When you apply for a job in the trucking industry, one of the first things potential employers want to know is how much experience you have. This is used in determining your suitability for the role. However, you may still be able to fake truck driving experience if you are a beginner. But you also should know that trucking companies verify this experience.
But how do trucking companies verify this experience? The process is more complex than you might think and can involve a combination of federal regulations, background checks, and even road tests, etc.
This article has a lot in store for your reading, so glue on and learn.
How the Hiring Process Works
Most trucking companies require a certain amount of verifiable experience, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
This requirement is not arbitrary; it’s based on safety considerations and insurance requirements. Companies do check your Driving Abstract and Compliance (DAC) report and driving license to verify your experience.
Disclaimer: This article is purely hypothetical and does not endorse or encourage dishonesty or illegal activities. It's always best to gain real experience and skills rather than resorting to deception.
Before you fake a truck driving experience, understand the risks involved. Faking experience can have severe consequences, including job termination, legal repercussions, and damage to your professional reputation.
If you’re caught in a lie, it can be challenging to regain trust in the industry. Moreover, if you’re involved in an accident without the necessary skills and experience, the consequences could be disastrous.
How to Fake Truck Driving Experience
Even if you were to lie about your experience, at least get to know the job at hand. Driving a truck, especially a tanker, involves handling various controls and knobs. If you’re not familiar with these, your lack of experience will quickly become apparent. Perhaps, you want to familiarize yourself with the basics of truck driving, even if it’s through a simulator or training course.
That said, here are possible ways to fake truck driving experience and get away with it:
1. Understand the Requirements
First, understand what the company is looking for. Some companies may require a CDL completion certificate, but many others only require a valid CDL. If the company you’re applying to falls into the latter category, you’re in luck. Your lack of a completion certificate won’t be a hindrance.
2. Build a Convincing Story
You need to build a convincing story involving a previous job where you drove a truck occasionally, even if it wasn’t your primary role.
Or perhaps you could talk about an extensive personal experience driving large vehicles. The key is to make your story believable and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
3. Use Fake References
References can be useful in your trucking job application. If you can find someone willing to vouch for your driving skills and experience, it could go a long way in convincing potential employers.
This person could be a former employer, a trainer, or even a friend who has seen you drive.
You also want to prove that you are knowledgeable even without actual experience. For example, you can stay updated with the latest trends and regulations in trucking. Show that you’re familiar with the routes, the equipment, and the challenges of the job. This can help convince employers that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
4. Make a Fake Work History
Generally, when faking a truck driving experience, the common step would be to create a false work history. This could involve inventing past employers or roles. However, this is risky since employers can check if these companies exist through DOT numbers and other resources.
5. Using Online Services
Some online services, like thereferencestore.com, have been used by job seekers to create false references. These services can provide you with fake job references and employment verifications, including that of trucking. However, using such services is ethically questionable – obviously.
6. Fake Your Skills During the Interview
If you manage to get past the application stage, you’ll likely face a skills test during the interview. This could involve loading a trailer, setting up and shimming a flip, sliding tandems, or other tasks an experienced driver can do. Faking these skills would be challenging, as veteran truckers can easily spot fraud.
While you can fake truck driving experience, there’s no substitute for the real thing. A thoughtful and safe approach to driving can put you ahead of some experienced drivers. However, this doesn’t replace the need for actual experience.
7. Form a Fake Truck Company in Your Name
Some experts suggest starting a company when you get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This company wouldn’t be used initially but rather allowed to mature over time. This way, when asked about your experience, you can reference your own company. However, this approach requires foresight and patience.
The Better Alternative
Instead of resorting to dishonesty, consider gaining real experience in the field. Many companies offer training for new drivers, often at lower pay, until you gain experience.
This way, you can provide verifiable experience when applying for better opportunities.
Risks and Consequences of Faking Experience
| Risks | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Job termination | Loss of income and potential blacklisting in the industry |
| Legal repercussions | Fines, penalties, or even jail time |
| Damage to professional reputation | Difficulty finding future employment |
Fake Experience and Risks
| Steps | Risks |
|---|---|
| Creating a false work history | Employers can verify the existence of companies |
| Using online services | Legal consequences if discovered |
| Faking skills during the interview | Experienced truckers can spot a fraud |
Better Alternative
| Steps | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Gaining real experience | Verifiable experience and skills |
| Accepting lower pay for training | Opportunity to learn and grow |
| Proving yourself through hard work | Potential for better opportunities in the future |
Honesty is always the best policy. It’s better to start at the bottom and work your way up with integrity than to start at the top based on lies.
How Do Trucking Companies Know How Much Experience You Have?
Verifying a driver’s experience helps to ensure that the driver has the necessary skills to handle the job. It also mitigates risks and liabilities. Here’s a detailed explanation of how trucking companies verify a driver’s experience.
