Getting Hired After a Violation
Most major carriers won't hire drivers with Clearinghouse violations. But options exist—if you know where to look and what trade-offs to expect.
The Reality Check
Most major carriers (Schneider, JB Hunt, Werner, Swift, etc.) have strict policies against hiring drivers with Clearinghouse violations. Their insurance costs and liability exposure make it too risky.
However, a secondary market exists: smaller carriers, staffing agencies, and owner-operator opportunities that specialize in giving drivers a second chance. These come with trade-offs you need to understand.
What "Second Chance" Actually Means
What They Offer
- •Willing to hire "Prohibited" status drivers
- •Will sponsor your Return-to-Duty test
- •Handle mandatory follow-up testing
- •May hire during or after RTD process
The Trade-Offs
- •Lower pay (10-20% below market initially)
- •Less desirable routes or freight
- •Probationary periods with strict oversight
- •May require lease-purchase arrangements
How to Find Second Chance Carriers
Search Terms That Work
Use these specific search terms to find carriers who openly recruit drivers with violations:
Staffing Agencies
Trucking staffing agencies often place drivers with violations. They handle the RTD sponsorship and follow-up testing, then place you with carriers who contract through them. This adds a layer of insulation for carriers concerned about direct liability.
Owner-Operator Path
Becoming your own employer solves the "catch-22" problem—you can sponsor your own RTD test. This requires capital for truck purchase/lease and establishing your own authority, but gives you control over your career timeline.
Local & Regional Carriers
Smaller local and regional carriers are often more flexible than national fleets. They may need drivers urgently enough to take a chance on someone completing the RTD process.
What to Expect
Pay Expectations
- •Initial: 10-20% below market rate
- •After 6-12 months: Often increases to near-market
- •After RTD completion: More carriers will consider you
Route Expectations
- •Often regional or less desirable lanes
- •May involve more physical labor (flatbed, LTL)
- •Dedicated routes less common initially
Questions to Ask Potential Employers
Will you sponsor my RTD test?
This is the critical question. Some hire after RTD is complete; others will sponsor the test themselves. Know what you're getting.
What's your policy on Clearinghouse violations?
Get specifics. Some accept any violation; others only consider first-time offenders or specific types of violations.
What routes/freight would I be assigned?
Understand the work before accepting. "Second chance" shouldn't mean dangerous or illegal freight.
How do you handle follow-up testing?
You'll have at least 6 unannounced tests in your first year. Make sure they have a process that won't disrupt your routes.
Your DAC Report Still Matters
Beyond the Clearinghouse, your HireRight/DAC report also tracks violations. A "Failed Drug Test" or "Terminated for Safety Violation" entry can block employment even after RTD completion.
You have rights: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccurate information. Request your free annual DAC report and check for errors before job hunting.
Successful disputes often rely on documentation—police reports, discrepancies in dates, or procedural violations during your termination.
The Path Forward
Complete RTD
Finish the Return-to-Duty process. This changes your status from "Prohibited" and opens more doors.
Build Clean Time
Complete your follow-up testing. Each clean test adds to your employability at better carriers.
Move Up
After 1-2 years with clean records, many mainstream carriers will reconsider you. Stay clean and patient.
Related Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from federal regulations and industry resources.
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Need Help Getting Back on the Road?
A CDL attorney can help navigate the RTD process, dispute DAC report errors, and connect you with legitimate second chance opportunities.
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