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Showing posts with label trucking jobs for ex-offenders and felons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trucking jobs for ex-offenders and felons. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Trucking companies look to felons to fill thousands of driver openings

By KEVIN SMITH | kvsmith@scng.com | San Gabriel Valley Tribune


 Trucking companies look to felons to fill thousands of driver openings
John Lauria spends his working hours driving a truck loaded with cases of juice, tea and energy drinks.
It’s quite an about-face for the 49-year-old Rosemead man who spent 30 years in and out of prison for drug and burglary offenses.
Since his last release three years ago, Lauria struggled to find a solid job. But that changed in February when, seemingly against all odds, he was hired as a truck driver for Haralambos Beverage Co. in City of Industry.
“When I applied for the job I was honest with them,” Lauria said. He got the job and now earns $17 an hour.
Lauria owes his turnaround in part to a growing U.S. labor shortage. As the long-haul trucking industry scrambles to fill openings for drivers, more than 40 large operators have tapped an unlikely labor source — felons.
The American Trucking Associations says the industry needs another 51,000 drivers to keep pace with increased shipping demands from Amazon, Walmart and other mega-retailers. The demand has prompted an increasing number of trucking companies to give non-violent, ex-offenders a second look.

Steps to a new life

Making the leap from inmate to employee doesn’t happen overnight. Training, either in prison or soon after release, is a key part of the transition.
El Monte Truck Driving school in Irwindale is among those helping get felons to work. Louie Pena, who handles recruiting and placement there, said the school skips background checks as it’s well known the trucking industry is often a lifeline for people with criminal histories.
“When someone pays $4,000 to $8,000 for training … they wouldn’t put up that kind of money if they weren’t serious,” he said.  John Kearney, CEO of Advanced Training Systems, said hiring felons makes sense, as these job candidates are especially eager to find work. Kearney’s Florida-based company makes virtual simulators used to train truck drivers.
“The concern is where you draw the line in terms of their record,” he said.

Case-by-case basis

Knight Transportation, a Phoenix-based trucking company with local facilities in Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga, hires felons. But they are heavily vetted, according to Vice President T.J. Presley.
Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, he said, which includes checking their recent and past history while also looking at where they are in life now. 
“There are a lot of great people out there who just came upon bad times,” Presley said.
Knight doesn’t hire felons whose convictions were as recent as five years ago. But those who are hired make good money.
“Entry-level drivers earn somewhere in the mid-$40,000-to-$50,000 range, and seasoned drivers can earn six figures,” Presley said. “We see a lot of turnover in the trucking industry because people with good, clean driving records are in high demand.”
R&R Transportation in Greensboro, N.C., also hires felons — providing that their crimes were nonviolent.
“If someone has a criminal record because they were arrested for drugs, whether it was 25 years ago or five years ago, that doesn’t matter,” company President Karl Robinson said. “But I wouldn’t hire anyone who was convicted of murder or did sex crimes.”
Help For Felons, a website that provides support and resources for felons, lists more than 40 trucking firms that hire drivers with criminal backgrounds. They include Swift TransportationJ.B. Hunt Transport Services, Knight TransportationBarr-Nunn Transportation and Western Express, among others.
Nine of the companies hire people with convictions that are 10 years old or more while others will consider applicants whose convictions occurred as recently as five years ago. Still, others hire on a case-by-case basis.

A good time to be looking

The current climate is good for felons in search of work, according to economist Chris Thornberg, a founding partner with Beacon Economics.
“The shortage of truck drivers is just one reflection of the broader economic situation,” he said. “There are more job openings right now across the economy than there are people who want to work. So people who didn’t have that chance three, four or five years ago now have a chance.”
But they have some catching up to do. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4 percent in January, its lowest level in a decade, yet the jobless rate among the formerly incarcerated stood at 27 percent.
“Right now, if you have a record no one will hire you unless the company has a policy of accepting ex-offenders,” Kearney said. “There are plenty of people out there who have made mistakes in their lives but would have a tendency to go in the right direction if they had a job.”

