What exactly is DOT non-recordable?

Afternoon, I am having some difficulties and would love your input. Recent graduate in November in 2013 and was immediately hired on with a company as a driver. I underwent a training for 2 months - after my training, 4 weeks later during an ice storm, when attached the tractor to the trailer - coupled, did my tug, moved forward to close the trailer doors.. and no more than 5 feet, to make a left in the parking lot, the trailer dropped. The trainer immediately saw that it was due to the ice. Safety terminated me, and this is now showing up as a non-recordable "2 times" on my DOT report. Not only is this incorrect (did not happen twice), but considering that it was still on their property, no damages, and with the storm occurring, why would it be showing up on my DOT report? I am new to all of this and need guidance. I need that DOT report corrected as its becoming impossible for me to find work. All companies are turning me down.

 

sazook,
Can you direct me to the chapter and verse for the definition? My former employer considers trading paint with a 2 1/2 foot high retaining post to be a DOT Recordable. I need to get my record amended. Thanks for your help.

 

FMCSR 390.5(1) is the section that defines what an DOT reportable accident is...

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/390.5?section

Remember, just because an accident isn't reportable to the DOT doesn't mean it isn't reportable to your MVR or DAC report, and it doesn't mean that it can't be classified as a preventable accident.

 

Thanks for the clarification.
Another driver with the same company was going to be discharged because of what an outside repair shop said was evidence of a high hook. The company was telling the driver that they were calling it an accident. When he pressed the company, he was told they can classify anything they want as "accident" and thus a DOT recordable, which of course goes on the DAC.

 

As of January 13th, 2015 I have learned that there are four different "reports" that can be used as a "driver report card".
1) DAC report
2) MVR
3) PSP
4) CSA
What may appear on one may appear differently on another, or maybe not at all. One thing I have determined is that the employer will consider ANY "object coming in contact with the rig", whether the driver hit it or was hit by it as an accident.

There is no such thing as an incident in their book. Get into two unavoidable impacts (or any other classification) in a three year period is all that most companies will accept, any more than that and you will more than likely lose your job, further more no other employer will hire you, thanks to the rule making of the insurance companies.
A lot of responsibility isn't it.

 

If it's on your DAC? And you don't inform, that could cost you a job, always be truthful on an app.