Looking for a second chance trucking companies to work but don’t know where to begin? We’re here to help. In today’s job market, finding a trucking company willing to give you a second chance can be difficult.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best second chance trucking companies in 2024. Anyone interested in starting a career in trucking can benefit from these companies.
Here, you can find all the information you need to decide where to take your career next, from requirements and payment details to opportunities for growth and advancement. Even if you don’t have any trucking experience, this list will point you in the right direction. Here are 2024’s best second-chance trucking companies!
Table of Contents
What Is Second Chance?
Under the Second Chance Act of 2007, ex-offenders who have completed their convictions and served prison terms are allowed to reintegrate into society and work again.
Recidivism refers to former prisoners committing the same or similar crimes again and getting retried and resentenced. The Second Chance Act is aimed at preventing recidivism.
An ex-offenders chances of reoffending are reduced when he is given a chance to find employment again.
Ex-offenders re-offend primarily because they aren’t welcomed back into society, according to research.
Former offenders struggle to find work because no one wants to hire someone with a criminal record. Criminal records can still prevent ex-felons from getting a job even if they possess the necessary skills and qualifications.
It is also difficult to find work if you are an ex-felon. As an ex-offender, it can be difficult to find a job because 600,000 people are released each year from state and federal prisons in the U.S.
Second Chance comes into play here. Those who have completed their sentence can receive support from government agencies and nonprofit organisations. The transportation industry is one of the industries that adopted the Second Chance Act.
What Are Second Chance Trucking Companies?
Second chances trucking companies hire former felons and offer them stable jobs that pay well. Large carriers that travel across states mainly fall under this category.
Due to a shortage of truck drivers in the United States, ex-convicts can also find employment in the trucking industry.
The hiring of ex-offenders by second chance trucking companies does not guarantee a job for everyone.
You still need to meet a number of requirements. A commercial driving license is one of the most important requirements. It is impossible to work in this industry without one.
Commercial driving licenses are not available to all ex-felons. You cannot obtain a commercial driver’s license if the felony relates to a commercial vehicle or if you have committed certain felonies.
Assaults, murders, arson, treason, and kidnappings are among these crimes. A commercial driving license can be revoked if you have committed vehicle-related crimes, such as reckless driving and driving under the influence.
Top 20 Second Chance Trucking Companies
Here are the top 20 second chance trucking companies with their benefits, overall pay, and eligibility requirements:
1. Western Express
Among all second chance trucking companies, Western Express ranks at the top. The company also hires truck drivers, trainees, and trainers. Flexible routing, medical coverage, paid vacations, and a 401(k) retirement plan are some of the benefits they provide.
The average annual salary for the ranks is over $130,000. Commercial drivers can receive on-the-job training. Before applying, ex-offenders must have a perfect driving record and have been out of prison for at least five years.
2. Roehl Transport
Former felons looking for employment should consider Roehl Transportation. Upon completion of the training, they offer job opportunities. The average salary for an inexperienced driver is $70,000, while the average salary for an experienced driver is $82,000.
Roehl Transportation also compensates for layover days, intermediate stops, and detention time. Applicants must, however, be at least 21 years old, free of all transportation-related offences and DUI charges, and without a recent criminal record.
3. USA Truck
With more than 1,600 employees, USA Truck is a US-based trucking company. Their services include flatbed, intermodal, LTL trucking, over-dimensional, and bulk cargo transportation.
Ex-offenders are provided with opportunities to work as truck drivers at the company. You cannot have more than three moving violations or two preventable accidents within the past three years if you want to work as a driver.
4. Carolina Cargo
Carolina Cargo is always looking for new drivers. With over 200 trucks, it offers long-haul and LTL shipments. The company offers new drivers weekly training and orientation sessions, health insurance, satellite communication, and incentive programs.
Applicants must have a commercial driving “A” license, pass a drug screening, and be at least 23 years old. They must also have no more than five minor violations and no major violations in the past five years.
5. JB Hunt
With its paid apprenticeship programs, JB Hunt is one of the leading U.S. driving companies. Other jobs with extensive benefits are also available. The apprenticeship requires a minimum age of 21, three months of driving experience, and no alcohol/drug-related offenses in the past five years.
6. A.D. Transport Express
At A.D. Transport Express, we hire individuals with criminal records older than five years. In addition to receiving bonus payments by mile, you may also receive bonuses for referring new drivers. A.D. Transport Express also offers bonuses for clean roadside inspections, hazardous materials pay, and paid time off.
