The construction boom, aging workforce, lack of interest among younger candidates and competition has led to a shortage of DOT drivers for construction jobs. As contractors seek drivers with at least a few years’ experience, they generally must deal with a smaller labor pool and stiff competition from over-the-road carriers, private motor carriers, and the oil and gas industry, all of which typically pay more and offer stable, long-term positions.
Even with the shortage, construction contractors need to remain rigorous in their driver selection. Here are key considerations for contractors in their driver recruitment and onboarding process, as well as with respect to the conduct and management of ongoing driver safety programs.
Recruitment and screening
- Initial screening. Validate that each driver candidate’s age is compliant with requirements for the operation of commercial vehicles; drivers must be at least age 21 for interstate or age 18 for intrastate. Thoroughly check the candidate’s driving record for any disqualifying offenses, such as DWI/DUI, reckless driving, excessive speed, driving without a license, accidents and repeated traffic safety violations among other issues.
- Background checks. If driver candidates are to operate any commercial vehicles, the contractor must go back a minimum of three years to get safety performance history and five years for positive drug/alcohol tests and DOT recordable crashes. While there are no specific requirements for individuals operating non-regulated vehicles, check each candidate’s motor vehicle record going back a minimum of three years, be sure they have a current valid driver license and consider requiring drivers to have a minimum amount of driving experience, such as two to three years.
- Drug testing. Commercial Driver’s License drivers must have pre-hire drug test that meets specific DOT regulations (CFR 49 Part 40 and CFR 49 Part 382). Contractors may be required to follow federal contractor employer drug free workplace requirement if stipulated as part of contract. For compliance, as well as record-keeping purposes, contractors should maintain separate written policies as well as drug testing forms and processes for CDL and non-regulated testing processes.
- Road tests. Non-CDL drivers (those operating vehicles that are 10,001# GVWR to 26,000# GVWR) must have a road test. Although contractors can accept a CDL license in lieu of road test, the best practice is to still require a road test, which gives the contractor a better sense of how the driver will handle the equipment and road performance.
Driver onboarding
- New driver safety orientation. Defensive driver training should include behind-the-wheel coaching to validate how each driver handles the vehicle and performs specific driving maneuvers in real-life situations. New drivers should be instructed in jobsite safety and be given sufficient time with a trainer to practice operating vehicles, such as trailers and specialized equipment, as well as to become familiar with procedures for making jobsite deliveries.
- Driver handbook. Handbook should specify a contractor’s expectations of drivers on the road and at the construction site, including requirements for seatbelt use, no texting or interaction with mobile devices while any vehicle is in motion (including just checking while stopped at traffic lights) and mobile restrictions at the jobsite or on roadways. Drivers should be required to read the handbook and sign documentation confirming they understand and agree to all requirements.
jobsite driver safety
- Jobsite traffic management. At all times, drivers should be alert for pedestrians and understand and comply with all job-specific traffic rules. Contractors should designate separate car and van parking for the workforce and visitors away from the work area; there should be controlled entry to the work area and designated storage areas to avoid having delivery vehicles cross through the jobsite. To spot potential safety issues and ensure driver compliance with required safety practices, supervisors should periodically observe deliveries and workers should be encouraged to notify supervisors of any unsafe or suspicious behavior by drivers.
- Addressing jobsite dynamics. Construction jobsites are not static; they are constantly evolving as work progresses. Thus, temporary signage and driver instructions should constantly be evaluated and adjusted; related safety measures should be reinforced with drivers. At the very least, delivery processes may be modified as many as multiple times through the duration of a job.
- Additional driver safety measures. Drivers should be required to wear hi-visibility vests when working outside truck cab; reflective and safety gear should never be covered by other clothing, such as rainwear or other foul weather gear during adverse weather. Whenever outside the vehicle at the jobsite, drivers should also be required to wear personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses and steel-toe boots. Drivers should also be instructed on how cargo is to be secured, including use of required equipment, devices and related pre-trip inspection routines and trouble-shooting.
- Follow-up training. Driver safety measures should be reinforced through refresher training, which often can be done through online learning, in-vehicle coaching, classroom instruction or a combination of these methods. Defensive driver training is typically conducted every three years and may be reinforced through toolbox talks, frequent driver meetings and special training activities to address specific jobsite-related issues or conditions, as well as to accompany the rollout of new equipment.
- Hazardous materials. Contractors at sites involving the use or remediation/removal of hazardous materials need to ensure compliance with specific federal and state regulations and requirements for driver qualifications, training, testing and vehicle operations with respect to the handling, transport and disposal of hazardous materials. Consult with safety, compliance and legal advisors to ensure compliance with all regulations that apply to drivers, equipment operators and other workers at these sites.
To ensure their effectiveness and facilitate compliance by supervisors, drivers and other workers, driver safety programs call for sound risk management by contractors. Accordingly, communications from leadership and supervisory personnel should be frequent, consistent and encompass clearly defining performance and safety expectations, keeping individuals informed of their responsibilities and holding them accountable for following all instructions and monitoring vehicle condition through daily inspections.
Management should make sure all vehicles are in safe operating condition by adhering to preventive maintenance schedules. They should also have systems in place for monitoring driver hours of service and conduct periodic audit to ensure all locations follow corporate standards and adhere to regulations, such as FMCSA, as well as to make sure all drivers continue to meet qualification standards, including any and all certifications and licensing requirements.
