Truck Driver: How to Get Hired After a DAC Hit
A bad DAC report doesn’t have to end your career—but it can definitely slow it down if you don’t take action. If you’ve been let go, marked “Not Eligible for Rehire,” or accused of a preventable accident or abandonment on your DAC (Drive-A-Check) report, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
Here’s how to fight back, fix your record, and get hired after a DAC hit.
🚛 What Is a DAC Report?
DAC reports are background checks managed by HireRight that include:
Employment history
Accident records
Drug & alcohol testing results
Reasons for separation
Rehire status
Carriers use DAC reports to evaluate whether you’re worth hiring. The problem? These reports are filled out by your previous employers—and sometimes they’re wrong, incomplete, or exaggerated.
⚠️ Common DAC “Hits” That Hurt Drivers
“Abandonment of Equipment”
“Failed or Refused Drug Test”
“Excessive Late Deliveries”
“Not Eligible for Rehire”
“Preventable Accident”
“Terminated for Cause”
Any one of these, even without details, can cause a recruiter to pass on your application.
✅ Steps to Get Hired After a DAC Hit
1. Request a Free Copy of Your DAC Report
You’re entitled to one free DAC report per year under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
👉 Request here: https://www.hireright.com
Review it for:
Inaccurate dates
False claims
Missing documentation
Biased language
2. Dispute Inaccuracies Immediately
If you spot incorrect info:
File a dispute through HireRight
Submit written documentation to support your case
HireRight is required to investigate and respond within 30 days
If the carrier doesn’t respond, the claim is removed.
3. Gather Positive Documentation
Even with a DAC hit, you can prove you’re still a good hire:
Clean PSP report
Letters of recommendation from past dispatchers or safety managers
Proof of training or re-certification (safety courses, defensive driving)
Medical records (if health issues contributed to the incident)
4. Be Honest But Strategic in Applications
Carriers will ask if you’ve ever been terminated or failed a drug test. Don’t lie—but explain what happened and what you’ve done since.
Sample Response:
“I was let go from XYZ Transport in 2023 due to a communication breakdown involving a late delivery. Since then, I’ve completed a punctuality training course and have had zero issues with on-time performance.”
5. Target Second-Chance Carriers
Some companies specialize in hiring drivers with DAC blemishes or terminations. Look for:
Smaller regional fleets
Owner-op firms
Fleets with driver turnover flexibility
Reentry-friendly recruiters
Pro tip: Many reefer and flatbed carriers are more forgiving than dry van megacarriers.
6. Consider Non-DAC Verified Roles
Not all carriers use DAC. Try:
Local delivery companies
Construction or dump truck jobs
Mail contractors or FedEx Ground linehaul contractors
Get back behind the wheel, rebuild your record, and re-enter OTR later.
💡 Bonus Tips
Clean up your PSP report to show a safer inspection/crash history
Avoid future DAC hits by communicating in writing with dispatch and logging everything
Rebuild reputation with consistent performance and no missed loads
📌 Final Word
A DAC hit doesn’t define your career—how you respond to it does. If you take the right steps, dispute the errors, and stay professional, you can absolutely get hired again—and land with a better company in the long run.
