Federal rules require motor carriers to keep a qualification file for each driver. Much of it has to be in place before the driver's first trip.
Before the first load
- Employment application with the information the rules require.
- Motor vehicle record from each state where the driver held a license in the past three years.
- Road test or an acceptable equivalent.
- Medical examiner's certificate that is current.
- Pre-employment drug test with a verified negative result, and a Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query.
- Safety performance history requests to previous employers.
After hiring
Annual motor vehicle record reviews, annual Clearinghouse queries, medical certificate renewals and other items keep the file current. Put every date on a calendar.
Decide how you will pay
Per mile, percentage of the load or hourly each work differently for drivers and for the carrier. Our driver pay comparison shows what each means for both.
General information. Confirm current requirements with FMCSA; the carrier is responsible for compliance.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
