It’s not just about terrorism. Warnings that trucks could be the next weapons of mass destruction are chilling reminders that we shouldn’t put strangers behind the wheel. But thorough driver screenings is about a lot of other things
: cargo security, highway safety, liability for accidents, even the industry’s image.
With the promise of a better economy ahead, now is an excellent time to review hiring procedures and policies. In the July issue of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, Senior Editor Patricia Smith looks at steps carriers might take to close obvious loopholes in the driver screening process, as well as proposed rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation that are expected to change some aspects of the process.
For instance, Smith notes, even though current federal regulations give you 30 days to pull driver motor vehicle records, safety experts urge carriers to get those records before ever putting drivers behind the wheel. In addition, MVRs don’t always tell the full story, although proposed rules changes would mend some of those gaps.
In addition, previous employers may have a wealth of information about the applicant in your office, but getting that information is a frustrating challenge. Most legal experts recommend that previous employers do no more than confirm that someone worked there. Otherwise, they’re open to a lawsuit. Nevertheless, federal rules require a “diligent effort” to contact an applicant’s previous employers for the past three years.
Other areas Smith recommends evaluating in your driver screening process are immigration status, social security number trace, credit reports, criminal checks, drug and alcohol tests, driving test and aptitude tests. For the complete details, see the July issue of Heavy Duty Trucking. To see if you qualify for a free subscription, visit www.heavydutytrucking.com.
: cargo security, highway safety, liability for accidents, even the industry’s image.
With the promise of a better economy ahead, now is an excellent time to review hiring procedures and policies. In the July issue of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, Senior Editor Patricia Smith looks at steps carriers might take to close obvious loopholes in the driver screening process, as well as proposed rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation that are expected to change some aspects of the process.
For instance, Smith notes, even though current federal regulations give you 30 days to pull driver motor vehicle records, safety experts urge carriers to get those records before ever putting drivers behind the wheel. In addition, MVRs don’t always tell the full story, although proposed rules changes would mend some of those gaps.
In addition, previous employers may have a wealth of information about the applicant in your office, but getting that information is a frustrating challenge. Most legal experts recommend that previous employers do no more than confirm that someone worked there. Otherwise, they’re open to a lawsuit. Nevertheless, federal rules require a “diligent effort” to contact an applicant’s previous employers for the past three years.
Other areas Smith recommends evaluating in your driver screening process are immigration status, social security number trace, credit reports, criminal checks, drug and alcohol tests, driving test and aptitude tests. For the complete details, see the July issue of Heavy Duty Trucking. To see if you qualify for a free subscription, visit www.heavydutytrucking.com.
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