How critical is the DAC report to getting a job?

For the record. Information being held about you is in more than just DAC. The largest amount of time, when a request is made, DAC returns 3 pieces of information. Dates you drove for that carrier. Reason for leaving, and finally, rehire status. The information contained in DAC should mirror the information the carrier keeps. This is why I advise all drivers to get a yearly copy of their DAC and examine it carefully. If you find something that is not correct, contact DAC and let them know.

Does this mean that horror stories don't exist? No, they do. I was speaking to a guy back in Nov who is dealing with what I will call a misunderstanding, more than just false information, in DAC, as well as the carrier he worked for.

I know of no solution to this problem. The DOT/FMCSA is serious about Part 391 subpart B and subpart C. They are DEAD serious about 391.51. So much so that I have been told some carrier safety depts have been known to wet themselves after a FMCSA auditor shows up and asks for access to these required files. If they find these REQUIRED files to not be in order or incomplete, auditors can stop all operations, but most of the time, they are given a civil fine and a date for another visit.

The States have the legal right to examine some documents, as well as ALL these documents, as well as driver time records, to include EZ-Pass and Pre-pass records if a legal Subpoena duces tecum is served on the carrier. I know of a Divorce case several years ago where a Family Law Attorney got this information.

I know people generally don't like having to deal with all of this crap. 50+ years ago, it was not as serious a problem. Back then, a driver could have more than one driver's license, too. Those days are over. Databases are going to follow you these days from the cradle to the Grave! There is NOTHING you can do about it either.