small fleet owner or owner operator that is willing to take the chance.

The truth is, the possibility of being hired by a major carrier is indeed very low, so it is grim.  

 

FORM MAILER 2009-08-31T16:58:21

Submitted by: 173.23.94.236

From URL: http://www.layover.com/driverscorner/recruiter/job-searches-0809.html

  

I've got a problem.  I applied twice with one company.  I called them and they said my first application was rejected.  I put in my 2nd one already.  Now I'm worried that it, too, will be rejected. What's going on here? I need a job really badly; I don't care how bad the economy is.

 

Your question and comments are actually fairly limited, so it is difficult to offer specific advice.  But, if the company rejected your application once, it is true they will likely reject it again (especially if you applied with little time passing in between applications).

Why did they reject you?  The fact that you applied again suggests to me that you did not ask why the first time or that they refused to reveal the reason why.  If you have not asked, do so.  If you did and they did not answer, then I encourage you to review your driving history, employment history, criminal history, and background information.  What sort of references do you have from prior employers?  A background report (formerly known as DAC) might reveal a lot of information that you need.

Even in the depressed economy there are many trucking companies hiring drivers.  You should probably look at other carriers, too, but if you are having difficulties with them then it is time to take an introspective look and perhaps accept some personal responsibility.  If you have offers from all but the one, then that is their loss.

Do some research, and best of luck to you.

 

FORM MAILER 2009-08-29T22:52:05

Submitted by: 67.142.166.22

From URL: http://www.layover.com/driverscorner/recruiter/

  

Is it possible to obtain a free copy of my DAC report, if so where can I get one?

  

You can absolutely receive a free copy of your "DAC" report.  It's interesting that drivers still refer to it as "DAC," as it has not been that for years.  It's actually just a "Background Report" now.

The company that administers this report is called "HireRight."  Like a credit report, you are allowed one free copy every 12 months.  This is important, and every driver should take advantage of this on an annual basis.

Once you receive it, review it closely.  If there is information you believe is false, HireRight will conduct an investigation.

To receive your free copy or to file a dispute, visit the HireRight web site at:  http://www.hireright.com/Consumers-Applicants.aspx.  Or you can call their toll free number at 1-800-381-0645

Your full name:

Your email address: (e.g.: you@aol.com)

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