How Transportation Companies Are Bringing in the Right Talent
Data from HireRight’s Transportation Spotlight Report shows companies are revitalizing their screening programs
Finding and retaining talent is an ongoing challenge in the transportation industry. Today, with reduced budgets and lower staffing levels, companies are expected to do more with less, making hiring even more difficult. While keeping employees happy and productive can certainly have a positive impact to your bottom line, doing so under current conditions can challenge the best of us. Here’s how some companies are working to attract and keep top talent. HireRight’s Transportation Spotlight Report is based on results from our annual survey of U.S. transportation professionals. The report highlights key trends around recruitment, retention, and background screening. Of particular note in this year’s findings is that companies are making a concerted effort to strengthen their screening programs.
Screening Beyond DOT Requirements
Many companies are choosing to conduct more comprehensive pre-and post-employment checks than what the DOT requires. In addition to meeting federal regulatory requirements, comprehensive background checks help minimize the risk of negligent hiring claims and promote a safer and more secure environment. Survey respondents are using a variety of pre-employment checks to enhance their hiring program:
PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program), used by 79% of respondents, provides five-year crash data and three-year roadside inspection histories. PSP reports contain unique data not found elsewhere.
Additionally, 74% of respondents use CDLIS, the Commercial Driver's License Information System Plus, to validate whether a driver holds a current CDL license. The program also lists additional states where MVRs should be ordered.
Finally, 72% of respondents perform criminal background checks to assess potential risks and liabilities associated with hiring an individual with a criminal record.
Utilizing Criminal Record Checks
Although DOT regulations do not mandate criminal record searches, they have become a critical aspect of many transportation-industry screening programs. Criminal record checks are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of drivers and others on the road. According to HireRight’s survey, more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents utilize a national criminal database search as a starting point for their screening processes. A national criminal database search (such as HireRight’s Widescreen Plus) provides a valuable source of "tips and leads" information that can help reveal potential criminal records beyond a candidate's known address history. This type of search is especially important for transportation companies with a mobile workforce that may have lived and worked in different regions or states. By incorporating various criminal record checks, companies can achieve complete geographical coverage and mitigate risks associated with potential criminal activity. Other criminal record checks performed include:
State court (72%)
County court (66%)
Federal court (59%)
Sex-offender registry search (49%)
Screening Program Enhancements and Monitoring Services
Increasing the number and quality of background checks is not the only change that survey respondents are making this year to improve their screening programs. Nearly half of all survey respondents (46%) are enhancing how their background information is reviewed, including additional program review by their legal counsel. Others are heightening their standards for employment, as companies realize that screening is an essential component in hiring and retaining the most qualified talent.
To achieve greater efficiencies and more automated processes, many respondents are adding ongoing monitoring and integrated service offerings to their screening programs this year. Driver Record Monitoring sends timely alerts on drivers with recent MVR activity and provides employers with actionable information to help them get ahead of issues before they become a problem. Electronic Driver Qualification File Management, another of the other top services cited, can help reduce the administrative burden of manual record-keeping. The system electronically monitors driver files to identify missing, expiring, or incomplete documents.
Planned Changes to Drug and Health Screening
With the rise in prescription drug abuse and the decriminalization of marijuana, 40% of transportation survey respondents are taking steps to augment their existing drug and health screening programs. While testing is not mandated for many transportation employees in non-DOT positions, many companies already conduct or plan to conduct pre-employment and random drug testing on their entire workforce to ensure uniformity among their employee-base. Other tactics include:
Increasing the number of random tests conducted annually
Additional review of DOT physical exam results
Adding a cannabis breathalyzer for post-accident/reasonable suspicion testing
Adding lab-based oral fluid testing
While the transportation industry continues to face significant challenges — finding and retaining qualified talent while dealing with tightened budgets and reduced staff — companies are realizing the importance of background screening, not only to fulfill regulatory requirements but to help ensure a quality hire.
The HireRight Transportation Spotlight Report provides valuable insights into these challenges and how companies are dealing with them. By utilizing some of the recruiting, retention, and screening tactics incorporated in the report, companies have another tool in their belt to help address the workforce shortage and attract the right talent to their business.
Learn more about HireRight’s screening services for the transportation industry.
Release Date: June 28, 2023
HireRight
HireRight is a leading provider of on-demand employment background checks, drug and health screening, and electronic Form I-9 and E-Verify solutions that help employers automate, manage and control background screening and related programs.