Do trucking companies perform background checks?

Trucking companies do 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 certain career training paths, you should check out CDL driving and see what it has to offer.

Background checks are standard procedure for government organizations, trucking schools, and trucking companies. In fact, 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 Checks are run?

HireRight is often the background screening tool used by companies and schools. A number of 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 have 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 do background checks show?

Background checks show your past that has been noted on public, financial, employment, and government records. This may include your:

• Motor vehicle or driving record – accidents, moving violations, citations, speeding tickets, parking tickets, and other vehicle related records.
• Legal records – any charges, or incidents with the law.
• Credit history – the type of financial accounts, loans or credit cards, dates those accounts were opened, the credit or loan amount, the account balance, and payment history.
• Civic and employment history – rental and homeownership history, how many jobs, for how long, etc.

Do I need to have a perfect driving record to become a truck driver?

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 record. 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 things would prevent me from getting accepted?

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. Certain criminal offences, or multiple DUI convictions are obstacles to hurdle but do not necessarily mean you cannot train for your Commercial Driver’s License. The most important first step is to speak with an Admissions Representative from NETTTS to discuss any concerns you have, regardless of your past.