If you’ve had a preventable accident in your driving record, you may feel unsure about your future in the trucking industry. The good news is that some truck companies hire drivers with preventable accidents, offering a second chance to rebuild your career. Many employers understand that mistakes happen — what matters most is how you’ve learned and improved since then.
This article explores which truck companies hire drivers with preventable accidents, what they look for in applicants, and how you can increase your chances of getting hired again.
Read too: Franklin Truck Parts Near Me: Your Complete Guide to Local Truck Parts & Repair Solutions
Understanding Preventable Accidents in Trucking
Before exploring hiring opportunities, it’s essential to understand what a “preventable accident” means.
A preventable accident occurs when a driver fails to take reasonable actions to avoid a collision. The National Safety Council (NSC) defines it as an incident that could have been avoided by the driver, regardless of fault or road conditions.
Common examples include:
- Backing into another vehicle or structure
- Rear-end collisions caused by following too closely
- Failing to check blind spots before lane changes
- Sliding off icy roads due to speeding
Truck companies record preventable accidents in driver safety files, which can affect hiring decisions and insurance eligibility.
Why Some Companies Hire Drivers With Preventable Accidents
Not every company disqualifies drivers who’ve made mistakes. Many “second-chance” trucking companies recognize that good drivers can learn from past incidents.
Here’s why:
- High driver turnover: The trucking industry faces an annual turnover rate of nearly 90%, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Companies are willing to hire drivers with imperfect records to fill the demand.
- Insurance flexibility: Some smaller or privately owned carriers have more flexible insurance policies.
- Driver improvement programs: Many firms now offer retraining or safety programs for drivers with previous incidents.
These companies prioritize honesty, improved safety habits, and clean performance since the incident over a perfect record.
Top Truck Companies That Hire With Preventable Accidents
While hiring policies vary, several reputable trucking companies have been known to hire drivers with one or more preventable accidents, depending on severity and time since the event.
1. Western Express
Western Express is one of the most recognized companies for giving drivers second chances. They often consider applicants with 1–2 preventable accidents within the last three years, as long as there’s no reckless or DUI history.
- Type: OTR, regional, and dedicated routes
- Minimum Experience: CDL-A license; some entry-level positions available
- Key Benefit: Fast re-entry into the industry with retraining options
2. Schneider National
Schneider takes a case-by-case approach to drivers with prior incidents. If the accident was minor and the driver has demonstrated responsibility since then, Schneider may hire after a 12-month waiting period.
- Type: Long haul and intermodal
- Key Benefit: Excellent safety and re-training programs
3. CR England
CR England is known for training new drivers and rehiring experienced drivers who’ve had incidents, provided they complete a refresher course.
- Type: Refrigerated and OTR
- Policy: Up to 1 preventable accident in the last 3 years
- Key Benefit: Paid CDL training opportunities
4. Swift Transportation
Swift’s hiring policy allows drivers with minor preventable accidents older than 12 months to apply. They may also consider those with major accidents after two years of clean driving.
- Type: Local, dedicated, and OTR
- Key Benefit: One of the largest fleets in the U.S. with flexible rehire options
5. TransAm Trucking
TransAm focuses on rehabilitating driver careers by offering ongoing mentorship and safety training. They often accept drivers with small preventable accidents if the driver passes a safety review.
- Type: Regional and OTR
- Key Benefit: Career growth and consistent routes
How To Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
Having a preventable accident doesn’t end your trucking career — but you’ll need to show responsibility and growth. Here’s how:
- Be Honest During Applications
Never try to hide preventable accidents. Companies perform background checks through DAC reports and insurance databases. Transparency builds trust. - Take a Defensive Driving Course
Completing certified safety or defensive driving training shows initiative and reduces risk perception. - Maintain a Clean Record Post-Accident
Demonstrate at least 12–24 months of safe driving after your incident to strengthen your application. - Ask for References
Former employers or safety managers who can vouch for your professionalism can make a big difference. - Apply to Smaller Fleets
Smaller carriers often have more lenient policies and value real-world experience over perfect records.
Preventable vs. Non-Preventable Accidents
Understanding the difference helps when explaining your history to employers.
| Type | Description | Example | Hiring Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventable | The driver could have avoided the accident | Rear-ending another vehicle | May require safety review |
| Non-Preventable | Caused by factors beyond driver’s control | Hit by another driver | Usually no penalty |
For a broader understanding of accident classifications, see Wikipedia’s article on traffic collisions.
What Trucking Recruiters Look for After an Accident
Recruiters don’t just look at your accident history — they evaluate how you’ve handled it. The following traits can offset a preventable record:
- Strong work ethic and punctuality
- Safety-minded attitude
- Completion of refresher training
- Clear communication and honesty
- Consistent employment history
If you can demonstrate reliability, many companies will overlook one or two preventable incidents.
Real-World Example: Getting Hired After a Preventable Accident
Case Study:
Jake, a CDL driver from Arkansas, had a preventable backing accident in 2021. After completing a defensive driving course and maintaining two years of incident-free driving with a smaller carrier, he reapplied to Western Express. Not only was he rehired, but he also advanced to a trainer position within a year.
This shows that continuous improvement and honesty can rebuild your trucking career — even after setbacks.
FAQ Section
1. How many preventable accidents disqualify a driver?
Most companies allow one preventable accident within the last three years. Multiple incidents may require additional review or longer waiting periods.
2. How long does a preventable accident stay on record?
Generally, 3 to 5 years, depending on the carrier’s policy and insurance requirements.
3. Can I remove a preventable accident from my DAC report?
You can dispute inaccurate records by contacting HireRight (the company managing DAC reports). If the company confirms the dispute, it can be removed or updated.
4. Do local trucking companies hire with accidents?
Yes, many regional and local carriers are more flexible than large national fleets, especially if you have proven reliability since the accident.
5. Will attending a trucking school help?
Absolutely. Completing a reputable CDL refresher course or retraining program demonstrates a commitment to safe driving.
6. What’s the best time to reapply after an accident?
Most experts recommend waiting 12 months after your last preventable accident while maintaining a spotless record.
Conclusion
Having a preventable accident on your record doesn’t have to end your trucking career. With honesty, retraining, and consistency, you can regain trust and find employment with truck companies that hire drivers with preventable accidents.
Companies like Western Express, Schneider, CR England, Swift, and TransAm all provide opportunities for drivers ready to start fresh.
If you’ve learned from your mistake and are committed to safety, your next opportunity is just a phone call away.
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