When hiring a truck driver for your business, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are compliant with your insurance and with the FMCSA. Additionally, you want to make sure they are serious about the role and would be a reliable fit for your company. Here are some of the best questions to ask a prospective truck driver during an interview:
- Can you provide proof of a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? This is a basic question, but it’s important to verify that the driver has a CDL that is in good standing.
- What is your driving history? This includes any accidents, violations, or suspensions. Make sure the driver is forthcoming with information and is not hiding anything.
- Do you have experience driving the type of vehicle and equipment that we use? It’s important to ensure the driver has experience driving the specific type of vehicle and equipment that your company uses to avoid any accidents or damage to your equipment.
- How many hours do you typically drive in a day? This question helps determine if the driver is familiar with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and if they can properly manage their time to comply with the rules.
- What is your preferred driving route? This helps determine if the driver is familiar with the areas where your company operates and if they have experience driving in those areas.
- Are you willing to comply with our company’s drug and alcohol policies? It’s important to ensure that the driver is willing to follow your company’s drug and alcohol policies to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
- How do you stay up-to-date with changes in FMCSA regulations? This question helps determine if the driver is proactively committed to staying up-to-date with changes in FMCSA regulations and if they take their role as a driver seriously.
- Can you describe a time when you had to deal with an unexpected situation on the road? This question helps determine if the driver is able to handle unexpected situations and if they have good problem-solving skills.
- Why do you want to work for our company? This question helps determine if the driver is serious about the role and is familiar with your company’s values and goals.
- Can you provide references from previous employers? This helps verify the driver’s employment history and get feedback on their performance from previous employers.
If the driver is required to fly out for orientation, training, and/or to pick up the vehicle, you should also inquire about this person’s willingness to travel and upcoming availability, stating that all transport fares will be provided by your company.
For all of these questions, it’s important to pay attention to the driver’s responses, body language (if in person), and overall demeanor. If a driver is evasive or gives vague answers, it could be a red flag that they are not a good fit for your company. Additionally, if a driver is not honest during the interview, it’s likely that they will not be honest on the job, which could lead to potential problems down the road.
Another thing to note is determining whether or not you can ask a driver applicant about his or her criminal history, as it varies depending on state and local laws. Some states and cities have “ban the box” laws, which prohibit employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history on a job application. These laws aim to give individuals with criminal records a fair chance at employment by delaying inquiries into criminal history until later in the hiring process.
However, even in states where there are no “ban the box” laws, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends that employers use caution when making employment decisions based on an individual’s criminal history. The EEOC advises that employers should only consider criminal records that are relevant to the job in question and should allow candidates the opportunity to explain their records and show evidence of rehabilitation.
Employers may also be subject to federal regulations related to certain industries, such as transportation, which may impact the types of criminal records they can consider when making employment decisions. For more information on this matter, you should contact your local municipality or consult with legal counsel to ensure your hiring practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
In summary, by asking the right questions and listening carefully to the driver’s responses, you can help ensure that you hire a driver who is both compliant with regulations and a good fit for your company while respecting all government rules and regulations on the topic of hiring.