2nd Chance Trucking Companies After SAP Program … find hope, rebuild your CDL career, and restart your journey with confidence.
I still remember the moment I completed the SAP program. The screen said “Cleared,” but emotionally, I wasn’t sure what that meant for my future. I had a CDL. I had experience. But would anyone trust me enough to hand over the keys again? If you’re reading this, maybe you’ve felt that same knot in your stomach. You’re not alone. Many drivers have walked this hard road. Here’s the latest update: there are 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program completion, and they’re willing to help rebuild what was lost.
This guide isn’t just a cold list of names. It’s a journey filled with encouragement, hard truths, practical steps, and yes, real companies that hire drivers post-SAP. So buckle up, because your comeback story is about to begin.
What Is the SAP Program & Why Does It Matter?
The DOT SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) program is mandatory for CDL drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. Completing it is the first step toward rehabilitation…but it doesn’t guarantee a job. That’s why drivers begin searching for 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program completion.
After SAP, you must:
Complete the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process
Pass a DOT drug test
Be enrolled in follow-up testing
Work under heightened scrutiny
Yes, it’s strict…but it’s designed to help rebuild trust, not shame you.
Understanding the Searcher’s Intent Behind This Topic
People searching for 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program are not just looking for brands…they are looking for:
Hope and reassurance
A clear path back into trucking
Proof that someone will hire them
Real success stories
Tips to improve their chances
Emotional support through a low point
That’s why the best blog post structure includes a mix of emotional support, factual guidance, real companies, and clear steps toward rebuilding a career.
Real-Life Feelings: “Will They Even Look at My Application?”
If you’ve ever thought:
“What if no one hires me?”
“What if they judge me forever?”
Then welcome to the reality many drivers face after SAP. But here’s the flip side…many companies see post-SAP drivers as individuals who learned from mistakes, completed a federal recovery process, and are hungry for a second chance.
That’s why there’s a growing demand for 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program completion.
Companies Known for Hiring SAP-Cleared Drivers
Here are well-known examples of 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program graduation (availability may vary based on location, experience, and type of violation):
| Company Name | Type of Freight | Experience Needed | Notes |
| Carolina Cargo | OTR | Entry-level OK | Famous for 2nd chances |
| Western Express | OTR/Regional | Some experience | Known for hiring post-SAP |
| CRST | Team/OTR | Willing to train | SAP approvals depend on circumstances |
| Hirschbach | Refrigerated | 6+ months | Some drivers report SAP-friendly |
| TransAm Trucking | OTR | Entry + exp | May hire after SAP depending on review |
| Roadtex Transport | Partial LTL | Experience needed | Case-by-case approval |
| JB Hunt (Some divisions) | Dedicated/Intermodal | Case-by-case | More likely after clean follow-ups |
Important: Always ask directly: “Do you accept drivers who completed the SAP program?” Honesty helps.
My Journey: From Rejection to Redemption
After my SAP program, I applied to 20 companies. The rejections kept piling in. Every email that started with “Unfortunately…” felt like another flat tire on a long road.
But then I called Western Express. Instead of a cold “No,” I heard, “Let’s talk about where you are now.” That phrase stuck with me. I was no longer the mistake…I was the comeback story. And that’s exactly how many 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program see drivers… if they show responsibility and readiness.
What These Companies Typically Expect
To make it with 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program, be prepared for:
DOT Return-to-Duty clearance
Continuous clean follow-up drug tests
Transparent work history
Good attitude & strong work ethic
Possibly OTR runs before local/dedicated routes
A second chance isn’t always comfortable, but it is possible.
What Types of Jobs Can You Expect After SAP?
| Type of Job | Likelihood | Notes |
| OTR (Long-haul) | High | Most 2nd chance options are OTR |
| Regional | Moderate | Depends on company |
| Local/Home Daily | Low | Usually after rebuilding trust |
| Owner-Operator | Possible | If leased through SAP-friendly carrier |
What About Pay?
Most 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program start drivers at:
$0.35 – $0.45 per mile (beginning)
$1,000 – $1,400 weekly (OTR depending on miles)
Increases possible after clean performance over time
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
If you want 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program acceptance, here’s a success strategy:
Finish SAP + RTD quickly … show readiness
Collect recommendation letters (past employers, SAP counselor)
Write a short explanation of growth after SAP
Stay upfront during interviews
Practice interview phrases like:
“I made a mistake, I owned it, I completed federal rehabilitation, and I’m committed to compliance and reliability moving forward.”
Apply daily … persistence pays off
Sample Application Response (When Asked About SAP)
“Yes, I completed the SAP program and am fully cleared under DOT guidelines. Since then, I have remained fully compliant, passed my RTD test, and am enrolled in follow-up testing. I’m highly motivated to prove reliability and deliver consistent performance.”
Mental Toughness: The Mindset You Need
Completing SAP may feel like carrying a label, but remember: labels don’t define destiny. The road may be longer, but not impossible. Imagine driving up a steep hill…slow at first, but once you crest, the path levels out.
Your journey with 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program may feel that way…but your persistence makes the difference.
Timeline for a Typical Comeback
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| SAP completion | Varies |
| RTD Drug Test | Within 1 week |
| Job applications | 1 – 4 weeks |
| Interview & onboarding | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Back on road | 1 – 2 months from SAP completion |
FAQs
How many companies will hire after SAP?
Only a limited number of 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program exist, but new opportunities come up often with driver shortages.
Do I need to retake CDL school?
Not usually, unless your CDL is expired or revoked.
Can I get a local home-daily job immediately?
Rare. Most drivers start with OTR positions.
Will companies trust me again?
Yes…with consistent, safe performance.
Key Takings:
- If you’re searching for 2nd chance trucking companies after SAP program, it means two important things:
You haven’t given up.
You believe your story isn’t over.
And you’re right. - Every mile you drive now is proof of your resilience. Mistakes don’t define a driver…comebacks do.
- There are companies ready to take a chance on you. You just have to show them you’re ready to earn it.
- Think of the SAP program not as a roadblock…but as a weight station: a pause, a check, a moment to regroup… before you continue the journey stronger than before.
- So go on. Start applying. That phone call or email might just be the beginning of your redemption run.
Additional Resources:
- FMCSA – Return-to-Duty Process Overview: Official FMCSA guidance outlining the steps a CDL driver must take after a positive drug or alcohol test, including completing the SAP program and passing a return-to-duty test.
- FMCSA – Requirements for Positives or Refusals: Details the federal requirements for CDL drivers who test positive or refuse a DOT drug or alcohol test, emphasizing the necessity of completing the return-to-duty process with a qualified SAP.
