What Is a PSP and DAC Reports For Truck Drivers
Driver Resource Page |
Where do DAC reports come from? |
HireRight is a private, for-profit company that specializes in providing background checks for all kinds of industries, including DAC reports for trucking companies. As a background check provider, they are legally bound to operate under the regulations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). |
The FCRA is a set of federal regulations that covers the collection and use of credit information and forms the basis of consumer credit rights in the U.S. |
What this means to you and your report is that you, as an individual, are given certain protections by the U.S. government when it comes to what’s on your background report, and its accuracy. |
As a truck driver, you are going to want to pay at least a medium level of attention to what is on your report. Generally DAC reports are treated the same as consumer credit reports by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You are entitled to 1 free report every 12 months. |
CLICK HERE – Request a free DAC Report. |
1. What is PSP? |
PSP stands for Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP). Established in 2010, this program allows prospective carriers, industry personnel and drivers review drivers’ safety records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). |
2. How does PSP affect me as a driver? |
As a driver, your PSP record includes the most recent 5 years of crash data and the most recent 3 years of roadside inspection data from the FMCSA and MCMIS database. |
This should translate to job security and the likelihood of a driver being hired with an excellent PSP record as opposed to one that does not. |
CLICK HERE -Request a PSP Report |
CDL driving records are crucial for drivers who wish to apply for commercial driving positions. Potential employers will always check driving records before hiring a candidate for a position that involves truck driving or any other kind of commercial motor vehicle operation. Learn all about DMV driving records for truck drivers and how you can obtain one today by reviewing the sections below. |
How to Order a State-Approved CDL Driving Record |
1. Fast & Convenient Online Ordering: |
The easiest way to obtain driving record documentation if you are applying to become a CDL driver is to submit your driving record request online. Order driving records from the comfort of your home in just three simple steps. To obtain your most up-to-date drivers record and begin your new commercial driving position, all you need to do is simply provide a few pieces of personal information – including your name, date of birth and driver’s license number – and payment. The personal driving history you receive will feature your current driver’s license status, past violation convictions (including DUIs), demerit points (if your state uses a point system), license restrictions, license endorsements and any administrative penalties. Click here to get started. |
2. By mail: |
If you cannot get your driving records online and do not require your documentation immediately, requests can also be made by mail in most states. If personal driving records for truckers can be ordered by mail in your state, complete the necessary application and send it to the appropriate DMV office with the necessary payment. However, note that CDL driving records may be delayed if incorrect or incomplete information is provided. Furthermore, processing times will vary, and it can often take weeks for records to be delivered. |
3. Via a DMV office: |
DMV record searches for truckers can also be completed in person at a local DMV office in most states. CDL status checks can be completed for a low fee at DMV offices, but note that not all state offices will provide this service. Thus, it is crucial to contact your nearest office in advance to verify that it offers this service before visiting. Furthermore, while driving records can be accessed on the same day, wait times at the DMV can be long, and many offices require that you make an appointment. Click here to find a DMV office near you. |
Need an accident report? Find one here. This is a paid service but very helpful. |
You are most likely the first professional on the scene. Being a commercial driver, you are well trained in assessing the situation, securing the scene, and gathering the facts. If you have seen AccidentPlan’s training videos featuring Skidmore, you have even had training on behavioral conduct at the scene. |
However, since your interactions with others during this time can have a severe impact on you and your company, such as civil and criminal ramifications and increased insurance claims, we thought a few reminders in conduct protocol would be helpful. |
What to do After a Crash: Tips & Advice for Truck Drivers |
1. Never say “I’m sorry” to anyone, even if you think you are at fault. For many of us, this is an automatic response to someone’s pain or aggression. It is how we convey compassion. However, this one little phrase can be used against you as an admission of guilt. If you feel a “sorry” coming on, please stop. Say nothing at all. Walking away is always a good option. |
2. Ask the other drivers if they are OK. Showing concern is the right thing to do. However, do not discuss the accident details. Do not express anger or frustration if you believe they are at fault, nor should you take any responsibility for the accident. Attend to the injured according to your training and abilities, follow your AccidentPlan protocol and remain calm. |
3. If you are confronted by an angry or aggressive person, do not respond with anger, or tell them to calm down. It could escalate the situation. In fact, do not respond at all. Let law enforcement manage the situation. If police have not yet arrived, try to stay focused on following your crash protocol. Do not engage, no matter what is being said to you or about you. |
4. Before law enforcement arrives is a good time to review in your own mind the details of the accident. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Make a conscious effort to relax your face, neck and shoulders, and try to steady and lower the pitch of your voice. This helps you gain composure and think more clearly. |
5. Talk only to law enforcement. State only the facts and do not admit fault. Consider each phrase carefully. According to transportation litigation attorney Daniel Bristol, Special Counsel at Denver based Hall & Evans, there is a big difference between “we collided” and “I hit her”, or “traffic had come to a sudden stop” and “I only looked away for a second”. This is not the time to discuss or even consider fault. If there is an investigation, the truth will come out in time. |
6. Do not interrupt the officer or involve yourself during their interview with the other parties. It is the officer’s job to get both sides of the story. Even if you do not agree with what is being said, keep quiet, be respectful and keep your distance. |
7. You still need to complete your report. This involves exchanging information. If everyone is calm, continue with the exchange. However, don’t approach the other parties if they are still in an agitated state. Let law enforcement get that for you. Gather what you can, such as pictures of the license plates and VIN numbers. |
8. Don’t talk to the media – ever. Refer them to your supervisor. Remember, nothing is ever “off the record”. And for goodness sake, do not post any crash details on social media. What is posted on Facebook stays on Facebook and can be used against you in court. |
Remember, the loss of situational control can bring on a slew of emotions in everyone involved. You are a professional. Choose to remain calm, cool-headed and quiet and you will get through it. |
CLICK HERE – Look Up Accident Report |