7. Cardinal Logistics
Former convicts can find employment with Cardinal Logistics in the transportation industry. Their services include transportation management, warehouse and distribution services, and transportation technology. Over 4000 drivers are dedicated to the company. In order to become a truck driver here, you must have a commercial driving license and pass a drug test.
8. Swift Transportation
With over 10,000 employees, Swift Transportation is one of the largest transportation second chance trucking companies in the world. Individuals with a criminal record older than ten years may be considered for employment.
Different types of trucks, such as dry vans, refrigerated trucks, and flatbeds, earn different incomes. The driver’s prior experience with over-the-road or local driving and operating trucks determines this. The company covers its employees with medical insurance, 401(k) savings plans, and employee assistance programs.
9. P&S Transportation
People with criminal records should be given a second chance. Each felon’s application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The applicant’s criminal record must be at least 10 years old, and they must be at least 23 years old. Applicants who have been convicted of DUI or DWI within the last ten years will not be considered.
10. Southern Refrigerated Transport
The Southern Refrigerated Trucking company reviews each application individually. Non-violent offences will only be considered by the management. In order to qualify, you must have at least four months of continuous driving experience within the past five years without a DUI or DWI. There are also other driving requirements.
11. TransAm Trucking
TransAm accepts applications from people with criminal records five years old or older. To qualify, you must have a valid CDL-A, be at least 21 years old, and pass DOT and drug tests. Since you’ll be taking the truck home, you’ll also need a safe place to park it.
12. Bay & Bay Transportation
Bay and Bay Transportation is one of the best second chance trucking companies that offers competitive salary packages, performance bonuses, and flexible working hours to fit your needs. In addition to providing full benefits, they also provide expert training programs to help you become a better driver.
13. Maverick Transportation
Maverick Transportation trains new hires without prior experience to earn a commercial driver’s license. For drivers with six months of on-the-road experience, there are sign-on bonuses for tarping and untarping flatbed trucks.
The company also offers driver referral bonuses. Maverick Transportation has between 1,001 and 5,000 employees.
14. Prime, Inc.
Prime, Inc. is a company with 5,001 to 10,000 employees that offers safety bonuses to drivers who don’t have any accidents. Every seven days that drivers spend on the road, they can take a day off. As a result, drivers are able to recharge and rest. Prime, Inc. also provides up to four weeks of vacation time, which accumulates from day one.
15. Eagle Express Lines
Eagle Express Lines offers jobs in sales, operations, marketing, and information technology to truck drivers and ex-offenders. Various vehicles are used to transport goods throughout the 48 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. A minimum age of 23 is required, along with no major driving offences and three tickets within the past three years.
16. Navajo Express
People with criminal records can find employment at Navajo Express trucking companies throughout the country. The program is looking for women who have served time in prison (ex-felons). The company also offers Navajo Express employees great benefits, including paid holidays, free meals, gym access, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, and 401(k) retirement plans.
17. STG Transport
STG Transport provides top-tier service and maximum pay with benefits like medical insurance, vacation time, and performance bonuses. This is the ideal place for those looking to start earning money after a few offenses.
18. Sunset Freight Lines
Sunset Freight Lines offers competitive salaries, bonuses, and safety incentive programs to experienced drivers. The company prioritizes driver relationships, so you can expect fair treatment from everyone you work with.
19. K&B Transportation
Drivers at K&B Transportation are prioritized for safety but may also receive bonuses occasionally (plus full medical benefits). No matter what happens on the road, their excellent customer service team ensures that all drivers are well taken care of.
20. Knight Transportation
If you have a flexible work schedule, Knight Transportation has something to fit your needs (and pay).
Top Second Chance Trucking Companies in 3 Major States
Here are three major second chance trucking companies in each of the three central states, Texas, Georgia, and Florida, if you are looking for second chance trucking companies:
1. Fox Freight Corporation
Fox Freight Corporation is one of Florida’s most popular second-chance trucking companies, with more than 1,000 employees. It is looking for drivers with at least two years of experience who are willing to work seven days a week, 19 hours a day, for about three weeks in a row.
The pay rate is $5000- $6000 per week at $0.6 per mile, with extra pay for additional stops and layovers. The truck has a refrigerator, and the driver can carry passengers or animals.
2. R And L Carriers
A popular second chance trucking company in Georgia. R and L carriers might be a good option for you if you are seeking a job as a company driver in Georgia. The company requires a CDL and a TWIC and offers full-time work for 15 hours per week.
