The economic downturn has instituted changes in the trucking and transportation industry. Where once upon a time the trucking industry could rely on the insurance companies to run its Motor Vehicle Driving Records (MVR) this is no longer the case. Insurance companies, presumably in an effort to cut expenses have been delegating that responsibility to the trucking companies themselves.
It is essential that trucking and transport companies and for that matter any company that has commercial drivers to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance standards. This means a periodic review of all drivers and the background checks that reflect a valid drivers license, good health–The DOT Physical Exam–and the necessary DOT drug testing. The DOT Physical Exam is only good for two years and then the driver must be reexamined.
It is growing increasingly necessary for trucking and transportation companies to find a background screening company that can conduct the DOT Compliance review for each and every driver, regardless of their geographic location. By not doing so, a trucking company risks not being in compliance with the DOT. There is the risk that the drivers may be in poor health, having substance abuse issues, or, often enough, their driving license has been suspended or revoked for serious infractions.
Check them out before you hire.
