The Drive-A-Check (DAC) report is an employment history background check used within the trucking and transportation industry. For commercial drivers, this document details their work performance and safety record. Carriers rely heavily on this report during the hiring process, as the information it contains significantly influences a driver’s ability to secure a new position. Understanding how to access, read, and manage the data within this report is essential for protecting one’s career in this highly regulated field.
What is a DAC Report and Why Does It Matter?
The DAC report is a detailed record of a commercial driver’s history, compiled and maintained by the consumer reporting agency HireRight. It provides potential employers with an applicant’s professional past, often covering the last ten years of work history. The report contains specific data points that influence a carrier’s risk assessment, including employment dates, equipment operated, and eligibility for rehire. It also documents accident history, Department of Transportation (DOT) violations, and the results of drug or alcohol tests. Since most medium and large trucking companies utilize the DAC report to screen applicants, its contents strongly influence a driver’s success in finding new work.
Understanding Your Legal Right to Access
The DAC report is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the same federal statute that regulates credit reports and other consumer background checks. This legislation grants commercial drivers specific rights regarding the information collected about them. Drivers are entitled to obtain a free copy of their DAC report once every 12 months for regular review and verification. Additionally, if an employer denies a job application based on information in the report (adverse action), the driver is entitled to an immediate free copy. These legal protections ensure drivers can access and challenge data affecting their employment prospects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Your DAC Report
The process for obtaining your DAC report begins with HireRight, the agency responsible for compiling and distributing the files. Requests can be initiated through their online portal, by telephone, or via traditional mail; using the online or phone method is typically the fastest way to get the request processed. To confirm your identity, you must provide specific personal details. This identification includes your full name, current mailing address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) number. Once submitted, HireRight processes the disclosure and mails a hard copy of the report, which drivers typically receive within one to two weeks.
Deciphering the Report’s Contents
Once the report arrives, focus on the specific terminology and coded entries that translate a driver’s history into data for carriers.
Employment Details
The employment history section details the dates worked, types of trailers hauled, and equipment operated, informing prospective employers about your experience level. Pay close attention to the reason for separation, which is often a coded entry distinguishing between a voluntary quit and an involuntary termination. The report also includes a rehire eligibility section, indicating whether a former employer would hire you again; a “not eligible” status can severely limit job prospects.
Safety and Violations
A significant portion of the report covers accident history. The distinction between a preventable versus a non-preventable accident is crucial, as carriers have strict policies regarding preventable incidents (those the driver could have avoided). The report also documents instances of vehicle abandonment or confirmed safety violations, which are viewed as red flags by hiring managers.
How to Dispute Errors on Your Report
If you find an error on your DAC report, such as an incorrect termination code or a misreported accident, you must follow a formal dispute process regulated by the FCRA. First, gather supporting documentation that proves the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. This evidence might include:
- Pay stubs
- Termination letters
- Accident reports
- Correspondence with the former employer
File the dispute directly with HireRight, the consumer reporting agency, using their online portal, phone, or certified mail. Sending the dispute via certified mail establishes a clear paper trail and a record of the date the process began. By law, HireRight must conduct a reasonable investigation into the disputed information, typically completing it within 30 days. If the investigation confirms the inaccuracy, HireRight must correct the error and notify any employer who received the erroneous report within the past two years.
Strategies for Dealing with Negative Information
When negative information on your DAC report is factually accurate, the strategy shifts to mitigation and proactive communication. Address the issue head-on during the application or interview process, rather than waiting for the employer to discover it. This allows you to frame the event and provide context for the circumstances surrounding the incident. Explain the steps taken to correct the behavior and emphasize your current commitment to safety and positive performance. For example, if you have a past preventable accident, focus on subsequent safety awards or extended periods of clean driving. By taking ownership and highlighting recent professional growth, you demonstrate accountability and reliability, which helps offset concerns about the older entry.