The importance of a driver file in a commercial vehicle – Trux Solutions
Driver files are a physical representation of a system. Several processes and roles combine to collect data that is present within a driver file. By auditing the files of the driver, safety, security and efficiency can be assessed. This is the main reason why external and internal compliance audits are important. It will examine contents in the driver’s file like missing documentation, driving history and much more.
Several trucking companies spend countless hours maintaining driver files. In most cases, the driver file is considered simply as a place where documents are placed for an audit in the future. It is true. These files are stored for vital documentation that forms an integral part of a compliance audit. Additionally, it also provides a short section on the items that are required in a driver’s file. The main focus of a driver file is to portray it as a valuable resource where relevant data can be extracted to enhance business operations.
For commercial trucks operating under the authority of the Safety Fitness Certificate, they must abide by the following ten items under the vehicle National Safety Code:
• Application for employment
• Driver’s reason for hiring
• Copies of the driver’s annual report
• Record of past employment history
• Record of safety law convictions
• Record of any collisions from the driver
• Record of any penalties incurred by the driver in the past
• Record of the driver’s safety training to operate commercial vehicles
• Certificate from the driver to transport hazardous goods
• A copy of the driver’s latest medical history
Further details on the driver file
Driver files that are regularly updated and compliant form the cornerstone of the National Safety Code program. Commercial trucks that fail to meet the minimum requirements for driver files not only break transportation laws but are also working without critical safety information. For example, imagine you hire a commercial truck driver without proper verification, or they do not have the right class of license. If you have failed to do your audit and find out if they have any traffic convictions or not. A truck driver must be competent and qualified. This is where a driver file plays a vital role to ensure your business grows.
Furthermore, the file should maintain a record of the driver’s collisions and convictions, as well as provide a review of the safety performance of the driver without any hassle. It also gives a quick snapshot of the previous performance. By maintaining an up-to-date record of their past performance, management can identify how the driver has performed in the company.
If you look at it from a compliance perspective, driver files record information relating to transgressions of the law. However, it also tracks the positive moments of the driver. Another reason for maintaining a driver file is you can easily identify drivers based on their skill and experience if they can operate hazardous routes. The information present in the fill will help management in determining the best driver for the job.
Bottomline
As mentioned earlier, driver files are compliance requirements. However, they also have information that presents trucking companies to help improve their business operations. The team at Trux Solutions can help with solutions regarding driver and vehicle to optimize your business.
