So far I have 3 yard driver/yard jockey interviews under my belt. I have a couple more interviews scheduled. Now how long does a background check through DOT and your MVR supposed to take? I have lived in the same county (except for one year) and haven’t had a citation except for a snow emergency ticket. One accidental in which I wasn’t at fault. Begusus long does this take? And should I get the MVR report myself to cut down on time?
MVR and PSP reports don't take long at all. They are usually received on the same day. Getting references from past employers can be like pulling teeth. FMCSA requires that they be done within a certain time period, but some companies you have to send two or three request before you get a response.
That maybe an issue, I haven’t heard from references for years. Are refences required by FMCSA and DOT?
Another thing I can't understand is why when a driver has a class A license, why would they want t work as a yard jockey, yard driver, yard hostler? All these jobs seemingly require a class A license, yet why would someone take one of these jobs instead of a driver job that would pay 25%-40% more? I am telling you right now, if I apply for one of these jobs that require a class a permit or class A license and my permit isn't enough and you tell me to call back when I get my license there is no way in hell I am calling you back. Why post a job ad like that?
No reason getting the information required by 391.23 (c) should take more than a few hours. Unfortunately, however for many different reasons, it can take a while. A carrier can go out of business. Sometimes that information simply cannot be got! This what 391.23 (c) says. Most carriers have such a fear of the FMCSA and these driver files that they will NOT hire a driver if they can't account for this. Further, they refuse to hire with gaps in employment history. If an applicant has not got a decision within 10 days something is wrong. After this, it is up to the carrier if they want to go any further.
One of these places I have waited 2 weeks now and the status of my application is still open. I have a lot of employment gaps due to the recession and being laid off. I had worked in IT with a bachelors in comp sci and my decision to leave the industry is because of the iffy nature of employment.
I understand. I know some people like that too. The problem is the carriers are scared of the FMCSA. I have said this now several times. I know of a safety critter that actually wet himself all over himself when they said the FMCSA auditors had arrived. They just will not hire with gaps. Even in light of what 391.23 says.