1. They Contact the Previous Employers
One of the most common ways trucking companies verify experience is by contacting previous employers – those you specify in your application. They will call or send a fax asking specific questions about the driver’s employment duration, roles, and responsibilities.
In some cases, a simple phone call can suffice. Some companies may accept voice verification as proof of experience, especially if the driver has been recommended by a trusted source.
2. Reviewing Documented Proof
Trucking companies also look for documented proof of a driver’s experience, including tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs. If there’s no documented proof of employment, it’s often considered as if the work experience didn’t happen.
3. Background Checks
Thorough background checks could also be carried out after your application. These checks can include criminal records, driving history, and even tax returns. Companies like HireRight, state motor vehicle records, and the federal PSP database are often used for these checks.
4. Federal Regulations and Driver Applications
Federal regulations play a significant role in the verification process. All driver applications must list the prior 10 years of driving experience. This requirement allows potential employers to have a comprehensive view of a driver’s history.
Moreover, the regulations mandate that the potential employer contact each Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated employer that the driver worked for during the past 36 months. This contact serves to verify that the driver candidate hasn’t failed any drug or alcohol tests in the prior three years. It also provides an opportunity for the potential employer to check if the driver was involved in any crashes.
5. Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)
Most MVRs will give a 36-month snapshot into the driver’s violation history in both personal and commercial vehicles. Some states even provide up to 10 years’ worth of information.
Most, but not all will have a single line in them that shows the date when they received their CDL. While some drivers do obtain their CDL and not use it for a while, this is pretty rare.
6. Pre-Employment Screening (PSP) Reports
The PSP report also gives a potential employer a snapshot of the roadside inspection and crash activity in commercial vehicles only for the prior 36-month period. These reports are not mandatory for companies to run, but they are highly beneficial. They cost $10 each, and the annual enrollment fee is $100+. These reports can help ensure that you have good contact information to be used in conducting the driver’s Safety Performance History. They are also helpful in informing a potential employer of a prior employer that the driver may have “forgotten” to include on their application.
7. Road Tests and Training Periods
For a specific type of experience, such as HAZMAT hauling or hauling vehicles, a thorough road test or ride-along/ training period helps employers verify specific experience. Proven experience with certain trucking companies known for hauling only a particular type of commodity can also be a good indicator.
Just before you leave this section, understand that trucking companies go all out such as outsourcing the verification process to investigation companies to avoid negligent hiring.
Let’s say you have a bad record and get hired without a thorough background check, if you get into a serious accident, the company could be sued for millions. This could lead to bankruptcy and the closure of the company. No trucking company wants this avoidable experience.
Instead of Faking Truck Experience – Do These
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to gain truck driving experience, which is the ethical and professional way to enhance your career prospects.
1. Understanding the Importance of a CDL
A CDL is an important requirement for a truck driving job. It’s the official license that permits you to operate commercial vehicles. Having a valid CDL is more important than any certificate from a driving school. The CDL is proof that you are legally allowed to drive a truck, and it’s what most employers will ask for.
2. Complete CDL Training and Completion Certificates
CDL training programs are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the CDL exam. Upon completion of the training, some schools issue a certificate.
However, this certificate is not as important as the actual CDL. The certificate merely indicates that you’ve completed a training program, but it doesn’t grant you legal permission to drive a truck. That’s the role of the CDL.
3. Gain Experience
Once you have your CDL, the next step is to gain experience. Your dream company will probably not hire you without experience, but some can and will. Some companies, like Swift and Schneider Bulk, will employ you as a new CDL holder. Working with such companies allows you to gain practical experience on the road. This experience is what future employers will look at when considering your application.
4. Deal with Contracts and Obligations
Some training programs may require you to sign a contract, agree to work with them for a certain period or pay back the training costs if you quit early. Understand these obligations before signing. If you quit early, some companies may not hire you due to this contract. However, others may not consider it a problem, as long as you have a valid CDL and some experience.
5. Build a Reputation
Building a good reputation involves honoring your contracts, gaining experience, and proving yourself as a reliable driver. Your reputation can significantly influence your career progression and the opportunities available to you.
6. Apply Even If You Don’t Meet the Experience Requirement
Some companies list experience requirements as a preference rather than a strict requirement. If you present yourself as mature, confident, and competent, you might still land the job.
Importance of Real Experience
| Real Experience | Importance |
|---|---|
| Safety | Ensures you can handle the vehicle safely |
| Confidence | Gives you confidence on the road |
| Knowledge | Provides firsthand knowledge of the industry |
| Credibility | Makes you more credible to employers |
Conclusion – Fake Truck Driving Experience
While it’s theoretically possible for you to fake truck driving experience, it’s not recommended due to the potential consequences. It’s always better to gain real experience and skills, which will serve you well in the long run.
Read also: Fake Smog Check Certificate
