Best Practices for Hiring Drivers: A Guide for Fleet Safety Managers

As a Fleet Safety Manager or business owner, the stakes are high when it comes to hiring drivers. Following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations is essential, but merely meeting the baseline requirements is not enough. The drivers you choose represent your company on the road, and their performance can significantly impact your business’s success.

Taking proactive steps to gather deeper insights into prospective drivers can mean the difference between gaining a valuable asset and inheriting a liability.

Regulatory Requirements for Hiring Drivers

When hiring drivers, there are several essential regulatory requirements that must be adhered to:

• Completed Applications: Ensure all necessary applications are filled out accurately.
• Current Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs): Review the driver’s history to assess their driving behavior.
• Pre-Employment Drug Screens: Conduct drug screenings to ensure safety compliance.
• Complete Background Checks: Verify a driver’s history for any red flags.
• Current DOT Physical: Confirm that the driver meets physical requirements for the job.
• D&A Clearinghouse Query: Obtain proof of compliance with drug and alcohol regulations.
• Copy of a Current Driver’s License: Ensure the driver has a valid and appropriate license for the job.

Best Practices for Informed Hiring Decisions

Once the regulatory requirements are met, consider implementing best practices to delve deeper into a driver’s qualifications and history. These practices can provide valuable insights into a driver’s wellness, skills, and overall suitability for your fleet.

Human Abilities Testing: Customizable tests can assess various physical abilities, from grip strength to general mobility. This ensures that drivers are physically capable of performing their duties safely.

Road Tests: While not mandated, conducting road tests can unveil crucial driving habits. Pay attention to:

• Following Distance: Are they maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles?
• Speeding: Are they adhering to speed limits?
• Traffic Sign Compliance: Do they respect traffic signals and signs?
• Cornering Skills: How well do they navigate turns?

Consistency during road tests is essential. Ensure that tests are performed uniformly, using a documented route and requiring all drivers to undergo the same evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Reports: These reports provide insights into a driver’s roadside inspection history over the past three years. A clean MVR doesn’t always tell the whole story; PSP reports can highlight potential issues:

• Hours of Service (HOS): Look for trends in trip planning and adherence to HOS regulations.
• Unsafe Driving: Even without citations, inspection violations may indicate risky driving behaviors.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Frequent issues here may suggest a lack of diligence in pre- and post-trip inspections.

Additionally, violations in other BASIC categories will also be documented in the PSP report. A history of violations can be a strong indicator that a driver may continue to encounter issues with other motor carriers.

Taking the time to implement these best practices will provide a more comprehensive view of prospective drivers for your fleet. By going beyond the minimum regulatory requirements, you position your company to make informed hiring decisions that can lead to safer roads and better business outcomes. Investing in the hiring process not only protects your company but also enhances your reputation and operational efficiency.