Employment drives recidivism rates down

Landing a job also could keep felons from a return trip to prison.
More than half a million people are released from federal and state jails and prisons in the U.S. each year and about two-thirds will be rearrested within three years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice.
But a study by America Works and the Manhattan Institute shows recidivism rates dropped significantly for nonviolent offenders who found work shortly after leaving prison.
In prison-to-work programs in six cities across the country, states with overall recidivism rates of about 31 percent to 70 percent saw those rates plummet to as low as 3.3 percent for felons placed in jobs shortly after their release.

Ban the Box

California is among more than 30 states that have adopted a “ban the box” law. That prohibits private businesses with five or more workers from making pre-offer inquiries regarding a job applicant’s criminal history. Inquiries are allowed only after a conditional offer of employment is made.
Despite that law and a willingness on the part of many trucking companies to hire felons, driver shortages are still common. While R&R Transportation has 14 drivers and 13 trucks, Robinson said he’s always in the hole.
“You never have enough,” he said. “Once they get two years under their belt, other companies will hire them. You’re always going to have some attrition. But if you get the right person and they meld with the culture of the business, they will stay. It takes time to get good people.”
Lauria plans to become one of those “good” people. He hopes to gain a strong foothold in the trucking industry — and stay here.
“Getting this job is the best thing I ever did” he said. “Definitely.”


  Trucking companies look to felons to fill thousands of driver openings


Trucking Jobs for Felons



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Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Nonviolent Ex-Offenders Offer Potential Labor Source for Trucking Industry

ATS’s John Kearney calls for sensible hiring practices, effective accelerated training, and national “ban the box” laws to make the most of an opportunity both for the trucking industry and for society.

https://www.prweb.com  MARCH 04, 2019

According to the American Trucking Association, this country’s long-haul trucking industry needs about 51,000 more drivers than it currently has to meet demand for shipping capacity from companies like Amazon and Wal-Mart.[1] Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4.0% in January, its lowest point in a decade and less than half of its recession-era level of October 2008.[2] “At the same time,” says John Kearney, CEO, Advanced Training Systems LLC, “there is a segment of the population looking eagerly for employment.” Kearney, whose company is a leading designer and manufacturer of virtual simulators for driver training, among other applications, adds, “Formerly incarcerated people, who currently have a 27% unemployment rate[3], are a largely untapped resource that could help the U.S. trucking industry fill its urgent need for new drivers.”

A frequently raised objection to hiring ex-offenders is the recidivism issue. More than half a million people are released from federal and state jails and prisons in the United States each year, and of those, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, about two-thirds will be rearrested within three years.[4] A joint study by America Works and the Manhattan Institute, however, notes Kearney, showed that recidivism rates dropped significantly for nonviolent offenders who became employed shortly after leaving prison. In prison-to-work programs in six cities across the country, in fact, in states with overall recidivism rates ranging from about 31% to 70%, the rates for those placed in jobs shortly after their release ranged from 3.3% to 8%.[5]

While a criminal record was once considered a knockout factor in evaluating a prospective employee in many jurisdictions, there is now a wide range of state and local regulations regarding the use of criminal records in offering or refusing employment. The practice of removing the criminal record question from employment applications is commonly called “Ban the Box.” In some places, Ban the Box regulations are applicable where the employee lives, and in others where they work is performed. Never, says industry consultant Lana Batts, do they apply to where the employer is domiciled. “The very nature of trucking,” says Batts, “makes compliance with a diverse grab-bag of Ban the Box rules a significant challenge; the trucking in industry, which keenly understands the costs of the driver shortage, needs a national Ban the Box solution applicable wherever a driver might find himself or herself in the course of completing a shipment.”[6]

Another important factor in integrating ex-offenders into the driving workforce, notes Kearney, is a reasonably streamlined training process. One important component of streamlining is the use of computerized simulation to familiarize new drivers with the proper way to handle situations too dangerous to attempt in conventional behind-the-wheel training.

“As with the shortage of school bus drivers,” says ATS’s Kearney, “also a growing source of concern[7], advanced training simulators offer an economical and highly effective approach to increasing the available supply of long-haul truckers. The technology can both reduce the cost of training and produce better, safer drivers.”

