How the best contractors screen drivers: A Comprehensive Guide
As a route owner in sectors like FedEx P&D, bread delivery, waste management, and Emergency Medical Services, hiring the right drivers is crucial to your operation's success. Proper screening ensures safety, compliance, and reliability. Here’s a friendly and detailed guide on how to effectively screen drivers for your business.
Understand the Importance of Driver Screening
When you hire drivers, you’re not just filling a position; you’re entrusting them with the safety of your customers and the integrity of your business. Comprehensive screening helps mitigate risks and ensures that your drivers meet industry standards and regulations.
Conduct Background Checks
FedEx Ground has their own screening requirements for all new drivers, and they must go through the company known as First Advantage. This will include a background check, drug test, and a review of the driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR). The MVR is an official copy of a driving record, and will show the past three or 10 years of a driver’s history.
For non-FedEx Ground contractors, be sure the vendor you use for background checks includes the following:
- Criminal Background Check: Look for felonies and misdemeanors over the past seven years. Some states may require longer searches, so be aware of local regulations.
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR): This report highlights any driving violations or license issues, crucial for assessing a driver’s safety record.
- Sex Offender Registry Check: This is essential for ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, especially in EMS.
Implement Drug Screening
Drug testing is a vital part of the hiring process. Establish a clear drug screening policy that complies with state regulations and industry standards. Use a defined panel for testing, as required by your contracts or brokers. This ensures you maintain a drug-free workplace, safeguarding your clients and your business.
A key reminder: If you are operating under a federal DOT number, this drug screen will include marijuana. Despite what the state law is, DOT still does not allow any marijuana use at the federal level.
Utilize Professional Screening Services
Consider partnering with a reputable background screening company that specializes in your industry. There are companies that offer comprehensive services tailored to transportation sectors that can guide you through the various requirements and help you set up a screening process that meets regulatory standards.
Follow Compliance Regulations
Stay informed about compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This act governs how you use background checks and requires you to obtain consent from candidates before screening. Ensure that your screening practices are transparent and adhere to legal requirements.
Establish A Clear Screening Process
A well-defined process simplifies hiring. Here’s a basic step-by-step outline you can follow:
Initial Inquiry: Collect driver information and identify which brokers or contracts you will be working with.
Agreement Setup: Sign an end-user agreement with your screening provider, ensuring compliance with the FCRA.
Order Screening: Use the screening provider’s platform to order background checks and drug tests. Most services are now electronic, allowing you to easily submit candidate information.
Driver Consent: The driver will receive a disclosure form to complete and consent to the screening.
Collection Process: For drug testing, the driver can receive a QR code for easy access to a local collection site.
Review Results: Once the screenings are complete, you will receive a comprehensive report on the driver, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Assessing the Screening Company
When choosing a screening provider, look for accreditation from organizations like the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). Accreditation ensures that the company complies with industry standards and maintains high-quality screening practices.
Continual Monitoring
Driver screening doesn’t end after hiring. Implement a system for ongoing monitoring to keep track of any new violations or changes in a driver’s record. This proactive approach helps maintain safety and compliance over time.
Conclusion
Screening drivers for your business is a crucial step that safeguards your operation and enhances your reputation. By following these guidelines, you can streamline the hiring process, ensuring that you bring on qualified, reliable drivers who uphold the highest safety standards. With the right screening in place, you can focus on growing your business while maintaining the trust of your customers. Happy hiring!
###
For regular insight into the world of route owners, from FedEx P&D routes, FedEx linehaul runs, and Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) routes, to bread, security, and waste management routes, to Emergency Medical Services, be sure to visit RouteConsultant.com, subscribe to Route Consultant’s YouTube Channel, and tune in each week to the free Wednesday Webinars.
