What Is a DAC Report and How Can It Affect Your Driving Record?

Kate Feyrer

⏳ 5 min

In the competitive trucking industry, a strong professional reputation is essential for any worker, especially drivers. One of the critical tools for that is the DAC, or Drive-A-Check, report. It gathers data on a driver’s work and driving history. Thus, trucking companies often rely on these reports during the hiring process.

Table of Contents

What is a DAC Report?
Information Included in a DAC Report
The Importance of DAC Reports for Truck Drivers
How to Obtain and Check Your DAC Report
Disputing and Clearing Inaccurate Information
DAC Reporting Requirements and DOT Compliance
Conclusion

A well-maintained DAC report can provide a range of job opportunities for drivers, while any negative marks can limit career prospects. Understanding and adhering to DAC reporting requirements is essential for drivers to maintain a strong reputation and succeed in the industry.

What is a DAC Report?

Drive-A-Check (DAC) report is a crucial document in the trucking industry. It provides the basis for a background check for truck drivers. The report provides detailed information on a driver’s work history, previous employment, driving accidents, and any violation of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Trucking companies often rely on DAC reports to evaluate the experience and reliability of a potential employee.

Thus, the DAC report can significantly influence career opportunities for truck drivers. A positive DAC can offer new job prospects, while a negative one limits their options.

Information Included in a DAC Report

A DAC report includes a wide array of data that affect hiring decisions. Understanding what is included in a report is essential for truck drivers as it can impact their career opportunities. They should regularly check their report to ensure all the information is accurate. Mistakes or outdated information can negatively impact an ability to secure new employment.

Here’s a breakdown of the key information included in a DAC report:

Employment history. The DAC provides information on a driver’s previous employers. This usually consists of the names of the companies, the dates, and the reason for leaving each position. The section verifies a work history and assesses the stability of a driver.
Accidents. Any accidents or incidents involving a driver are documented in the DAC report. This helps evaluate a driver’s safety record and assess their risk on the road.
DOT violations. The DAC includes information on any violations of DOT regulations. This can involve failed drug or alcohol tests, hours of service violations, or logbook discrepancies.
Performance evaluations. Previous employers may provide feedback on the driver’s performance, including reliability, punctuality, and adherence to company policies.
Equipment experience. The next aspect of the DAC is the driver’s work experience with specific truck models, trailers, or specialized freight.
Criminal record. Some DAC reports may contain information about a driver’s criminal history if relevant to the job.
Reason for leaving previous jobs. The report can include notes on why the driver left previous workplaces, whether voluntarily or not.

The Importance of DAC Reports for Truck Drivers

The DAC report plays a pivotal role in the trucking career. It helps to maintain a solid professional reputation and secure various job opportunities. As it includes the record of the work history, safety practices, and adherence to DOT standards, many trucking companies rely on the reports to make informed hiring decisions. The information in the DAC can open doors to better job offers or limit a driver’s prospects, impacting income opportunities.

For truck drivers, the DAC is an active tool. They should regularly check their records and update the information. In addition, drivers have the right to dispute and correct the data in case of errors or outdated details.

Thus, a clean and positive DAC report reflects a driver’s commitment to safety and compliance with industry standards. It serves as a testament to their reliability. This makes drivers more attractive candidates.

How to Obtain and Check Your DAC Report

Obtaining and regularly checking your DAC report is crucial for any truck driver who wants to succeed in the industry. Keeping the DAC report current and correct is essential for a positive reputation.

With these steps, truck drivers can obtain and check their DACs. This proactive approach helps protect your career.

Requesting your DAC report. Truck drivers can obtain their DAC from HireRight, which is responsible for complaining and maintaining such reports. You can request the report through the website by following the provided instructions there.
Information review. Once you receive your DAC report, carefully review the presented information. Pay close attention to the employment history, any recorded accidents, DOT violations, and overall performance evaluation. Ensure that all data is accurate.
Errors report. Errors can sometimes occur in the reports amid incorrect information provided or data entry mistakes. If you spot any errors in your DAC, you can dispute them.
Regular monitoring. Monitoring the DAC report regularly is important, especially if you are seeking for a new job or have recently changed jobs. Regular checks ensure accurate information and avoidance of any mistakes.
Being aware. As a truck driver, you should understand your rights concerning the DAC report. In particular, you have the right to access your report, dispute errors, and receive updates on the status. This helps you manage your DAC efficiently.

Disputing and Clearing Inaccurate Information

Errors in the DAC report can damage your professional reputation. Thus, knowing how to dispute and clear these is essential. You should take immediate action if you find inaccurate information or mistakes in your DAC report.

Identify the inaccuracies. Start with carefully reviewing your DAC report to identify any misleading information. This can include inaccuracies of employment history, incorrect DOT violations, false accident reports, or unjustified negative performance evaluations. Make a list of defined errors and gather supporting documentation to prove your case.
File a dispute. The next step is to file a dispute with HireRight. You do it online, by mail, or via phone. Explain the errors you’ve found and attach supporting documents that prove your claims.
Await the investigation process. As you’ve filed your dispute, HireRight will begin an investigation. During this, they will contact the sources that provided the disputed information, such as your former employers or relevant authorities. The investigation must be completed within 30 days.
Review the results. After the investigation, HireRight will provide you with the results. If the dispute is successful, the inaccurate information will be corrected or removed. In the other case, you have the right to add a statement of explanation, providing your side of the story for potential employers.
Seek legal advice. If you encounter significant challenges in disputing errors, you may seek legal advice. An attorney who specializes in employment law can help you navigate complex issues and protect your rights.

DAC Reporting Requirements and DOT Compliance

Ensuring compliance with DAC reporting requirements is a critical duty of carriers. These regulations maintain a transparent and standardized system for tracking driver performance and safety records. Adhering to the DAT reporting requirements ensures compliance with DOT regulations and supports safer and more reliable trucking operations.

The requirements for DAC reporting include:

Accurate recordkeeping. Carriers must maintain and report detailed and accurate records of each driver’s employment history. This includes documenting the start and end employment dates, positions held, and any reasons for termination. Accuracy of these data is essential, while discrepancies can lead to regulatory issues.
Adherence to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If carriers review DAC reporting during hiring, they must comply with FCRA requirements. This includes obtaining the driver’s written consent before accessing their DAC and providing them a copy. In addition, drivers must have an opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies.
Accidents reporting. Carriers must report all relevant accidents and safety incidents involving drivers. This information must be appropriately documented and submitted, reflecting the driver’s safety performance.
Drug and alcohol testing compliance. According to DOT requirements, carriers must report any violations of the Drug and Alcohol Program. This can include examination results or refusals to test.
Disciplinary actions and terminations. Any disciplinary actions, such as suspension, warnings, or terminations, must be reported in the DAC. This helps potential employers evaluate a driver’s reliability.
Timely reporting. Compliance with DOT regulations also includes the prompt submission of all relevant information. Any delays can lead to non-compliance and lower reliability of the report.

Conclusion

The DAC report is a crucial document that has a significant meaning for the trucking industry. It impacts the career path of drivers and helps employers during the hiring process.

For truck drivers, regularly checking on and maintaining a clean DAC are key to ensuring a solid professional reputation and securing better job opportunities. Compliance with DOT regulations and maintaining a positive DAC can help drivers safeguard their careers and contribute to more reliable trucking operations.