As we know, a reporting agency receives information about the driving records of truck drivers who transport freight across great distances nationwide. Data about traffic infractions, vehicle accidents, and other problems are gathered by DAC Trucking Services and kept in a database. Large trucking businesses buy the report DAC produces and use the information in part to hire new employees.
Although there is a growing legal pushback against using a person's credit record against them in the hiring process, consumer credit checks have become a common practice in many other businesses.
The DAC report is relevant to the transportation sector. That infamous stack of documents containing your personal information that was used against you in the trucking industry's court of law. Typically, it will include information about your employment history, traffic violations, and legal infractions.
But what should every trucker know about the DAC report, according to experts? Let’s find out!
Before we talk about how to clear it, let's take a deeper look at what your DAC report is and what it accomplishes.
The last 10 years of a truck driver's job history are covered by a DAC report. Depending on what the trucker carrier requested to examine, it provides comprehensive information about a variety of different topics. The criminal background, drug test outcomes, DOT infractions, and accident history will all be included in a driver's DAC.
Now, let's learn the basic steps of how to remove your DAC report.
Getting a copy of your DAC report should be your first move. Every year, you are entitled to a free copy; additional copies are available for a modest cost. You can determine whether the information is true or needs to be changed after you have a copy.
After that, you can submit a complaint to HireRight, the company in charge of DAC reporting and distribution. The length of the inquiry process will depend on the type and extent of your claim, but it typically lasts around a month.
If the circumstance warrants it, consider employing a lawyer. A lawyer can aid you if your DAC report contains outright lies. Also, there are many experts who can remove DAC reports fast.
Although this stage is essential, only some DAC claims necessitate legal counsel.
The last option is to initiate a lawsuit, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Since employers and reporting agencies are legally required to disclose correct information, the FCRA enables you to file civil lawsuits in federal court and seek compensation for damages and legal costs.
How long does the DAC report on your record? The average retention period for data in DAC reports is ten years. Things like accidents, job history, and rehire eligibility will be erased after 7 years, leaving simply the dates of employment and the nature of your experience. Per FMCSA regulations, applications must include a 10-year employment history.
Our experts mention these crucial tips for keeping your DAC report clean.
1. Protect your DAC.
It's critical to be aware of your record. Deal with any issues right away if there are any. Your truck driving career depends on it, after all!
2. File a dispute as soon as possible.
Take the necessary actions RIGHT AWAY to have any inaccurate information removed from your record if it is present. Correcting incorrect data as soon as you discover it is typically simpler.
3. Always be aware of your activities.
Avoid losing control and giving a potential employer a chance to file unfavorable information about you. If you want to leave a firm because you're tired of it, go ahead, but preserve your composure and do it politely.
4. Maintain a spotless driving record.
This is crucial for truck drivers. Always drive defensively and responsibly. Your report may contain careless occurrences and fines for moving violations, which could destroy your employment prospects.
5. Maintain copies of all papers.
Keep copies of all significant CDL-related papers. Your annual free DAC reports, reference letters, drug test results, resignation letters, etc., can be included in this.
Experts recommend looking over the DAC report. Make a list with the employer and the date of the error to record any errors. Ask the employer to review its records and correct any inaccurate information by getting in touch with them. If the employer does not comply, get in touch with DAC services to file a formal complaint. Put your dispute on the form that was included with your DAC report.
Professionally draft the letter clearly and succinctly. Send the letter to DAC, who will send a copy to the former employer, along with any additional papers you have that back up your claims. The challenged information will be removed from your report by DAC if the employer is unable to confirm the veracity of its data.
Keep in mind that changing anything on a CDL DAC report is a time-consuming and frequently difficult process. There will be a ton of paperwork and verifications that you must submit, and the procedure can frequently take years. You should prove your value to prospective employers while you are seeking to correct the report. Possessing recommendations from previous supervisors and instructors demonstrates your integrity and might persuade companies to disregard any incorrect or irrelevant material on a DAC report.
Follow our expert's tips mentioned above, keep your DAC report clean and have an amazing drive.
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