Pam..... Easy school to get into?

I am searching for a school with a terrible background and no "on paper work history."

Long story short:

I got in trouble when I was 17 years old. I served 36 months on a 7-year prison sentence in Texas. I came home in 2011 and violated my parole six months later in 2012 and went back for a year.

After the last trip, I had a daughter on the way and I was transitioning from being a stupid young kid to an adult. I came home in late 2012 (11 years back) and have never been in trouble. I don't have any alcohol, I don't smoke weed or tobacco.

With that said, I started working for a Tree Company back in 2012, worked for them for 2 years, then I bought my own diesel, trailer, and chipper. Ever since 2014, I've been working for myself, climbing trees all over the state under the table. I've been climbing in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, but have no way to show it other than photos from all of the jobs with me at the top of a tree. Most customers were paid in cash. On top of this, I'm worried about my future, health insurance, 401k, things I do not currently have.

Now I'm getting older, in my 30's, my body isn't what it used to be and I'm looking to transition from tree climbing to trucking. I'm still in very good shape. I climb 10-20 trees a day, and carry 200+ lb trunks up hills all day, so tarping, loading, unloading, anything physical will be of no problem to me. I'm willing to go over the road for 6 months to a year and hit it hard to gain experience and open up a future in trucking, and also benefits.


With all of the above said: I'm looking for a trucking school that won't hound me over my 11 year old convictions and will let me make it with my work history being under the table?


I saw Pam is hiring in my area via local ads and now has dropped the commitment to only 6 months to paying for the school. I know they aren't a great company, but I'm willing to work for anybody for 6 months who's willing to train me and help me get started. Is this school easy to get into with my history?

Any other schools?

 

Another question I have for you guys. If all else fails getting into a school. I would be open to doing Hot-Shotting or Moving. My next questions would be
am I able to get my own DOT number and Authority with previous felonies?

I do have money in the bank to buy trailers, insurance, and I do have a 2500 gas and 3500 Diesel truck.

If I was to get my own authority and DOT number, that would enable me to use load boards also, right?

 

I live in Texas. (Austin Area) to be exact. 0 accidents / 0 tickets in 17+ years of driving.

Edit* I have had one speeding ticket. But I don't think it shows. I took defensive driving for it.

 

2018.