FMCSA to Aid Trucker Record Check

The agency that regulates trucking safety plans to offer carriers access to an electronic database of drivers’ inspection and accident records starting in December.

Drivers would have to sign a consent form, said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, for the driver pre-employment screening program to allow trucking firms “to electronically access driver inspection and crash records as a part of the hiring process.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said this “will help trucking companies ensure the safest drivers are behind the wheel of commercial trucks and buses. Making this information more transparent will make our roads and highways safer for everyone.”

FMCSA said the program will also give drivers a chance to verify and correct the information that is in their records.

Right now, the agency said, commercial driver safety records are available to federal and state law enforcement personnel, and drivers can get access by filing requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

“Once the pre-employment screening program is launched, driver safety records will be readily available to motor carriers regardless of state or jurisdiction,” said FMCSA.

Potential employers would get a look into the agency’s Motor Carrier Management Information System, which contains roadside inspection and compliance review results, enforcement data, state-reported crashes and motor carrier census data.

Contact John D. Boyd at jboyd@joc.com.