Is it true companies can ruin your CDL for leaving an orientation?

Yes, people think it is only DAC. What people don't seem to understand is these companies that aggregate data are using only the information supplied by the carriers. If company A don't report to or otherwise use DAC they might well use another company that provides this data. Here is the problem. 391.23 MANDATES this data be collected and in some cases made part of the driver qualification file. This information is so vital that the FMCSA has set up a procedure* to follow if a carrier ignores the request for information OR has gone out of business. So if company A doesn't use DAC they are still going to either use another aggregation company OR make a direct request to the old carriers listed on the APP, this is NOT optional, this data is MANDATED. This is one reason background checks can take weeks or months.

* Said procedure basically as a last resort a carrier can report to the closest FMCSA service center the failure to get this information. The FMCSA will then provide the carrier a letter to place in that driver's DQF that will help them stay in compliance after they do an investigation. All I can say is heaven help a carrier for not replying if they are still in business. The FMCSA is not kidding when it comes to 391.23.

 

Maybe decide about working at a company BEFORE orientation. Talk to current working drivers at the company and get your info yhat way. These days people look at a web page. Then call a recruiter and ask "is this a good compan?" And hope for the best. Not good.

 

That's all well and good, but let's take for example Swift. If one was to read the reviews no one should ever go there. While it's not a place for everyone, and it's generally not a career it's also not a bad place to start one's career.
Plus there are a lot of times recruiters lie.