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Trucking Companies That Hire with 4 Moving Violations

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What Trucking Companies Hire CDL Drivers with 4 Moving Violations in the U.S.?

Some major U.S. carriers may consider applicants with 4 moving violations, depending on violation severity, recency, and overall safety history. Hiring decisions typically weigh your MVR, CSA/PSP records, recent DOT inspections, and participation in required safety programs. Policies change frequently, so always confirm current criteria with the carrier.

Company U.S.-Specific Hiring Criteria (subject to change)
Swift Transportation Has historically considered applicants with multiple violations when there are no DOT‑recordable crashes within the past 36 months and recent clean inspections; verify current policy on the Swift careers page
Schneider National Case-by-case review focusing on violation type and recency; disqualifying issues often include egregious HOS, DUI, or drug/alcohol violations. See Schneider’s driving requirements
CRST Offers training and onboarding pathways that may help drivers address safety gaps and improve hireability over time; check the CRST careers page for current options
Western Express Known to review applicants with multiple violations on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing no reckless driving or DUI and current compliance with ELD/HOS rules; see Western Express driver opportunities

Note: The examples above are for general guidance only. Each carrier’s safety and insurance requirements may be stricter than FMCSA minimums. Always verify with a recruiter.

How Do U.S. Trucking Companies Assess Drivers with Multiple Moving Violations?

FMCSA-regulated carriers commonly use a multi-factor review for applicants with heavier violation histories:

  • Violation severity (e.g., 15+ MPH over limit, reckless driving, or following too closely carry greater weight than minor speeding)
  • Time since last violation (many carriers prefer 18–24 months of clean driving)
  • State-specific and regulatory issues (e.g., strict enforcement areas, equipment/emissions rules in California, etc.)
  • CSA/PSP history (Unsafe Driving and Crash Indicator BASICs are closely reviewed; consider pulling your own PSP record via FMCSA’s PSP)
  • DAC report and employment history accuracy (via HireRight); learn more about DAC files here
  • Drug and alcohol program compliance (registration and consent in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse are essential)
  • Endorsements and freight type (Tanker/Hazmat and specialized freight often have stricter limits)

What Are the Best U.S. Alternatives for CDL Holders with 4+ Violations?

Niche opportunities can offer pathways while you rebuild your record:

  • Hotshot trucking (under 26,001 GVWR can reduce some regulatory hurdles; verify insurance and state requirements)
  • Agricultural operations and exemptions (state- and season-specific; see FMCSA’s ag/ELD guidance here)
  • Local construction (dump, aggregate, and site work fleets may be more flexible on MVRs)
  • Oilfield services (Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota operators sometimes hire drivers with tougher MVRs for field support and regional hauling)

How to Prepare Your FMCSA-Compliant Application with 4 Moving Violations

  1. Obtain a 3-year MVR from each state where you’ve held a license during that period (most carriers require this)
  2. Complete a valid DOT physical with an NRCME-listed examiner and keep your Medical Examiner’s Certificate current. Find examiners via the FMCSA National Registry
  3. Pull your PSP record and review roadside inspections/crashes for accuracy (request via FMCSA PSP)
  4. Gather training certificates (e.g., defensive driving, HOS/ELD compliance, cargo securement). The Smith System is widely recognized: Smith System
  5. Prepare concise written explanations for each violation using a factual, corrective-action format (what happened, what you learned, and what you’ve changed)

Proven Tactics to Improve Hiring Chances After Violations

  • Earn a recognized defensive driving certification (e.g., Smith System) and include it with your application
  • Demonstrate clean, ELD-compliant logs and knowledge of HOS rules; see FMCSA’s ELD overview here
  • Reduce IFTA audit risk by keeping organized digital fuel receipts and mileage data (learn more at IFTA)
  • Obtain a TWIC card to expand port and secure-facility opportunities (TSA TWIC)
  • Register in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, monitor your record, and promptly provide consent to employer queries (Clearinghouse)

FAQs: U.S. Trucking Jobs with Multiple Moving Violations

1. What’s the difference between 3 vs. 4 moving violations for CDL jobs?

Every carrier sets its own thresholds, but a common pattern is:
– 3 violations (in 3 years): Some regional or dedicated routes may still be possible with strong recent performance and clean inspections
– 4 violations (in 3 years): Options narrow; applicants are more often considered for OTR or higher-turnover lanes while rebuilding their record
Ultimately, violation type and recency matter more than the absolute count.

2. How long do violations affect my CDL in most states?

Lookback periods vary by state and program:
– State MVRs: Most carriers and insurers review the past 3–5 years; points/timeframes vary by state (California typically counts points for 36 months)
– FMCSA PSP: Contains 5 years of crash data and 3 years of roadside inspection data
– Serious violations (e.g., DUI, reckless driving): Often affect hiring eligibility for 7–10 years or more
Check your state DMV and verify how long specific violations remain on record.

3. Can I bypass violation limits by getting my own authority?

Possibly, but insurance and startup costs are the major hurdle.
– New entrants with multiple violations often see commercial auto premiums in the $18,000–$35,000/year range (or higher)
– Federal minimum financial responsibility for most general freight is $750,000, but many shippers/brokers require $1,000,000; see FMCSA guidance here

4. What state is most lenient for violation-heavy CDL holders?

“Leniency” is less about the state and more about carrier and insurer risk tolerance. That said, some states (e.g., South Dakota, Texas, Florida) offer business-friendly tax environments that can reduce operating costs for owner-operators. South Dakota also has relatively straightforward registration processes for small operations. However, carrier hiring decisions and insurance underwriting will still hinge on your MVR, PSP, and safety history. Always verify intrastate operating requirements with your state’s DOT or motor carrier office (e.g., South Dakota Motor Carrier Services).

U.S. Trucking Industry Resources