For many, truck driving is an exciting career possibility. It allows you the ability to work independently, travel, meet people and take on responsibility. It can also be a well-paying career, especially for experienced truckers.
However, if you are a Canadian resident with a criminal record, two things might stand in your way:
- The ability to be bondable
- The ability to cross the border
While it’s possible to work as a truck driver without these abilities, the position you find might be poorly paid. You may face disappointment as higher paid jobs pass you by. In addition, you might be shut out of training opportunities if the school you apply to requires a background check.
Dave, a client of Pardon Canada Services, knows what it’s like to be shut out of jobs because of a past mistake. He was charged with drinking and driving after catching an after-work game at a local pub.
“I know it was stupid. I should have left my car at the pub or taken the bus to work that day,” he says. “Since it happened I’ve done every possible to maintain a clean driving record.”
Dave enrolled in a truck driving school, and graduated with a perfect attendance record and a straight A average in all his course modules. Unfortunately, he was still shut out of jobs. That’s when he decided to apply for a record suspension and entry waiver.
“It’s something I should have done a lot earlier,” he says. “It really opened up opportunities for me and now I feel proud to be able to support my wife and five-year-old daughter by doing something I love.”
If you are considering a career in the truck driving industry, it’s a good idea to apply for a record suspension (also known as a pardon) and entry waiver. This will give you the freedom to work wherever you want and for any company you want. You’ll feel confident entering the industry knowing that you will be able enjoy the same earning opportunities as your peers.
Once you have your qualifications, there will be numerous opportunities available to you. The Conference Board of Canada has projected a major shortage of willing and able truck drivers in Canada. By 2020, this influential business think tank is estimating that there could be a need for up to 33,000 new drivers. As a result, companies are looking at ways to make truck driving a more desirable career, including higher wages, more benefits, shorter hauls, and more time home with family.
If you are considering becoming a truck driver, why not start now? Here are some things you can do to get your career off on the right foot.
Apply for a record suspension: This requires a waiting period of five or ten years depending on the offence and you must keep a clean record during this time. It will take time to compile your application and have it approved. If you have passed the waiting period and are eligible, it’s a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible.
Research truck driving schools: If you are in a waiting period, you may still be able to attend a truck driving school. While some might ask for a background check, this is up to the individual institution.
Apply for an entry waiver: Even if you have a record suspension, you can still be turned away at the U.S. border because of your criminal record. You could even be detained or barred indefinitely. Make sure you apply for an entry waiver before you get the job, so that you can be relied on to carry cargo across the border.
Work on your people skills: While many people are drawn to trucking as a career because of the perception that it will allow them to be independent and work alone, the truth is you will be working with the general public on a daily basis and will be expected to represent your employer professionally. Practice your communication skills on a daily basis with your friends, family, coworkers and people you meet in your day to day life and become aware of how you respond to stressful situations.
Be honest with yourself: If you are still using illegal drugs or if you have any problems with using alcohol responsibility, take care of those issues before you consider truck driving as a career. Enroll in counselling or a support group. Talk to your doctor about your options. Don’t let bad habits derail your future.
Are you considering a career as a truck driver? Contact us today to see how we can help you obtain your Canada Pardon or U.S. Entry Waiver.
We’re here to answer any questions you may have.