Small and medium-sized construction companies often operate fleets ranging from small vans to large rigs that move heavy equipment. These fleets typically have insurance under the company’s business auto policy and sometimes additional coverage for heavy trucks. For more on fleet coverage options and cost-saving measures, see Fleet & Commercial Auto Insurance: Telematics, Maintenance, Construction Fleets, and Cost Savings.
Driver Background Check
Any employee who drives a company vehicle should have a motor vehicle record (MVR) free of DUI, DWI, or other alcohol- or drug-related violations within the past five years. Additional serious driving infractions within the last five years should also disqualify a driver or prompt further review.
Disqualifying driving infractions
- Chemical test refusal
- Reckless driving
- Careless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Fleeing or eluding a police officer
- Speeding greater than 20 mph over the limit
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Driving after suspension or revocation of license
Three Year MVR
The following guidance helps decide which employees are suitable for driving company fleet vehicles based on a three-year MVR. Each entry lists the number of violations followed by suitability ratings for 0–3 preventable accidents.
- 0 violations
- 0 preventable accidents — (no entry in original chart)
- 1 preventable accident — Acceptable
- 2 preventable accidents — Borderline
- 3 preventable accidents — Poor
- 1 violation
- 0 preventable accidents — Acceptable
- 1 preventable accident — Acceptable
- 2 preventable accidents — Borderline
- 3 preventable accidents — Poor
- 2 violations
- 0 preventable accidents — Acceptable
- 1 preventable accident — Acceptable
- 2 preventable accidents — Borderline
- 3 preventable accidents — Poor
- 3 violations
- 0 preventable accidents — Poor
- 1 preventable accident — Borderline
- 2 preventable accidents — Poor
- 3 preventable accidents — Poor
- 4 or more violations
- 0–3 preventable accidents — Poor
Drivers with "Borderline" records should have a formal review at least every six months. Construction companies should create and enforce clear consequences for drivers whose MVR is rated Poor; any serious infraction should place a driver automatically in the Poor category.
Fleet Management
The fleet manager or a designated employee should ensure that all company vehicles receive scheduled maintenance that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications. Repairs should be completed promptly after defects are reported to reduce safety risks.
Tire policies should require replacing temporary spares (“donut” spares) with a repaired or new original tire as soon as possible, and written fleet maintenance policies should state that a vehicle is removed from service when vehicle safety is compromised.
The fleet manager should also perform a daily walk-around inspection of each vehicle to check for obvious safety defects or serious damage.
With a driver hiring policy and fleet maintenance policy in place, review coverage and operational guidance in Fleet Auto Insurance: Shielding Operations and Fueling Growth. Then Essential Fleet Insurance Insights for Fleet Owners and Operators can help when you talk to an agent to confirm you have the right coverages for your fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check drivers’ motor vehicle records?
Check MVRs before hiring and then at least annually; drivers with borderline records should be reviewed every six months.
Which violations automatically disqualify a driver?
Serious offenses such as DUI/DWI, chemical test refusal, reckless driving, leaving the scene, fleeing police, extreme speeding, or driving after suspension should disqualify or prompt immediate review.
What maintenance policies should a fleet have?
Fleets should follow manufacturer maintenance schedules, require prompt repairs, ban continued use of vehicles with compromised safety, and replace temporary spare tires quickly.
Who should perform daily vehicle inspections?
The fleet manager or a designated employee should perform a daily walk-around inspection to identify safety defects or damage before vehicles are used.