Big enterprises offer driver facilities to their high-ranked employees, and also use driving services to travel with clients to locations. Moreover, commercial drivers are required for goods transport. So, when as a company, you hire a driver for business drives, you are liable for any employee-caused accident. It negatively affects your reputation and insurance charges multiply. So, to stay on the safe side while recruiting commercial drivers, you should collect enough employee data.
FMCSA asks companies to request the motor vehicle record for reviewing it when hiring a commercial driver (who is licensed for 3 or fewer years). Also, you have to screen the driver’s motor vehicle record every year. How about accessing seamless driving records? It offers the companies to finish the process earlier. This blog guides about three things to consider while hiring a commercial driver.
Recruiting Commercial Drivers
Your business needs are different from others in the industry so you need to think if the commercial driver can meet your needs. It is advised that the ideal commercial driver is a diplomatic personality as they are representing the company to customers and the public.
Commercial driver routes are not straight. They encounter variable traffic, pedestrians, accidental scenarios, and road constructions. No day is the same as yesterday and every day comes with new challenges. Consider the next 3 important things that you should count on while hiring a commercial driver.
- Scan the commercial driver profile for licenses and certifications.
The first thing to ask the candidate is to show you the CDL issues by state. If the candidate possesses “Class A CDL”, it indicates that he is allowed to drive a truck with an automatic steering system. State offers various specialized licenses as per the requirements. These include transporting dangerous items, using dual or triple trailers, or transporting passengers. For handling the transport of frozen food products, the driver needs to provide a certificate.
- Run background checks and do portfolio screening.
Both federal and state regulate the truck industry. During the background check procedure, you may screen the driver for a history of DUI, driving vehicles under OUI, or violations of driving law. You may also collect records referring to safety and driver health. If your business transports goods across the border, then screen the driver record for international regulations.
- Recruit commercial drivers from different ethnicities and specialties.
It is a good practice to hire commercial drivers referring to diverse recruitment. Be it a veteran, a woman, or a legal immigrant. They all benefit you in multiple ways.
