Certified vs. Qualified:
What's the Difference?

Just because a driver holds a federal C.D.L. license issued by the state it doesn't mean the driver is necessarily certified. Drivers must be qualified by the employer they work for, using the guidelines set forth by the FMCSR (Department of Transportation).

The certification process includes the following:

  • CDL License

    • The CDL license must be current and have proper class designation and endorsements. It can not be under revocation or suspension and can not have more than 10 points issued against it.

    A driver may have a suspended license in his possession, but this does not prove the driver is qualified.
     

  • Physical Qualification

    • A current qualification card and long form indicate that the driver is physically qualified. An injured driver or a driver with a recent heart attack may possess an invalid card. An invalid card disqualifies the driver from a past employer, but does not prevent the driver from searching for new work.
     
  • Drug Screen

    • Drivers must pass NIDA compatible testing and be enrolled in an on-going program with each employer the driver works for.
     
  • Background Search

    • A two-year history of drug tests and a three-year history of employment background must be searched.

    Driving and written tests are not required unless the driver is pulling "doubles" or tankers over 900 gallons or unless your insurance carrier requires it.
     

  • Qualification File

    • Files must be maintained and have very explicit forms required by law and FMCSR. Even the application is very different from the generic forms used today.
Authorized personnel from your company -- qualified by experience and training -- must then sign for the driver, saying the driver has meet all of these qualifications.

The FMCSR has placed these requirements on the industry to turn away the drivers that leave one job after being terminated for safety or drug violations or has a license revoked and then returns to the truck for another company. Required certification from each company keeps these bad and dangerous drivers off our highways.

If you are unsure whether your drivers meet all of these qualifications, give us a call at 918/712-9193, or contact us via e-mail. We can help you answer those hard questions.