If you’re a truck driver who has experienced truck abandonment in your career, you’re not alone. While it may feel like a career-ending mistake, it’s important to know that there are places that will hire with truck abandonment on your record. Understanding what truck abandonment is, how it affects your driving record, and what steps you can take to rebuild your career is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know and offer a path forward to help you get back on the road.
What Is Truck Abandonment and Why Does It Matter?
Truck abandonment occurs when a driver leaves their truck in an unauthorized location without proper communication or approval from their employer. This could mean leaving a truck at a truck stop, at home, or in an unfamiliar location, especially with company cargo or equipment still inside.
Trucking companies view this as a serious offense because it can:
- Create liability issues
- Damage customer trust
- Lead to equipment theft or vandalism
- Interrupt logistics and delivery schedules
In many cases, abandonment is grounds for termination and can be reported on your DAC (Drive-A-Check) report, making it harder to get rehired.
How Does Truck Abandonment Affect Your DAC Report?
The DAC report is a background screening tool that most major trucking companies use to review a driver’s history. If you’ve had truck abandonment reported, it may remain on your DAC report for up to seven years unless successfully disputed.
Companies that check DAC reports may be hesitant to hire drivers with abandonment history due to concerns about responsibility and reliability. However, this doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Many places will hire with truck abandonment on your record, especially if you’re honest, show growth, and can provide context.
Places That Will Hire With Truck Abandonment – Your Second Chance Employers
Despite the stigma around truck abandonment, some companies are willing to give drivers a second chance. Below are examples of places that will hire with truck abandonment and what you can expect from them.
1. Smaller and Independent Trucking Companies
Unlike larger carriers, small or regional outfits may not use DAC reports as rigorously. They often focus more on driver interviews and personal references. These companies can provide:
- Flexible routes
- Short-haul or local work
- A more personal hiring approach
Your best strategy is to be upfront about your past and focus on your willingness to grow and improve.
2. Owner-Operator and Lease-Purchase Programs
If you’re considering a more independent route, becoming an owner-operator or joining a lease-purchase program might be an option. Many programs look at:
- Driving experience
- Clean MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
- Business mindset
These opportunities often prioritize skill and safety over past employment history.
3. Temp and Staffing Agencies Specializing in CDL Jobs
CDL staffing firms often work with companies that need short-term drivers, fill-in coverage, or seasonal help. Some of them:
- Offer trial positions
- Do not check DAC reports
- Focus more on skills and recent performance
Examples include:
- Trillium Staffing
- Centerline Drivers
- ProDrivers
These agencies could place you with multiple clients, offering a chance to rebuild your reputation.
4. Local Delivery and Final Mile Services
Final-mile delivery jobs don’t typically involve overnight routes or expensive equipment, making employers more flexible in their hiring. These include:
- Retail and home delivery
- Food and beverage distribution
- Parcel and courier companies
Think Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners), local beverage distributors, or appliance retailers.
5. Moving Companies and Specialty Freight
Companies in the household goods moving or specialized freight industries may have fewer concerns about DAC reports, especially for entry-level or labor-intensive roles. Look into:
- United Van Lines
- Atlas Van Lines
- Mayflower Transit
Even if you start as a mover/helper, these companies often offer CDL training and promotions.
6. Oilfield and Industrial Transport
In sectors like oilfield trucking, where demand for drivers is high and operations are in remote areas, employers may offer second chances if you show you’re committed. Expect:
- Tough conditions
- High pay
- Less scrutiny on past abandonment
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
Getting hired after truck abandonment takes effort, but it’s very possible if you follow these key steps:
1. Be Honest About Your Record
Most employers value honesty. Trying to hide abandonment is risky and usually backfires once background checks are done.
2. Dispute Errors on Your DAC Report
If you feel the abandonment report is inaccurate, you can dispute it with HireRight, the company that manages DAC. Provide:
- Written explanations
- Witness statements
- Communication logs
3. Collect Strong References
A positive reference from a former employer, dispatcher, or training instructor can help offset a negative DAC entry.
4. Keep a Clean MVR and CSA Score
Even if you’ve had abandonment, a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and a low CSA score (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) can help reassure employers.
5. Get Additional Training or Certifications
Enroll in refresher driving courses, hazmat endorsements, or defensive driving programs to show your commitment to improvement.
Why Some Companies Still Hire Drivers With Truck Abandonment
It’s important to understand that truck abandonment isn’t a legal offense — it’s a policy violation. While it’s serious, it doesn’t automatically make you unemployable.
Some employers:
- Believe in second chances
- Understand life circumstances (family emergencies, unsafe dispatches, etc.)
- Are more focused on recent behavior
- Don’t rely on DAC reports
What to Say in Interviews
When interviewing for trucking jobs after truck abandonment, your ability to explain the situation professionally is crucial. Here’s an example:
“I had a situation in my past where I made a poor decision under pressure. I left a truck in an unauthorized location during a personal emergency. I now understand the consequences and have taken steps to ensure it never happens again, including improving my communication and time management. I’m ready to show you I’ve learned from the experience.”
This kind of response shows maturity and accountability.
Red Flags to Avoid When Looking for Second-Chance Jobs
Not all trucking jobs that hire drivers with blemished records are good opportunities. Be cautious of:
- High turnover companies
- Unrealistic lease-purchase deals
- No home time or dispatch pressure
While it may be tempting to take the first offer, vet the company to make sure you’re not putting yourself in a worse position.
Rebuilding Trust in the Trucking Industry
Truck abandonment can be a temporary setback — not a permanent stain. The trucking industry always needs good drivers. With effort, transparency, and the right strategy, many places will hire with truck abandonment in your past. What matters now is how you move forward.
Final Thoughts
The road to rebuilding your career after truck abandonment isn’t always smooth, but it is absolutely possible. There are places that will hire with truck abandonment, and many employers are willing to give second chances if you show them your commitment and responsibility.
Focus on improving your record, gathering references, and applying to companies that look beyond your DAC report. With persistence, you’ll find the right opportunity and be back behind the wheel in no time.
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