It's a situation many fleet managers likely relate to: Urgency to ramp up hiring and fast, and not enough qualified, safe drivers to go around. Nationwide, the trucking industry reported a driver shortage of 80,000 in October 2021 and estimates that number will double to 160,000 by 2030.1
While MVRs and other certifications are not always required, it's still imperative for drivers to undergo verification and safety training.
Over the past several years, the popularity of e-commerce and rideshare and food delivery applications among consumers have led to increased demands of transportation companies, which are now straining to source employees from an increasingly limited pool of drivers. And, of course, it's not as simple as interviewing someone and handing over the keys. You need a full driver history and personal records, but it's difficult to find with many sources of information yielding nonstandardized results, often on differing timelines.
New economy, new job functions
Some of these new roles, including rideshare drivers and last-mile personnel, require less training than traditional over-the-road professional drivers, but they face unique challenges while on the job. They often must deal directly with consumers and can face inconsistent and challenging routes along urban and suburban routes. While traditional motor vehicle reports (MVRs) and driving certifications may not be required for these drivers,2 it's still imperative for these individuals to undergo employment verification and safety training. Due to high employee turnover, there's even more urgency to hire more workers quickly in these industries.3
Seeking staffing solutions
The transportation staffing problem has also impacted schools, with some districts returning to remote learning in response to shortages in transportation staffing.4 In early 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would waive the portion of the commercial driver's license skills test that requires applicants to identify "under the hood" engine components.5
Still, whether drivers understand the components of their buses or face easier license requirements, school districts continue to take steps to make sure their buses are operated safely. Thorough background and employment screening can help school officials as they work to make the best hiring decisions.
Quickly make informed choices with Verisk
While many employers are looking to hire drivers quickly, they often face the challenge of completing exhaustive records searches to validate past employment, education, and criminal backgrounds. These searches take time and effort to complete and may require further analysis to decipher, given the lack of standardization and clarity between jurisdictions. With Verisk’s transportation employment screening solutions, employers can quickly obtain criminal and personal background screenings for employees and new hires, as well as MVRs and additional safety and verification screenings.
