Employers in the transportation industry are required to comply with federal regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If you have employees who get behind the wheel for work, it’s important to follow the compliance standards and regulations required for the job to maintain safety on the roads. Since employers can be held liable for the actions of their employees who operate vehicles for a living, it’s vital that industry-specific employment screening procedures take place to avoid risk, fees, and fines.
What is an MVR?
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) pulls information regarding a driver’s history from a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is part of the background check process for those who work in the transportation industry that aims to help employers hire applicants who have a reliable driving record and maintain safety and compliance on our roads.
When an employer requests an MVR, the following information is typically included in the report, but can differ depending on the state, position, and industry:
- Driver’s License Information (driver name, driver’s license number, date of birth, etc.)
- Violations
- License Status (Active/Suspended/Revoked)
- Moving Violations/Convictions
- Accidents
- Automatic Renewal Notices
- FCRA Compliance Assistance
- Online Tracking & Reporting
- Applicant Order Entry
- Automated MVRs
- Consolidated Invoicing
Under the FMCSA, employers have to request a pre-employment MVR in every state where a CDL license was held within the previous 3-year period. In addition, an MVR must also be requested annually for the employer to review as part of their annual review process, so that the employer can determine if the driver continues to meet the requirements.
What are the benefits?
An MVR allows employers to get a more in-depth look into the applicant they are considering hiring to see if they are fit for the position and will follow all required safety regulations while driving. MVRs also ensure that the driver continues to maintain safety following hiring, as the employer is also required to order MVRs on an annual basis. By reducing risky drivers, companies may be able to avoid increases to insurance rates as well as costly litigation. Overall, MVRs allow employers to ensure their drivers are maintaining the safe driving habits that protect their company, its employees, and others who share the road with them.
What can DISA do?
DISA’s consolidated DOT services help relieve the burden of employers managing their own compliance requirements. Regardless of which transportation sector your company specializes in, our products and services offer a single-source compliance solution that can be customized to your business needs.
DISA’s DOT Mandated services include:
- Assistance with General DOT Compliance
- FAA, FRA, FTA, FMCSA, PHMSA, USCG
- Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Pre-Employment, Random, Reasonable Cause, Post-Accident, Return-to-Duty
- Background Check
- Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) – Pre-Employment and Annual
- CDLIS (Commercial Drivers Licenses Information System) reports
- PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program)
- DOT/FMCSA Type Employment and Previous Alcohol Test Verifications
- DOT Previous Employer Checks
- Physical Exams / Occupational Health Screenings
- Electronic Driver Qualification Management
- Online access including an FMCSA compliance application and electronic record of violations, document compliance reviews, and reporting and expiration tracking.
- Fleet Management and Reporting
In addition, our experts can assist you with FCRA compliance, licensing and permitting, Hours of Service (HOS) driver log auditing, tax recovery and refund services, and more.
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About DISA Global Solutions
Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, DISA’s comprehensive scope of services includes drug and alcohol testing, background check, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.