CDL Driver PSP Awareness Initiative
CDL holders: You should see what's on your own Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) PSP Report and understand how trucking companies view you as a driver
Sponsor-Funded Free PSPs left:
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This will re-direct you to FMCSA's Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Portal:
Scroll below to understand how to read your PSP report and how most trucking companies see you
Send us your PSP report and our Sponsors will reimburse the cost of the report and provide you with a custom CDL-A Job Offer from a reputable trucking company. Even if you are not looking for a CDL-A job now, why not try and see what an excellent driver is offered?
Understand Your PSP
After you download your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report, read and understand how trucking companies view you.
An Excellent PSP!
Apply for a new job!
A Blank PSP ≠ Good PSP.
Get clean DOT inspections.
A PSP that needs improvement.
✔ Three or more clean inspections
✔ No inspections with violations
✔ No accidents
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A 'blank' PSP with no inspections indicates that you were not driving over-the-road or got 'very lucky' to have no inspections.
✘ An accident or multiple accidents
✘ Inspections with DOT Violations
✘ Few or zero clean inspections
Why is your PSP so important for trucking companies?
A single unsafe driver can have significant financial implications for a trucking company, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased insurance premiums, liability claims reaching into the tens of millions, or even the loss of their business. Consequently, good trucking companies prioritize hiring the safest drivers possible, and one key tool they employ to mitigate these risks is the drivers' Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP). This program aids in evaluating and ensuring the safety and reliability of their driving staff.
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What is a PSP report and why is it important?The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report is a critical document for commercial drivers. It provides a detailed summary of a driver's safety history, including roadside inspection data and crash reports from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This report is crucial because it affects hiring decisions, insurance rates, and compliance with safety regulations.
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How is PSP different from MVR?While both are essential for drivers, the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) focuses on a driver's personal driving history, like traffic violations and accidents. In contrast, the PSP report concentrates on commercial driving history, including Department of Transportation (DOT) roadside inspections and safety performance.
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What information is on the PSP report? How does it end up there?The PSP report includes details of roadside inspections, safety violations, crash reports, and DOT inspection outcomes. This information is collected and reported by the FMCSA and state law enforcement agencies during roadside inspections and crash investigations.
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Do drivers have the ability to pull their own PSP report and see what the trucking companies see?Yes, drivers can access their PSP reports. This transparency allows drivers to understand what potential employers see and address any inaccuracies.
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What do employers want to see on the PSP report? What’s the ideal case?Employers typically prefer a clean PSP report, indicating a history of safe driving, compliance with regulations, and no significant safety violations or crashes. The PSP report serves as a professional "resume" for drivers, showcasing their safety and compliance history.
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You may get a DOT violation and no actual ticket that you need to pay? Why is it worse for you as a driver?DOT violations can occur without a monetary fine but can be more detrimental, affecting the PSP report and, subsequently, employment opportunities and insurance rates.
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What violations may appear on the PSP report? Are some violations worse than others?The PSP report can include a range of violations, from logbook errors to equipment failures. Some, like Hours of Service (HOS) violations or reckless driving, are considered more severe.
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What if a driver receives a violation for improper equipment, isn’t this a company’s fault?While equipment issues might be the company's responsibility, they can still reflect negatively on the driver's PSP report, emphasizing the importance of pre-trip inspections.
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Can we look at some examples of violations that appear on PSP reports?Common examples include HOS violations, speeding, failure to use a seatbelt, and vehicle maintenance issues.
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What if I had no inspections? What does that tell you?No inspections could indicate a lack of exposure to DOT checks, which isn't necessarily negative but provides less information about compliance and safety practices.
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Why do companies care so much about bad inspections on the PSP report?Companies prioritize safety and compliance. A bad inspection record can signal potential risks, affecting insurance rates and the company's safety rating.
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How to avoid DOT violations?Regular vehicle maintenance, adherence to HOS regulations, thorough record-keeping, and staying updated with DOT regulations can help avoid violations.
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How long do they stay on your PSP report?DOT-reportable accidents remain on the PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) report for five years, while DOT inspections with violations are recorded for three years.
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If I were in a DOT reportable crash why does it show on my PSP, if I wasn’t at fault?A DOT reportable accident listed on your PSP means simply that you were involved in that accident. It does not mean that you were at Fault. So always get a copy of the official police report, which may not be available for several weeks after an accident depending on the severity of the accident. This will demonstrate your professional approach and end up putting you ahead of the crowd. "Bad things can happen to good people”.
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Are there companies that don’t check your PSP? Are they required to?While most reputable companies check PSP reports, it's not a legal requirement. However, not checking can impact their compliance and safety standards. As a driver, you probably don't want to work for a company that doesn't check PSP reports as this indicates poor safety practices.
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So as a driver, I can just go and download my own PSP report? How much does it cost?Yes, drivers can download their PSP reports from the FMCSA website for a nominal fee, usually around $10.
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What should drivers do when they see the report?Drivers should review their PSP report for accuracy, understand any violations, and take steps to improve their safety record if needed.
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What if you have an excellent PSP report?An excellent PSP report can be a significant asset in a driver’s career, potentially leading to better job opportunities, higher pay, and lower insurance rates.
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So what should I do next?1. Download your PSP report 2. If your PSP : ✔ Has 3 or more inspections with no violations ✔ Has no inspections with violations ✔ Has no accidents 3. Send Us Your PSP If it meets the above criteria, we will reimburse the cost of the report and provide you with a custom CDL-A Job Offer from a reputable trucking company. Even if you are not looking for a CDL-A job now, why not try and see what an excellent driver is offered?
Key Takeaways:
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Every driver must see their PSP
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This is how employers see you
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CheckPSP.com awareness initiative has donors that will reimburse a limited number of drivers the cost of their report
Watch an industry expert explain PSPs
Are you a safe driver?
Your PSP record (Pre-Employment Screening Program Report) includes five years of crash and three years of roadside inspection data from the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) database.
Employers look for drivers with clean PSP reports, which represent a history of safe driving practices and adherence to regulations.
View a sample PSP record (psp.fmcsa.dot.gov).
It can open doors to better job opportunities and higher compensation.
Why do companies value drivers with good PSP records?
Motor carriers responded that they use PSP to help determine if drivers have worked for companies with poor safety ratings in the past. Violations in the PSP report for pre-trip inspections, logbooks, and speeding were high on the list of concerns and were generally believed to be a good indication of a driver’s safety performance.
Feedback from motor carriers indicated that the utilization of PSP would enable them to recruit the most qualified drivers, leading to an enhancement of their overall safety ratings. These carriers also highlighted that drivers with commendable safety records were in high demand, potentially allowing them to negotiate better compensation and benefits.
An FMCSA safety impact study demonstrates the proven benefits of PSP usage.
