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At Emerge Career, our mission is simple: help people impacted by the justice system get trained, licensed, and employed as CDL truck drivers.
Every student we enroll in trucking school needs to have a stable pathway to employment. We’re not just focused on getting you a piece of paper at the end of the road. We’re focused on setting you up for long-term success in a real career.
Why you might be placed “on hold”
Sometimes, your driving record or criminal background can make getting hired as a CDL driver much harder. This isn’t about judgment, and it’s not Emerge making up its own rules.
We work with DOT compliance experts and keep up to date on current industry hiring standards. Employers in the trucking industry have strict insurance and safety requirements, and certain background factors can be deal-breakers in today’s job market.
Common reasons you might be placed on hold include:
- Driving record issues: multiple recent accidents, serious violations like DUI/DWI/OUI, or certain at-fault accidents.
- License suspensions in the last 7 years from too many points related to traffic violations.
- DOT safety violations: failing a DOT-reported drug test or refusing a breath/field test.
- Certain felonies: violent crimes, sex offenses, or crimes involving a commercial motor vehicle.
The pathway forward: secure an offer letter
Being “on hold” can feel like a setback. But it’s our way of making sure that when you finish training, you’re not stuck without work. This step is about confirming you have an employer ready to bring you on despite your background — and ensures that we can deliver on our promise of helping you get a second chance in your career.
Here’s how to move forward:
- Learn how to secure a pre-offer letter: How to Secure a Pre-Offer Letter in Trucking
- Download the offer letter template [linked here] (Click “File” → “Make a copy” or “Download” as a .doc).
- Follow the advice on the article to find an employer who is aware of your background and will hire you once you have your CDL.
- Go through their hiring process and ask for a written offer.
- Send us a copy of the completed and signed offer letter at support@emergecareer.com with the subject line : “CDL Offer Letter – [Full Name]”
What happens next
Once we receive your offer letter, our team will:
- Verify the employer is legitimate by calling, emailing, and checking their business registration.
- Confirm the offer meets industry pay and conditions.
- If it checks out, move you forward toward trucking school enrollment.
Why this matters
We know this step can feel like a hurdle. But it’s about protecting your time and effort and making sure that when you finish training, you’re in a strong position to start your CDL career.
At Emerge, we believe in second chances. We believe in persistence. And more than anything, we believe that if you put in the work, we can make it happen. Let’s get to work.
