PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program)

The PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) is a database of driving reports managed by the FMCSA and powered by DOT records. These reports are commercial only, which means that no personal driving records should appear on this report. DOT-reportable crashes can stay on the report for 5 years, while roadside inspections and violations may appear on the report for 3 years.

Not every carrier checks the PSP, but those that do may use the report in various ways. Some carriers assign points to types of violations, while others look for specific violation patterns. Reporting to the PSP can be inconsistent, so not all violations are recorded on this report.

Errors can occur, so review your report whenever you're looking for a new job. If you see a violation that was dismissed or a record that's simply wrong, you'll need to provide documentation and dispute the PSP through the DOT website. For information about accessing your PSP, visit the DOT website.

DAC Report (Drive-A-Check report)

The DAC Report (Drive-A-Check report) is a comprehensive document run by Hire Right. This report provides up to 10 years of information, including personal information and data relating to your CDL driving history and employment.

Companies use this record while hiring to confirm employment and look for red flags. The DAC report includes a driving record and work history, and can contain information such as drug and alcohol test history, accidents reported by the employer, information about promptness, pertinent information about why you left your old job, and criminal record data.

While this document can be a useful record for employers, no one is policing the document, and data on it may be incorrect. Truckers can dispute this information, so it's a good idea to pull your report periodically and dispute errors quickly.

Keeping your DAC clean means being professional with your employers and making good decisions on the job. Be aware that your actions can be reported in the DAC - actions like why you left your job and whether you abandoned a load, etc.

If you need to see your DAC, you can do so on the Hire Right website. You can access your DAC for free once per year under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). To dispute records on the DAC, do so directly through your account with Hire Right.

MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)

A motor vehicle report (MVR) details your driving history, including accidents and traffic offenses. Sounds like the PSP, right? While the PSP focuses on commercial information, the MVR may include commercial and personal driving information. Your MVR will include:

• Traffic violations
• License suspensions
• Accidents (including at-fault and no-fault)
• Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions)
• Personal information like address and date of birth

This is the same report that your insurance company will use to determine your auto insurance rates. Employers can check this report without your consent. Violations stay on this report for years, but the length of time varies depending on the state and severity of the offense. Minor violations like moving violations may stay on your record for three to five years, while serious violations may remain on your record for 10 years or more.

It's important to be aware that some states offer drivers ways to keep their records clean, like attending a driver improvement course to avoid having a violation added to the record. Check with your state if you're ever in a situation where a violation may be added - it could matter in a future job search.

If you'd like to check your MVR and dispute errors, you can do so by contacting your DMV. You'll need to provide documentation to dispute violations, so be ready.

Looking For New Opportunities? Check With Trucker Junction

There's more to finding a job than pulling reports and disputing errors. The job search starts with submitting applications to carriers. Finding a rewarding trucking job can boost your career and improve your life. You can review new trucking opportunities at Trucker Junction, where we offer insights into the job search and an active job board.