FMCSA Safety Audits & Scores
Safer CDL is here to assist clients to comply with DOT requirements with the direct involvement of the client's representatives in the General Safety Department. We ensure that each driver meets DOT physical qualification standards on an ongoing basis, including coordinating DOT physical exams by certified personnel.
A safety audit is a review of a motor carrier's records to verify basic FMCSR and HMR safety management controls are in place. An automatic fail of a safety audit may include:
- Alcohol or drug violations
- Driver violations
- Operator violations
- Repairs and inspection violations
Audit of DQ Files
In the event of an accident, it is important for you to prove your company is in compliance by reviewing your DQ files. Driver qualification (DQ) files are required for drivers who operate a commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight / gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight / gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more.
If your DQ files are not maintained, you could be fined or risk shut down. Penalties depend on the file type, how many offenses you have and several other factors. Safer CDL will help you make sure that you’re never missing a file. We’ll also help you get access to the virtual database DQ to make auditing easier.
Process for Confirming Previous Employment
If a driver has held any safety-sensitive positions over the past 3 years, it must be verified. The process of confirming previous employment means you need to:
- Ask and document the DOT mandated questions about a driver’s history of drug and alcohol testing.
- Document a “good faith” effort for previous employers.
- Have reporting employers sign and date the previous employment verification request and send it back within 30 days.
MVR, PSP, and Background Verification Reports
Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) should be requested before hiring and should contain recent driver history and medical information, covering the previous 3-years. This report will need to be requested annually after hiring. These reports allow employers to determine if the driver meets the requirements or should be suspended from driving a commercial vehicle.
Pre-employment Screen Programs (PSP) are used to screen new hires by providing you with information about their 5-year crash and 3-year inspection history from FMCSA. Safer CDL will help you view all records and make recommendations based on driver history and background.
Electronic Forms for Hiring Drivers
To make the hiring process easier, you no longer need truck drivers to apply by paper application. Safer CDL will help you easily move the entire process online. We know how important DOT compliance is, and it can be very tough and confusing to figure out on your own. We’ll make sure that your online forms are 100% compliant with DOT regulations.
Driver File Expiring Document Notifications
To ensure that your driver qualification files are up to date, we will assist you in setting up automatic reminders for all expiring documents. This will help ensure that if an accident occurs, you’ve followed compliance to avoid fines or company shut down.
Assistance in the Annual Driver Qualification Assessment Process
Safer CDL works with you during the annual driver qualification assessment process to check driver records, violation lists and MVRs. Your company is required to check your motor vehicle record every year so you know if your drivers are meeting the minimum requirements for safe driving. In the assessment, you will be able to identify your drivers’ current license statuses, accident histories and records of driving violations. License status can change quickly within 11 months, and your drivers won’t always report their violations or suspension to you, so it’s important that you find them first. Don’t let your brand and reputation suffer because of unfit drivers.