Yes, Old Dominion Freight Line sometimes hires people with felony convictions. Current Old Dominion job listings say criminal history is reviewed after a conditional job offer, and the company may withdraw the offer if it believes the conviction is relevant to the job.
The outcome will depend on what the conviction was for, how long ago it happened, and which job you apply for.
Some jobs at Old Dominion also require a Hazmat endorsement. Certain felony convictions will temporarily or permanently prevent you from getting that credential.
Does Old Dominion Have a Felony Hiring Policy?
Old Dominion Freight isn’t a second-chance employer, and it doesn’t publish a list of convictions it will or will not accept.
However, its current job postings make it clear that having a criminal record doesn’t automatically end in rejection.
Criminal history is reviewed after a conditional job offer is made, and hiring decisions take into account the type and seriousness of the offense, how much time has passed, and its relevance to the job.
What Jobs Does Old Dominion Hire For?
Old Dominion Freight Line is best known for trucking, but not everyone who works there is a driver.
Jobs include:
- Local and linehaul drivers
- Loading dock and forklift workers
- Driver/dock combination positions
- Fleet maintenance jobs
- Office and administrative positions
- Sales and customer service roles
For someone with a felony, support work may sometimes be easier to qualify for than driving.
Can You Drive for Old Dominion With a Felony?
Possibly. But Old Dominion is stricter than many trucking companies because their drivers need a Hazmat endorsement.
To get a Hazmat endorsement, drivers need to pass the TSA background check, and some felonies are permanently or temporarily disqualifying.
The permanently disqualifying offenses for Hazmat endorsement are:
- Murder
- Terrorism
- Espionage
- Sedition
- Treason
- Offenses involving explosives or explosive devices
- Some RICO violations
- A crime involving a transportation security incident
- Improper transportation of a hazardous material
- Conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes
If you have a conviction within the last 7 years, or were released from prison in the last 5 years for any of these offenses, you will not currently qualify for a Hazmat endorsement
- Kidnapping or hostage taking
- Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
- Extortion
- Robbery
- Arson
- Bribery
- Smuggling
- Immigration violations
- RICO violations
- Distribution of, possession with intent to distribute, or importation of a controlled substance
- Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud
- Unlawful possession, use, sale, manufacture, purchase, distribution, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, delivery, import, export of, or dealing in firearms or other weapons
- Conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes
What Background Check Does Old Dominion Do?
Old Dominion carries out background screening after making a conditional job offer. In addition to running a criminal background check, they’ll verify your identity and the other information on your application.
For drivers, the company also reviews your driving record, CDL status, and driving experience. Drivers also need to meet Department of Transportation medical and drug-testing requirements.
Old Dominion doesn’t use a company-wide criminal background check lookback period. Some states limit how far back a criminal records check can go.
But state limits do not affect the criminal records search for a Hazmat endorsement.
If you want to drive for Old Dominion Freight and you haven’t already got a Hazmat endorsement, check your felony against the TSA list above to find out if you can pass that check before applying for a CDL job.
Does Old Dominion Drug Test?
Yes. Old Dominion uses pre-employment drug testing for all potential new hires.
Drivers will also face random drug screens under federal DOT drug and alcohol testing rules after they are hired.
The company uses a 5-panel urine screen that looks for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Amphetamines
- PCP
Does Old Dominion Hire Felons on Probation?
Employee reports say it’s possible to get hired for some positions while you’re on probation. Old Dominion may be more willing to hire workers who are near the end of their supervision period than those just getting started.
What Felonies Could Cause Problems?
Some convictions are more likely to create problems than others. Convictions involving theft, fraud, robbery, violence, weapons, or serious driving offenses could be disqualifying depending on their age and severity.
Drug trafficking and some other crimes also create problems with Hazmat eligibility.
Does Old Dominion Offer Paid CDL Training?
Yes, you can get paid while you earn your CDL with Old Dominion. The Old Dominion Truck Driving Training Program covers 280 hours of hands-on and classroom training. You’ll need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before beginning class.
They also offer a Driver Tuition Reimbursement Program for some newly qualified drivers.
If you recently completed an approved truck driving training program and Old Dominion hires you for a Class A CDL driver job, you could get up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement.
To qualify, you need to:
- Be a current CDL student or have graduated within the last year
- Apply for an open Class A CDL driver position
- Meet the company’s hiring standards and all DOT driver requirements
Within the truck driving community, Old Dominion is regarded as one of the best companies for new drivers to start with, and their tuition reimbursement is a nice bonus if you qualify.
Is Old Dominion Worth Applying To With a Felony?
Yes, in many cases it is worth applying. Old Dominion doesn’t have a blanket policy that automatically rejects everyone with a felony conviction.
Your chances will depend heavily on the offense, how much time has passed, and the job you want. Check the job requirements first and apply if you meet them.
FAQ
Can You Work on the Loading Dock at Old Dominion With a Felony?
Loading Dock work doesn’t require a CDL, so these jobs can be easier to qualify for. But you’ll still need to pass a background check. Old Dominion also offers a Dock to Driver program where employees get training to qualify for a CDL and drive for the company.
Does Old Dominion Freight Hire Felons With Recent Convictions?
Possibly, but a recent felony will be harder to overcome than an older conviction. The type of offense and the job you apply for will also matter.
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