Facts on DOT Employment Verification

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Companies that rely on truck drivers to deliver goods must comply with strict DOT (Department of Transportation) employment verification requirements. The process ensures that new hires have the qualifications to do the job safely and effectively.

A DOT employment verification is more detailed than standard employment background checks. It asks for specific information about a candidate’s past three years of DOT-regulated positions.

Employment History

The trucking industry is essential to the nation’s economy, and companies that hire drivers to operate vehicles need thorough DOT-compliant background checks. These checks ensure your new employees have the qualifications and experience to drive your trucks safely. It also protects your company from legal issues that can result from hiring unqualified applicants with a criminal record or substance abuse problems.

DOT background checks go much further than traditional background checks and are more intensive in investigating candidates. These investigations focus on specific information, including driver work history, medical certification, and driving records. To obtain accurate information without breaking any laws, a trustworthy provider of DOT background checks must have a comprehensive understanding of the applicable rules and regulations.

As part of a DOT employment verification, the service will also query the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to see whether a prospective or current employee has any drug or alcohol violations that would prohibit them from operating a commercial vehicle on public roads. In addition, the organization will request a copy of the applicant’s Motor Vehicle Record from all states where they have driven. It will provide information about any driving-related convictions and accidents the applicant may have had.

A DOT background check service should also be able to validate the doctor’s credentials listed on the medical exam that an applicant submits to their employer. It will ensure that the doctor is qualified to perform this crucial test and is not a quack who can potentially risk your driver’s health.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

DOT-regulated companies need to conduct drug and alcohol testing on any employee who performs safety-sensitive functions. It includes truck drivers but also flight attendants, and security personnel. The DOT enforces the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 and has rules for when and how those tests must be conducted.

During the interview, you must explain to your candidate that you’ll be conducting a DOT background check and need their permission. If they consent, you can use a third-party employment screening service to contact their previous employers and get the necessary information.

A DOT background check will verify the candidate’s driving history and look for past DUIs or DOT-related violations, such as drug and alcohol test results higher than 0.04%. To obtain the most accurate information, it is recommended that you ask your candidates for an updated driving record.

DOT-regulated employees must submit to random and reasonable suspicion testing. Random testing must be administered following DOT regulations, which require that each eligible employee has an equal chance of being selected for a test each year. Reasonable suspicion testing can be based on observed behavior, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol. The person determining whether reasonable suspicion exists must have received adequate training covering the physical, behavioral, and speech indicators of probable drug and alcohol abuse or misuse.

Medical Examiner Certification

When a driver gets hired for a trucking company, the DOT requires medical clearance from a certified DOT medical examiner to ensure that they do not suffer from a health condition that would prevent them from safely operating a commercial vehicle. A DOT background check also includes a neurological exam to verify that the driver has no conditions that could affect their driving ability.

A DOT background check also verifies the applicant’s motor vehicle records from all states where they have held a license over the past three years. It will reveal any traffic violations, accidents, and other information that could impact a driver’s safety record.

The DOT also requires that drivers with a medical certificate carry one at all times or have a variation or exemption on the certificate from their employer. The Medical Examiner’s Certificate is essential because it details which drugs the driver cannot legally take while driving and the acceptable levels of alcohol in the blood.

Hiring safe drivers is essential to every business. High accident rates lead to expensive insurance premiums and lawsuits. A DOT background check will help protect a business from massive settlements resulting from an accident involving a company’s unsafe driver.

Driving Record

In addition to examining criminal records, drug test results, and physical exams, DOT employment verification requires the collection of a candidate’s driving history. It provides essential information about a candidate’s driving-related felony and misdemeanor convictions, accidents, driving school performance, refusal to take drug tests, and more. As a result, DOT background checks need to include an MVR from every state where the driver has been licensed over the past three years.

A thorough MVR should also reveal any suspensions and limitations on the candidate’s license, which can lead to safety concerns. Your DOT background check servicer should collect the MVR for each state where the candidate has been licensed and request hand-signed forms from each former employer confirming the accuracy of the MVR.

Performing these checks on new and existing drivers is essential to ensure compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. Fortunately, there are ways to streamline the process and get these background checks done without disrupting your operations. Choose a trusted partner that understands the complexities of DOT employment verification, so you can hire safe drivers and avoid costly legal issues. Then you can focus on safely delivering your products to customers and clients.

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