DOT Background Check

When conducting an FMCSA background check the following is required:

• Motor Vehicle Records
  The FMCSA requires carriers to obtain motor vehicle records from each state in which the applicant has held a CDL license or permit in for the last three years. Procurement of a CDLIS report can provide the states where MVRs should be obtained. Within 30 days of employment, copies of the records must be added to the applicant’s driver qualification file. If none were collected, it must be documented that no such MVRs exist. An annual MVR is also required during the driver’s continued employment.
  
  
• Previous Employment History
  Each carrier is required to investigate the applicant’s past three years of work history for the following:
  • Verify previous employment, which may include letters, interviews, and/or other methods of verification
  • Determine if the driver has been involved in any crashes
  • Gather information regarding minor accidents or incidents
    
    
• Drug Testing History
  The FMCSA requires that employers look at the previous three years of drug history checks to determine if the driver had any drug or alcohol violations. This includes whether the driver has ever tested positive on a drug or alcohol test, refused to test, or completed or failed a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
  
  
• Pre-Employment Drug Test
  The driver must complete and pass a pre-employment drug test, or they cannot be hired under FMCSA regulations. The DOT drug test will test for marijuana, cocaine, expanded opiates (opium and codeine derivatives), amphetamines and methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Beyond what is required under DOT and FMCSA regulations, most organizations in the trucking industry take additional steps to reduce liability and reduce administrative burden. Background services such as criminal history reports also help you to make smart hiring decisions that reduce potential liability. These are also best practices for anyone that offers P&D services to homes or may transport children or the handicapped.