Stop Worrying About Your Driver Files.
The Problem.
Did you know that missing documents in Driver Files is the #1 reason truckers fail safety audits? A single missing page or an expired medical card can lead to thousands of dollars in fines or a “Conditional” safety rating.
What we do.
Carrier Partner acts as your personal compliance manager. We don’t just store your files; we build them from scratch.
We Create the File: We ensure you have a compliant employment application and all required background checks.
We Run the Reports: We pull your official Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) and handle previous employer inquiries.
We Track Expirations: We text you before your CDL or Medical Card expires so you never get stuck at a weigh station.
Get Started (3 Simple Steps):
Text or email us a photo of your CDL and Medical Card.
We generate the required forms, run your background checks, and build your digital binder.
We keep your file audit-ready 24/7. If the DOT calls, we are ready. Contact us today!
FAQ: Why Are Driver Qualification Files So Important?
The DQ File is the “report card” for your business. It is the only proof you have that your driver is legally allowed to be behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focuses on this because incomplete driver files are the #1 reason carriers fail safety audits. If an auditor finds a missing application or an expired medical card, they assume your entire safety program is broken, which can lead to a “Conditional” safety rating.
Yes. This is a common mistake that leads to fines. Under federal law, you are wearing two hats: you are the Employer and the Employee. As the “Employer,” you must maintain a full Driver Qualification file on yourself as the “Employee.” This includes running your own background checks and annual motor vehicle records, even if you have been driving for 20 years.
“Negligent Hiring” is a legal term that personal injury lawyers use to sue trucking companies for millions of dollars after a crash. If a driver gets into an accident and their DQ File is missing a required document (like a previous employer check or a road test), a lawyer can argue that you should never have hired them. A complete, audit-ready DQ File is your best legal defense to prove you did your job correctly.
No. A Driver Qualification File is a “living document” that changes every year. While some items are permanent (like the original application), others expire. You must run a new Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) every 12 months and have the driver sign a new List of Violations every year. If you only build the file when you hire the driver, you will eventually be out of compliance.
Insurance companies look at your safety rating and your “Driver Fitness” score in the FMCSA system. If you get roadside violations for “Driver Disqualified” or “Physical Certificate Expired,” your CSA score goes up. High scores tell insurance providers that you are a high-risk company, which can double or triple your insurance premiums. Keeping your files perfect helps keep your operating costs low.