Do Trucking Companies Perform Background Checks?

Trucking companies often complete a level of background screening before they accept new drivers into their fleet. Driving a commercial motor vehicle can be an important job and one that comes with a lot of responsibility. Driving a truck or tractor-trailer can also often be the type of opportunity that gives someone a chance to turn things around and make a better life for themselves and their families. If you are concerned about things in your past that may prevent you from taking certain career training paths, you should check out CDL training and see what it has to offer.

Background checks are standard procedure for government organizations, trucking schools, and trucking companies. Background screenings are standard procedure for a lot of different jobs these days. Trucking companies are often focused on safety, which means they pay close attention to the CDL drivers because of the nature of the job. If you have questions as to whether or not certain events in your past may affect whether you can get a CDL, don’t automatically assume you don’t qualify for a CDL. Your background doesn’t need to be a determining factor in whether or not trucking school is right for you. The Admissions team at NETTTS is trained to help you find out if this is the right career training move. Read on to learn more!

Which Background Check Do Most Employers Use?

HireRight is often the background screening tool used by companies and schools. Many background checks are run including a look into motor vehicle records, employment history, as well as drug tests and health screenings. Many employers have different ideas about what kind of driver they are looking for. Speak with someone from the Admissions team at NETTTS about any concerns you might have. Employers are often looking to see if the candidate has a stable work history or has kept a job with an employer for a certain length of time, etc. It is important that as a potential student, you include all of the information that is requested on your application so that we can best help you. Our Career Services Support team can help you only if they know the full story.

What Typically Shows up on a Background Check?

Background checks typically reveal information about an individual’s identity, criminal history, employment history, education, driving record, and credit history, which can be used to make informed decisions about hiring or other purposes. Common information that is typically included:

• Identity Verification: Checks for the accuracy of personal information like name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Criminal History: May include misdemeanor and felony convictions, arrest records, and pending criminal charges.
• Employment History: Verifies past employment dates, job titles, and responsibilities.
• Education: Confirms degrees, certifications, and other educational achievements.
• Driving Record: Reveals information about traffic violations, accidents, and any license suspensions or revocations.
• Credit History: This shows creditworthiness and payment history.
• Other Information: Depending on the type of background check, it might also include information about professional licenses, sanctions, drug screening results, and social media activity.

Do You Need a Perfect Driving Record to Become a Truck Driver?

While you can get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a less-than-perfect driving record, a clean record will significantly improve your chances of getting hired by trucking companies, as many prefer drivers with a good safety history. Truck drivers are everyday people and people make mistakes. While being safe behind the wheel is important, it is not necessary to come to trucking school with a perfect driving record. Don’t let a driving fine, accident, parking ticket, or even OUI/DWI stop you from finding out if you are eligible for your CDL. The Admissions team at NETTTS is here to help you figure this all out. There are a lot of things that are considered when companies and schools look at your driving record. This may include the number of violations or charges, their severity, and how long it has been since you received them. In other words, a violation from a decade ago may not affect someone as much as one that took place last month.

Many employers have policies regarding tickets and driving records. They generally don’t want to see more than 4 speeding tickets in the last 2-3 years, or a reckless driving charge. The time period that many employers tend to check is up to 5 years prior to the date of application. Keep in mind these are not hard fast rules. Every trucking company makes up their own mind as to who to hire and often takes the whole candidate into consideration when looking for CDL drivers.

What Disqualifies You From Getting A CDL?

Trucking is a regulated industry and this is because of a focus on driver safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has spelled out the disqualifying offenses that could prevent you from driving if you have them. Several factors can disqualify you from obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including major offenses like DUIs, leaving the scene of an accident, or committing felonies while operating a commercial vehicle, as well as serious traffic violations, railroad crossing offenses, and violating out-of-service orders., but do not necessarily mean you cannot train for your CDL. The most important first step is to contact us to discuss any concerns you have, regardless of your past, so you can get a jumpstart on your vocational career training today!