Empowering the Formerly Incarcerated: Second Chance Trucking Companies
Upon release from prison, individuals face numerous challenges, including finding employment. This is where second chance companies come in.
Second chance companies are businesses that hire or provide services for individuals with criminal records. These companies not only offer job opportunities, but also help rebuild trust and provide a sense of purpose for those who have been incarcerated. In this article, we will explore the importance of second chance companies and provide a list of second chance trucking companies that are making a positive impact.
Why Second Chance Companies Matter
Operating across various industries, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and transportation, many of these companies have embraced the Fair Chance Business Pledge initiated by the Obama White House in 2015.
This commitment, part of a broader national effort, calls on businesses to invest in their communities and eliminate unnecessary hiring barriers for individuals with criminal records. The pledge encourages businesses to provide these individuals with a fair chance by evaluating their qualifications rather than dwelling on their past mistakes.
Rebuilding Trust
Second chance companies, spanning sectors such as agriculture, retail, entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and more, not only provide valuable employment opportunities, but they also contribute significantly to rebuilding trust in society.
These companies demonstrate inclusivity, regardless of a person’s criminal record.
Empowering Opportunities in the Trucking Industry
Highlighting the trucking industry in this blog stems from its prominence as one of the leading, most well-paid sectors, offering numerous job opportunities and relatively accessible pathways to obtain a CDL license. Recognizing the significance of employment and purpose, second chance trucking companies go beyond providing jobs.
Trucking jobs may offer individuals, particularly those with a history of incarceration, a profound sense of purpose and belonging. Joining a trucking team not only facilitates economic empowerment but may also enable formerly incarcerated individuals to contribute to the industry’s success, aiding in the restoration of their confidence and self-worth.
While many organizations have joined the Fair Chance Business Pledge, that does not limit your opportunities to those companies. Below is a list of 10 companies that, according to our research, consider individuals convicted of a felony, mostly on a case-by-case basis.
List of Second Chance Trucking Companies
1. Cardinal Logistics
Cardinal Logistics is known for its commitment to offering second chances to individuals with a felony conviction. Each candidate’s case is individually assessed. Get information on Cardinal Logistics’ hiring process and criteria to evaluate your eligibility for a role.
2. C.R. England
C.R. England is a trucking company that considers hiring individuals with a criminal record. They offer training programs for those entering the industry and provide a supportive environment for building a career in trucking. Contact C.R. England directly for details on their specific policies and hiring criteria.
3. Perdue Farms
Chances are you’re familiar with PERDUE® chicken. What you might not know is that Perdue Farms has taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge and employs a private fleet of drivers.
Benefits for their CDL jobs include no-touch/low touch freight, pay for duty time (not drive time), up-to-date and safe equipment, professional dispatchers and support teams and individual recognition for safe driving milestones— plus a full benefits package. Go here to see their current offerings.
4. Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. is a renowned American multinational corporation and one of the world’s largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef, and pork. They have joined the Fair Chance Business Pledge to give people with past legal issues a second chance. Besides food, Tyson is also a major trucking company, offering job opportunities for those interested in driving.
Tyson has also made an industry-leading commitment to hiring veterans. You can find their driver job listings here.
5. Covenant Transport
David and Jacqueline Parker invested their hard-earned seed money to start Covenant Transport, with 25 trucks and 50 trailers. Today, Covenant has grown its portfolio of logistics and transportation solutions to help customers. Covenant celebrates individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those with a background. It’s been published that all misdemeanor convictions within five years will be reviewed. Applicants with active parole or a warrant for arrest may also be considered.
6. TransAm Trucking
TransAm Trucking, Inc. was founded in 1987 and specializes in temperature-controlled freight. TransAm operates a fleet out of its headquarters in Olathe, Kansas with terminals in Olathe and Rockwall, Texas.
7. Walmart
Walmart is a massive American retail corporation, known globally for its extensive chain of discount department stores and grocery stores. As a retail giant, Walmart caters to a wide range of consumer needs, offering a variety of products at affordable prices and is committed to social responsibility and has taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
Additionally, Walmart serves as a significant employer and plays a crucial role in the transportation sector, managing a substantial fleet of trucks for efficient supply chain operations.
8. PepsiCo
PepsiCo, a leading multinational food and beverage company, is widely known for its iconic brands such as Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, and Tropicana. In addition to its popular products, PepsiCo is committed to social responsibility and inclusivity.
The company has taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge, reflecting its dedication to providing opportunities for individuals with past legal issues. For those interested in PepsiCo’s CDL jobs, it’s worth noting that these positions prioritize local routes, allowing drivers to return home every night.
9. PAM Transport
PAM Transport assesses felonies on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since conviction or completion of the sentence, and the relevance of the offense to the job for which you are applying.
10. Swift Transportation
Swift Transportation is a second chance company who has signed the pledge. As a part of the application process, Swift conducts pre-employment background checks, and applicants are required to consent to these checks.
The company is also veteran-friendly . They have a wide range of programs, including veterans CDL training scholarship, a nationally approved Military Apprenticeship program, and the Swift Veterans program where they pay more per mile.
How You Can Support Second Chance Companies
If you are looking to support second chance companies and the individuals they employ, here are a few ways you can help:
• Spread the word: Share information about second chance companies and their impact on social media or within your network.
• Volunteer: Many second chance companies offer volunteer opportunities, such as mentoring or coaching, to help individuals succeed in their new roles.
• Donate: Consider donating to organizations that support second chance companies and their employees.
• Support second chance products and services: Look for companies that actively hire or provide services for individuals with criminal records and support them by purchasing their products or using their services.
Rebuilding Lives Through Employment
Second chance companies play a crucial role in empowering formerly incarcerated individuals and helping them rebuild their lives. By providing employment opportunities, rebuilding trust, and offering a sense of purpose, these companies make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.