The salary range for this job is between $1700 and $1800 per week, and you will need at least six months of experience. As part of their benefits package, they receive a 401k, fuel money, health insurance, sick pay, vision insurance, and life insurance. The job requires you to drive locally and regionally, and you must own your own truck.
3. Regional Liquid Tanker (Schwerman Trucking Co)
With over 500 employees, Schwerman Trucking Co. is one of Texas’ top second-chance trucking companies. Drivers with CDLs, OTRs, and good MVRs are needed. A full-time driver can earn $4,000 per week, while a part-time driver may earn $0.3 to $0.5 per mile. They offer a variety of routes, bonuses, and safe insurance for their vehicles.
SAP-Friendly Trucking Companies in Texas
Want to find second chance trucking companies? There is a possibility that you will be in luck with Texas-based companies. There are also second chance loans for bad credit to people with poor credit scores.
In order to assist those with background issues or criminal records, SAP (Safety Awareness Program) is provided.
For drivers who might not qualify for regular trucking jobs, SAP-friendly trucking offers second chance trucking companies training and support.
From large national outfits to smaller regional fleets, the Lone Star State has an increasing number of second-chance employers.
Below is a list of SAP-Friendly second chance trucking companies in Texas:
- The ABC Freight Company,
- The Bluebird Logistics Group,
- The Coyote Logistics LLC,
- Transportation services provided by Roadrunner.
While gaining experience on the road, these second-chance trucking companies offer various services to help their drivers succeed.
What is the Importance of Second Chance Trucking Companies?
Several reasons make second chance trucking companies so important, including:
1. Social Reintegration:
Upon release from prison, people with criminal histories often face major obstacles in reintegrating into society. Through second chance trucking companies people can reintegrate into society in a planned and encouraging way, reducing feelings of alienation and disenfranchisement.
2. Reduction in Recidivism
By providing work opportunities and a secure environment, these businesses reduce the risk that ex-offenders will relapse into criminal behaviour. Stable employment is a key indicator of decreased recidivism.
3. Economic Gains
The second chance trucking companies provide valuable employment opportunities for people with criminal histories. They reduce the financial burden on assistance programs and increase tax revenues by lowering ex-offenders unemployment rates.
4. Breaking Stereotypes
Providing second chances challenges cultural stigmas and assumptions about people with criminal histories. Given the right assistance and opportunities, many of these people can be just as reliable, effective, and devoted as anyone else.
5. Human Rights Viewpoint
As a human rights advocate, I believe that everyone has the right to atonement and the right to live a happy life. By offering second chances to trucking companies at work, these organizations maintain the idea that every individual has inherent value and ability.
6. Building Trust
By implementing tight restrictions and routine monitoring, second-chance trucking companies also work to rebuild trust between former criminals and the community. Trust is essential for society to develop and cohere.
7. Community Growth
A flourishing community is one in which all members are active, productive, and given the chance to participate. Ex-offenders are incorporated into the workforce and community initiatives at these businesses, which promote cooperation and group development.
There are two purposes served by second chance trucking companies. Additionally, second chance trucking companies also provide job opportunities as well as opportunities for everyone to grow and participate in inclusive communities.
FAQ’s
1. What is Second Chance Driving?
Second Chance Driving’s name suggests that the words ‘second chance’ refer to the Second Chance Act under US state government law. As many companies require their employees to be free of inappropriate convictions and incarcerations, this law allows convicted or incarcerated individuals to seek employment.
2. Can You Still Drive Trucks If You Fail a Drug Test?
Failure to pass a drug test prevents you from driving commercial vehicles. This period may vary depending on the rules and policies. Failure to pass a drug or alcohol test requires you to stop doing safety-sensitive functions immediately, according to US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Before you can resume your duties, you will need to complete the return-to-duty process. An evaluation by a substance abuse professional, possible treatment, and follow-up testing are typically part of this process.
3. How Far Back Do Trucking Companies Check Driving Records?
When determining your eligibility for employment, trucking companies usually examine your driving history for the past three years. Depending on the severity of the violation, they may go back as far as ten years. If you are applying for a job, you should be honest and upfront about your driving history.
Conclusion
Truck drivers with blemished pasts have quite a few options in 2024. Although some companies may have stricter requirements, most offer second chances to those with criminal records.
Make sure you research the companies and understand any additional requirements, such as defensive driving classes or a skills test. Many second-chance trucking companies offer second-chance employment opportunities. The road to recovery is within your grasp if you put in some effort and determination. Need more guidance? Stay tuned with us!
