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Common App Mistakes That Delay or Disqualify Drivers

July 1, 2025

In trucking recruitment, small mistakes cost big money — in lost hires, delays, and disqualified applications. Avoid these common errors to improve your approval rate and boost recruiter credibility.


🚫 Top Common Application Mistakes:

1. Missing Work History

  • All carriers require at least 3 years of complete work history — 10 years for most.
  • Include start/end dates, company name, city/state, and job description.

2. Gaps Without Explanation

  • Gaps over 30–60 days must be explained (e.g., “medical leave,” “unemployed,” “school”).

3. Expired or Missing Med Card / CDL

  • Always attach valid documents — expired files = auto DQ.

4. Incomplete Contact Info

  • Wrong or missing phone numbers and emails = lost drivers.
  • Make sure the carrier can reach the applicant.

5. Undisclosed Criminal or Accident History

  • Always list convictions, DOT-recordable accidents, and SAP completions up front.
  • Carriers will find this in PSP/MVR — and will DQ for hiding it.

6. Inaccurate Experience

  • Don’t round up. Saying “5 years experience” with a CDL issued in 2022 = instant rejection.

7. Skipping Required Fields

  • “TBD,” “N/A,” or blank fields are not acceptable in employment or license sections.

✅ Tip:

Use a submission checklist before applying. A clean, complete application shows professionalism — and gets processed faster.

Article by Melissa Baker @ Class A Jobs 411

About the Author
Melissa Baker is the founder of Class A Jobs 411 and a nationally recognized CDL driver recruiting expert. A former Army officer and veteran, Melissa brings over 20 years of leadership and business experience to the logistics and transportation industry. She specializes in connecting qualified CDL-A and CDL-B drivers with top-tier carriers nationwide, helping both drivers and fleets thrive in a competitive market. Under her direction, Class A Jobs 411 has become a trusted partner for carriers seeking reliable, DOT-compliant drivers — fast.