Is a felony an automatic bar?

[SEALTeam]

Here goes. I have a couple of years of courier van driving under my belt and would like to explore true expediting. I own an E-250 Extend Van with on-board GPS and mapping. I am considering movinh up to a 2500 Sprint Conversion to run regional, or really "step-up" and go to something like a Sterling conversion. Problem is, if I have a felony conviction is this an automatic bar to expediting work? Seems all the company driver application forms ask about felonies. I've never had a ticket, suspension, DWI/DUI and have a clean driving record. Can I run as an independent O/O?

 

[RichM]

A lot depends on how old the felony conviction is. If it's relatively recent none of the large companies will take you on. Some of the smaller ones just might, the problem you run into is that certain shippers will not allow convicted felons on their premises. Also many of the companies run into Canada and in order to do this you will need a Canadian Pardon.
You said you wanted to run regional,that usually doesn't work with expediting unless you are willing to return empty to your prefered location and possibly refuse decent paying trips taking you away from your preferred region.
Running truly independent with a van is not too practical unless you can find and keep some dedicated accounts. Good Luck

 

[SEALTeam]

Thanks Rich. Ouch! That sorta kinda shoots that idea down.