Well, it looks like we did it again. Forgot about our neighbors to the North and perhaps a few other neighbors. Last issue we wished America a Happy Birthday, but apparently not everyone who reads the e-Report was in a celebratory mood!
Here’s a small sample of the email we received:
From: R
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 12:15 PM
To: TruckDriver.com
Subject: TruckDriver.com Contact Us: Feedback/Question
You say "Happy Birthday America".
North America, Central America, or South America? Which America is having a birthday? I am NOT aware of any country called America. There is a country called United States of America but, that is only one third of North America. So, where do you get off making up countries that don't exist.
Signed,
A Proud Teamster driving thoughout North America
-----
From: TFS
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 10:29 AM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday America!
So Sorry.
It is Happy Birthday CANADA today!
Cheers
-----
On a much brighter note, we recently received this from another satisfied driver:
From: DC
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 7:19 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: RE: Truckdriver.com Thank You
Yes, you were a great help. I now have a good paying job that I love.
Thank You.
TruckDriver.com
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Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Reports on Drivers Now Available
Derek Hinton
In May, PSP information became available to drivers and motor carriers. PSP information consists of records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Information System (MCMIS) and contains the most recent 5 years of crash data and 3 years of roadside inspection data from the FMCSA MCMIS system.
You have no doubt been hearing and reading about CSA2010. This PSP information affects a motor carrier’s score, so this may become an important component of their screening process.
This availability is brand new: it is not known how many carriers will order the information, how the information will affect eligibility for hire (though I’ll take a wild guess here and wager that a report with a lot of crash data will do some affecting) and how often a particular carrier will use (i.e., will they order it on every driver applicant, only drivers they are prepared to hire or somewhere in between).
In the early-1980s, computerized MVRs arrived on the scene; the late 1980s brought DAC employment history reports; in the early 1990s, criminal records began to be used. Outside of a few other, less important screening reports, not much has changed in the past decade or so. So this information will probably affect drivers’ eligibility for employment more than any other new information that has arrived in a decade. It should be noted that motor carriers are NOT required to obtain this information when hiring drivers—it is up to their discretion.
My recommendation to DOTJobHistory driver members has been that, like your driving, DAC, employment, and infraction/misdemeanor/felony record information, you should obtain your PSP information, see what it says and correct any errors. (DOTJobHistory members: log into your account atwww.dotjobhistory.com, click on “Order PSP Report” and read more or order your report). If you are not registered with DOTJobHistory, I would still recommend you obtain your report.
The cost of the report is $10. The turnaround time is typically immediate. If you do find errors or misinformation on your report, all requests to correct information must be handled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation.
Again, it remains to be seen how critical a driver’s PSP report will be to his eligibility for driving employment. On the one hand, motor carriers are not required to order the information, it’s not cheap and insurance companies will not be able to order PSP reports as they can do with MVRs (driving records). On the other hand, insurers may review carrier driver qualification files while “suggesting” to their carrier insured’s that they obtain this information prior to hire and follow their underwriting guidelines regarding same.
In spite of these “known unknowns and unknown unknowns” I would advise obtaining all your information including your PSP report. If there are errors, correct them. If the information is not good, know what you’re dealing with. If the information is good—use your information to get the job you desire.
Did you take the TruckDriver.com Me and the CSA 2010 Survey?
CSA 2010, Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010, is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce commercial motor vehicle (CMV)-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. It introduces a new enforcement and compliance model that allows FMCSA and its State partners to contact a larger number of carriers earlier in order to address safety problems before crashes occur. When the program is fully rolled out by the end of 2010, FMCSA will have a new nationwide system for making the roads safer for motor carriers and the public alike.
Will CSA 2010 impact your life?
Here’s what you told us:
Yes - 33%
No - 27%
Not me personally, but I’m concerned about the company I am driving for - 18%
Not sure - 22%
Next, the TruckDriver.com Charity Begins at Home Survey.
Until next time, keep on truckin' and please drive safely.
Your Comments Are Always Welcome
We do like to hear from you and invite you to let us know how we can improve the e-Report. Please send your ideas and suggestions to: jobs@truckdriver.com