About Advanced Training Systems LLC:
Advanced Training Systems (ATS) is a high-tech simulator technology and engineering firm that has revolutionized the design and manufacture of advanced training systems to improve training and create safer drivers. ATS, the holder of multiple patents in high-tech training simulation, has as its mission to provide this cutting-edge adaptive training to all involved in the transportation industry at an affordable cost, resulting in safer drivers/operators. For more information, visit http://www.atstrainingsystems.com

1.    Long, Heather, “America has a massive truck driver shortage. Here’s why few want an $80,000 job,” Washington Post, May 28, 2018. 
2.    “National Employment Monthly Update,” National Council of State Legislatures, February 1, 2019. 
3.    Straight, Brian, “In search of truck drivers, are felons the answer?” FreightWaves, October 24, 2018. 
4.    “Recidivism Rates ‘Unacceptably High,’ says Sessions,” The Crime Report, April 9, 2018. 
5.    Cove, Peter and Bose, Lee, “Immediate Access to Employment Reduces Recidivism,” Real Clear Politics, June 11, 2015. 
6.    Batts, Lana, “Opinion: Trucking Industry Needs ‘Ban the Box’ Solution,” Transport Topics, August 25, 2017. 
7.    Osunsami, Steve, “School-bus driver shortage across US sparks growing concern,” ABC News, August 15, 
2017. 


Nonviolent Ex-Offenders Offer Potential Labor Source for Trucking Industry

Trucking Jobs for Felons




Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Trucking Jobs for Felons


Eric Mayo

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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

 Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?


 Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

Local mechanic donates auto shop to help train ex-offenders

I am a felon with four burglary charges on my record, two class 2 felonies, and 2 class 3.  I live in the southwest and have been out of prison for almost 2 yrs.  I am on probation for another year.

I was convicted in May of 2011.  Since I have been out, I have attended and graduated from a. automotive institute with a diploma in diesel mechanic. I graduated almost 3 months ago and can't get a company to call me back or even give me a chance.  Even my school does not give me job leads like they have all of the guys I graduated with.  I'm sure it is because of my record.

I just want to ask you a question. With my record do you think any companies with good benefits ever give me a chance?  I feel like I have wasted my time and the last year of my life attending school.

If you have any advice, I would appreciate it.

Thank you, sincerely,


Bobby

 Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

 

Hello Bobby,

Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?It seems that you are waiting for a job to come to you.  That probably won't happen.  I tell all of my students that finding a job is hard work.  Finding a job with a criminal record is harder work.  Ex-offenders and felons face tougher challenges the job seekers without records. 

One option would be to contact trucking companies in your area to see if they service their own trucks.  Because you don't have much hands-on experience you should apply as a mechanic's helper.  This means starting at the bottom, but you will gain valuable experience working with veteran mechanics. Often when you want something it means paying some dues.  Try applying at smaller independent companies.   This will also work at garages that service diesel trucks.  You can get a list of trucking companies and garages in your area from your local phone directory.  Another option is applying to national automotive service chains such as Pep Boys also as a helper.  In both cases I suggest you be totally honest about your past if questioned.

You may also find lists of open positions in your area at your local One-stop Career Center.  The center will also have other resources that can prepare you for a successful job search such as resume writing and interview preparation.  You can find your local One-stop Career Center at the link below.

http://www.servicelocator.org

Best of luck to you 


Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record



Eric Mayo

Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?


Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record

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Sunday, July 12, 2015

Felon in NC needs job to support family

Felon in NC needs job to support family


Felon in NC needs job to support family
My name is Cynthia.  I am still currently on probation with a felony. I will be on probation until 2015, I was told by a lawyer that my felony will stay on me until 2023.  The state I was convicted in had a first time offenders act where I didn’t show up in any system.

 I live in North Carolina where the first time offender act does not apply.  I have been jobless for over a year. I have applied at several restaurants, retail stores, and other various places. I have been called to several interviews but the outcome is when the employers ask me what my felon is for they tell me they can’t hire me. It is for theft. So, I am back at square one with endless job applications, and no success.  McDonald's even said they would not hire me. I have three kids, two which are special needs, and a husband who is also disabled.  My husband is receiving disability and that alone doesn’t pay all the bills. We get food stamps, and medicaid. I am wanting to get off the public assistance and support my family. Is there anything else that I can do to help with my employment seeking?

