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May 10, 2021

What Is Background Screening and Why Do I Need It for My Drivers?

by MicroBilt News

Identity theft can be found anywhere, from social networking to your boss at work. Or, that new employee you just hired.

When you own a transportation company or other business, then you might wonder what is a background screening, and why is it important? While scammers can be everywhere and seem overwhelming, there's hope.

This article will go over why background screening is so important within your industry. Read on to explore how background screening can help you in hiring the right people.

Why the Transportation Industry Needs Background Checks

First, no matter what industry you're in, it's a good idea to get a background screening done since identity theft is a large problem in this country. Companies have to worry about legal requirements, safety, and hiring new workers and drivers fast.

If a prospective employee claims to have the license necessary, running a background check will show whether they do have the credentials needed. Not only does it make sure that applicants have the required skills necessary, but it keeps your business legally compliant as well. Also, certain industries are required to carry out background screenings before hiring employees.

When doing background checks, it's a requirement that you comply with federal laws that protect applicants from discrimination. Discrimination includes color, race, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, and age. These are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The background screening can also look up the history of your drivers, and see any past violations or citations. This can help save lives going forward by not hiring that person.

Avoid Reckless Drivers

A pre-employment background check will let you discover poor driving records. This will help protect your company from personal injury, wrongful death, and other potential liabilities. If you don't perform a background check, you might be found negligent for hiring someone without doing one first.

Regulation Compliant

When you run a background screening for drivers, you'll be able to see when drivers have ignored regulations. It'll help you not only comply with FMCSA regulations but protect your company from liability.

Why All Companies Need To Run a Background Screening

First, it's a way to keep your business, employees, and clients safe by running background screenings. When you don't run these, it can lead to crimes that might have been avoided. Whether you're a staffing company, landlord, corporation, delivery service, or other company, these tests can benefit you in hiring the right person.

What Background Screenings Should I Choose?

We pride ourselves on offering you convenient and reliable background checks. You can check for bankruptcies, judgments, and liens, as well as evictions and other suits.

They also provide you with driving records and criminal searches as well. Hire the right person for the job by using employment and education verification.

MVR

Take a look at prospective employees by searching through DMV records. This can help you determine different areas such as human resources, public safety, and other purposes.

Employment & Education Verification

You want applicants who have the skills necessary. Check and verify their educational and employment experience.

Motor Vehicle Search

This search allows you to receive data from the DMV and other government agencies. You'll be able to verify the driver's motor vehicle records such as liens and registration information.

Criminal Search

Avoid hiring a criminal and prevent future problems for yourself, employees, and your business. Use database searches to find any past criminal activity.

Evictions, Suits, Liens, and Judgments

Search for judgments, liens, suits, and evictions. Find out public record filing on businesses and individuals within the U.S., Guam, and District of Columbia.

Bankruptcies, Liens, and Judgments

Whether you're a landlord or not, checking the database for different judgments, liens, and bankruptcies is vital. The database is updated within 2 days of a filing.

Bankruptcy Search

Perform a quick bankruptcy search with ease. Find out about bankruptcies on different businesses and individuals in the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

Should I Do Ongoing Screenings?

After an initial screening, it's a good idea to continue with ongoing screenings. You can take a look at motor vehicle reports each month to ensure that nothing new pops up.

Screenings can also include drug and alcohol tests as well. It's important that you choose a company that has experience performing background screenings on those in the transportation industry.

Do I Need Permission?

Yes, you can't run a background check without receiving permission first. The applicant must fill out forms first before you begin.

Once you're ready to run a background check, you'll need their social security number, full name, and date of birth. Social security numbers might be used in other parts of the background check as well.

Are They Required?

If you handle others' private or personal information, it's normally a requirement. Many industries require them including insurance, healthcare, financial, etc. Even if your business isn't in these industries, it's still vital that you run a background screening.

When you're just beginning, at the minimum, you'll want to check out the direct court searches in the area where the applicant has lived. Also, check out multi-jurisdictional criminal databases as well to ensure that you don't miss any locations they've lived.