You've probably heard of the DAC report, if not you should be aware of what it is and how it will affect you as a driver. Here are some common questions I answered on exactly what it is and how it works.
What is DAC?
DAC stands for Drive-A-Check Services
which was bought by USIS Commercial Serivces and is now known as HireRight. Within the trucking
industry it is referred to simply as your DAC.
What is the DAC used for?
The DAC report is to a
truck driver what a credit report is to a consumer. Subscribers to DAC
are paid a small fee to report their experience with you to a national
database. The DAC Report also contains infomation USIS gathers from
public records such as your driving record and criminal history. When
you apply for a new job if your prospective employer is a subscriber
they will request a DAC report and may make all or part of their
employment decision based on the contents of the report.
What is on my DAC report?
USIS stores employment histories for over 2,500 companies and over 5 million records. Companies use the reports to help meet FMCSA requirements to verify a three-year employment history. Employers use the report to verify application information, fill employment gaps and reveal undisclosed past employers. Report details can include dates of employment, reason for leaving, equipment operated, loads hauled, eligibility for rehire, status, driver's experience and number of accidents. In addition to the standard employment history, subscribers can also access a 20/20 national criminal database search, county and statewide criminal searches, sex offender search, state MVR records, Social Security number check and drug and alcohol history.
What if the information in my DAC is inaccurate?Just like a credit report, inaccurate information can be in your DAC. And like a credit report you have the right to contest that information and again just like a credit report getting the information changed can be difficult.
You can request a copy of your DAC report by writing a letter to
USIS/HireRight
PO Box 33181
Tulsa OK 74153
Request that USIS provide your records by using the following language: "I am requesting a copy of any and all records contained in your databases including but not limited to; the employment index database, motor vehicle records, criminal records, workers compensation reports, drug/alcohol records (including information in your controlled substance file), etc.."
Your letter also needs to state your reason for the request. Include one or all of the following reason(s):
- I have been denied employment based on information contained in my reports.
- I am entitled to one free copy of my records annually and I have not received my free copy prior to this request.
- I believe there is fraudulent information contained in my records.
And the letter must include your identifying information including all of the following:
- Your full name
- Social security number
- Date of Birth
- Driver's license number and state of license
- Your current address
- Your phone number and email address
- And include a legible copy of your CDL
Once you have a copy of your DAC you can demand removal or add statements to refute or explain any negative information in your report. The source of negative information could be public records such as your state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles, state or federal court records or it could be a former employer. To change what is in DAC you may have to go to the source. It is unlikely DAC will change the report just because you say it is incorrect.
If the source is a public record, once you have the original record corrected - keep the originals for your personal file and send copies to DAC asking them to correct their files. If the source is a former employer, contact them and ask for an explanation as to why it is being reported in the manner it is. If untrue request they report it accurately, if there is some doubt as to what actually happened ask them to modify it. Often a past employer may be willing to modify the reporting to DAC in such a way that while still a negative report it does not prevent you from being hired by a future employer. If they agree to change the record make sure you document who you talked to, what they agreed to do and when they agreed to do it. Also get their direct phone number and ask if prospective employers can contact them directly in the event of a question.
One limitation with the DAC reporting process is that it is designed to record events, not stories. Many times there may be a reasonable explanation for an otherwise negative event. If the reporting is correct, but you have additional information that may encourage a prospective employer to investigate further, it may be worth your time to request that a statement be added to your record explaining what happened. Recognize that your past history could create a potential liability for a future employer and they are looking to minimize that liability. If you add statements keep them short, factual and to the point.
Remember you are dealing with multiple organizations, each with their own set of rules and policies. USIS has policies dealing with millions of records, the public agencies have their own regulations and your former employer may have thousands of employees - the bottom line is you have to take charge of your situation. Everything should be done in writing following up within the required timelines, always keep the originals and send copies and most important follow up. BE NICE but firm. Its frustrating and you may believe the process unfair, but if you get mad and they hang up - then where are you?
I contested an accident/incident with DAC and they removed it, does that mean it won't be reported in the future?
It depends on the source of the information and what was being reported. The short answer is that if the original reporting was correct, but you got DAC to remove it for a procedural reason (company didn't respond in a timely manner or in the correct format), then it's likely that a direct reference/verification check with the company will turn it up. Employers may use DAC as a guide to identifying past employers, then rely on direct verifications with the past employers to make a hiring decision. To be sure, you have to go to the source to get something fully corrected.
I've complained to DAC and the past employer or public agency and they refuse to correct the reporting, what do I do now?
Hire an attorney. You have rights, but this whole area is complicated and confusing and falls under numerous state and federal regulations.
I've been driving for a while but a prospective employer told me they couldn't find me on DAC?
USIS only maintains files for individuals who have applied for employment with their customers. As a result, your file may not be available through USIS or may not reflect all of your driving jobs if you worked for companies who don't report to DAC. For example, many small companies, owner operators with their own authority, farming or ranching outfits, carnival or amusement operators, riggers, loggers and private not-for-hire companies may not subscribe to DAC.
What is being done to ensure DAC is fair:
Read this Special Report
How can I get some help with obtaining my DAC? Go Here