Felon in NC needs job to support family


Hello Cynthia,

Frequent readers of my blog know that I strongly suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to use the local one-stop career centers

Felon in NC needs job to support family
JobLink Career Centers are the one-stop career centers in North Carolina. These centers provide a long list of services that can help prepare you for a job or even training for a new career.  Each center has counselors that provide individual assistance.  Often these counselors have experience working with people with criminal backgrounds and know of employers who have hired ex-offenders and felons.  Among the services offered you will find lists of open jobs in your area.  You may also get referrals to other agencies that provide services that can help your family.  You can find the center closest to you here:

 http://www.ncesc1.com/locator/locatormain.asp
 
Because you have a theft conviction, you may not be considered for retail, cash handling or other positions where valuables are at risk.  That must be taken into consideration when applying for jobs.

I hope this helps.




Felon in NC needs job to support family


  

Felon in NC needs job to support family

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Thursday, July 2, 2015

Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs

Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs



Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking JobsHello, I was reading your site and have a question. I have a felony that was withheld adjudication on a constructive possession (a passenger in my car had drugs) a little over 4 yrs ago and that's it. But I can't get a job anywhere I've looked. I also don't have a CDL but can get one either through job training or school. I know about Carolina Cargo but that's it. Do you have any info on any other companies out there who will take a non experienced driver or newly trained driver with a background showing I plead guilty  but was with held? I was unaware at the time that this was pretty much no different than pleading guilty and being adjudicated with a sentence.


 Thanks.

 BCM
 

Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs


Hello,

Withheld Adjudication is not necessarily a terrible thing.  I get a number of inquiries regarding withheld adjudication / deferred judgement /deferred adjudication. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should understand what it means because it could affect their ability to be hired for some jobs. Withheld adjudication / deferred judgement/deferred adjudication generally relates to a determination by a judge to place a person on probation without a judgement of guilt. There will be terms set by the court, usually a fine and a period of probation. Once the conditions are fulfilled, the charges are normally dismissed. There will be no conviction related with that offense. If conditions are not met, a finding of guilty may be entered and the person may be sentenced according to the penalties specified for the offense.

So when completing an application that asks if you "Have you ever been convicted of a crime, you can answer "no" and rightly so because you haven't. The original charge will appear on a background check simply as a charge and not a conviction.  To absolutely certain of the status, you should check with the prosecutor or your probation officer associated with your case.  This is not intended as legal advice, simply general information. If you really concerned about the charge itself (employers are rarely concerned with charges.  They care more about convictions) you may look into having your charges sealed by the court.  Sealing is a legal process that conceals the charges from public view.  The charge will only be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.

Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs
As for trucking jobs for felons, the site below has a good list of trucking companies. A large number of them have hired ex-offenders and felons. Some have their hiring policies as they relate to ex-offenders and felons included.


 Each of the companies listed makes its own rules regarding felony convictions and the hiring of felons. Some will employ a driver after 5 years or longer since the conviction. Other companies won't hire felons, regardless. You must contact each carrier to find out exactly what their policy is concerning the hiring of felons.
 
I hope this helps.





Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs





 

  Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs

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Friday, April 10, 2015

Sex offender looking for trucking job

Sex offender looking for trucking job

 

Hi,

I'm a sex offender looking for a job in trucking.  It's hard to find a company. Can u help me?








Sex offender looking for trucking job


Sex offenses are among the most difficult convictions to overcome.  It is my experience. Sex offenders have a higher success rate when they apply for jobs that have limited contact with other employees or the public.  Truck driving is ideal for felons looking for a situation like this. Driving trucks is an option for many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.   I know many registered sex-offenders who are driving trucks. The challenge is to find a company that will offer you an opportunity. Here is a list of companies, some of which will hire ex-offenders.

http://www.truckersdispatch.com/truck-driving-and-felonies

This list includes notes of which companies consider hiring those with criminal backgrounds.

I hope this helps.



Sex offender looking for trucking job






Real Help for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs

 

 Sex offender looking for trucking job

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