Are Background Checks Required for Truck Drivers?

Truck drivers with a poor driving history create liability for truck companies and endanger other motorists.

Being a truck driver involves immense responsibility. You work grueling hours, which often prevents you from spending time with your family, while driving long distances, keeping tight schedules, and having to load and unload heavy cargo on a daily basis. Driving a commercial vehicle demands a lot both physically and mentally, and the accumulated pressure, stress, and fatigue can increase the risk for accidents and injuries. Commercial vehicle accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence. Background checks are designed to keep drivers who are a danger to themselves and others off the roads.

Requirements for Getting a CDL License

According to the state Department of Transportation (DOT), more than 34,000 commercial vehicle accidents that occur each year in the state of Texas alone. These crashes end up causing serious and potentially life threatening injuries. Given the immense size and weight of most commercial vehicles, it is generally motor vehicle drivers who end up suffering the most harm.

While road, traffic, and weather conditions play a role in truck accidents, reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, driving distracted, and driving under the influence are often to blame. To protect everyone on the road, most states have special licensing requirements to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In Texas, this includes submitting to background checks and regular monitoring of driving records. The Department of Public Safety lists the following, which can disqualify you from getting a CDL or result in a license suspension:

• Two or more serious traffic offenses – 60 day suspension;
• Three or more serious traffic offenses – 120 day suspension;
• DUI and leaving the scene of an accident or committing a felony – One year suspension or disqualification;
• DUI and leaving the scene of an accident or committing a felony while driving a truck containing hazardous materials – Minimum three year suspension for first offense, lifetime revocation for second offense.

Background Checks: Getting Hired by the Trucking Company

In addition to CDL disqualifications, drivers with a poor driving record are likely to have problems getting hired by trucking companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does require these companies to perform extensive background checks on all drivers. Hiring drivers with reckless driving and DUI charges or misdemeanor and felony convictions increases the risk for commercial vehicle accidents, while creating liability for trucking companies. However, most companies only review recent records.

Truck drivers in general are in high demand to meet the increasing needs of businesses and consumers. As a result, trucking companies may overlook these charges if they occurred more than seven years ago. In the need to fill positions, poor results on a background check may not always influence hiring decisions.

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact the Lovett Law Firm

At the Lovett Law Firm, we have more than 20 years experience in fighting for the rights of clients who have been injured in accidents. Call or contact our office online today and request a free initial consultation to see how we can assist you.