Following DOT Background Check Requirements

As a Human Resource technology firm who develops background screening technology for new-hires and current employees, we constantly innovate to support the current security needs of transportation companies. We understand that the transformation to a primarily driverless world of transport will take time. That’s why we work hard to keep up with DOT regulations to provide the compliant, thorough background checks needed to hire the safest, most trustworthy drivers. Read on to learn how to receive complete screening solutions to meet DOT background check requirements.

What is a DOT Background Check?

An employer regulated by the Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining compliance with all rules and procedures set by its governing body. The primary way to ensure that all company drivers meet the standards set by the DOT is to conduct pre-employment and post-hire background checks on candidates and employees.

DOT background check policies require transportation companies to conduct background checks, including drug tests, on drivers within 30 days of the driver’s first day of employment. You should select a background screening provider that complies with DOT, FTA, and FMCSA requirements to avoid negative consequences, such as fines and civil liability.

Background Checks for Transportation Industry Employees

As an experienced background screening provider with over 30 years of experience, InfoMart offers a full suite of screening services for employees in the transportation industry to comply with DOT background check requirements:

• SSN Trace Plus – Taps into real-time, nationwide incarceration data to find evidence of a candidate’s arrest in any county, regardless of whether the candidate has lived there.
• Criminal History Search – Provides the case date, charge, felony/misdemeanor classification, sentence, case number, disposition, and disposition date of any new-hire’s arrest
• National Criminal Search – Effective “pre-screen” tool that scans national records from sources such as the Department of Corrections and the Administrative Office of the Courts to identify criminal history records; should be combined with a jurisdiction criminal search.
• National Sex Offender Search – Pursues the case information that prompted the registry, confirms that the identifiers belong to your candidate, and ensures compliance with state and federal laws.
• Federal Criminal History – A useful complement to the standard county or state level criminal history; uncovers offenses handled by federal courts such as fraud, immigration violations, drug trafficking, and crimes committed on U.S. government property.
• Continuous Criminal Monitoring – Automatically scans nationwide arrest data 24/7 to deliver instant results when a current employee is arrested; dismisses the need for annual re-screens without sacrificing safety.
• Previous Employment Verification – Reveals dates of employment, position held, reason for termination, rehire eligibility, wage, and DOT-specific questionnaire responses on job performance, and more.
• Motor Vehicle Report – Includes license status, speeding violations, DUI/DWI offenses, equipment misuse, insurance violations, registration violations, license suspension history, accident history, and more.
• CDLIS Search – Displays information about a driver’s currently held commercial driver’s license (CDL) and up to three previously held licenses, regardless of which state issued them.
• Driver Monitoring – Through direct access to state licensing agencies, InfoMart uncovers new violations, invalid licenses, approaching expirations, and DUI/DWI convictions.
• Driver Qualification Files – Maintain electronic files and expiration alerts, including full-service file audits for DOT and non-DOT fleets.
• Drug Test – Lab-based, instant, and random testing must be conducted prior to employment, after an accident, based on reasonable suspicion, or upon return to duty. We provide DOT-approved collection sites and verify the past 3 years of a candidate’s drug and alcohol history.

Don’t forget to continually screen drivers and other transportation employees past the initial hire to meet DOT background check requirements. This crucial step ensures that employees’ licenses are up to date and that no incidents have occurred that bar them from legally performing their job duties. With a professional background screening partner like InfoMart, you will receive reminders when MVRs need to be reviewed for re-certification and any other guidance you need to protect your company and comply with DOT regulations.

InfoMart Provides Compliant Background Checks

As an experienced provider of transportation industry background checks, we will tailor our screening services to your needs while complying with federal, state, and local laws. We know the transportation industry relies on safety and efficiency, which is why InfoMart provides service that moves at the speed of your business.

Click here to request a quote and learn more about how our screening solutions will work for your company.

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About Tammy Cohen

Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record.

About InfoMart

InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.