The short answer: most felonies do not disqualify you from a CDL. The longer answer is that they may disqualify you from specific endorsements (notably Hazmat) and from many freight jobs, depending on the offense and how recent it is.
The CDL itself
Federal regulations do not list felony convictions as automatic CDL disqualifications. The major-offense disqualifications under 49 CFR §383.51 require that the offense occur "while operating a CMV" — a felony committed in a personal context generally does not affect your basic CDL. The exceptions are: any felony involving the use of a CMV, drug-trafficking using a CMV (lifetime ban), and human trafficking using a CMV (lifetime ban).
Hazmat endorsement
The TSA Security Threat Assessment for the Hazmat endorsement disqualifies applicants with certain felonies. Permanently disqualifying felonies include espionage, terrorism, sedition, treason, transportation security incidents, and certain explosives offenses. Interim disqualifying felonies (7-year bar from conviction or 5-year bar from release, whichever is later) include most violent felonies, weapons offenses, drug trafficking, racketeering, and major financial crimes.
Hiring decisions
Most major carriers run background checks that look back 7 to 10 years and will decline to hire candidates with violent felonies, drug-trafficking, or theft convictions. Some carriers specifically advertise as felon-friendly — particularly long-haul OTR carriers in the regional and dedicated freight markets — and have hired drivers with non-violent felonies more than 3 to 5 years old. The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, established in 2020, also affects hireability.
Owner-operator independent contracting
If carrier hiring is closed off, owner-operator work — leasing onto a carrier or operating your own authority — is the most common path. You'll need to qualify for commercial vehicle financing or purchase a truck outright, and you'll need to qualify for commercial liability insurance (which has its own underwriting criteria around criminal history).
State-specific record sealing
Some states allow expungement or sealing of older non-violent felonies. A sealed felony does not appear in standard background checks, which can dramatically improve your hireability. Consult a local attorney about your specific case.