Question about filling out job applications

[LARM]

I'm coming up on 2 full years of driving OTR. I've never had a ticket in my truck and I had one minor "incident".

My question is about the incident. The incident involved me delivering a load to downtown Philadelphia. I was attempting to make a right turn and the overswing on the backside of my trailer got caught against a steel 2-3 foot tall guardrail designed for trolleys. A cop showed up and assisted me to get it loose. He took my CDL and the truck registration, but did not issue me a ticket. I called my company (JB Hunt) and told them what had happened just to be safe. I like to cover all my bases and I don't hide things from my employers (though it might have helped if i did in this case!). Anyway, JB has it listed on my paycheck history as a "preventable accident". Again, I stress...I was issued no ticket and the cop said "this happens all the time, it's not a big deal."

I just ran my MVR report online and I show no accidents on my record in the past 10 years. I have 2 tickets in that time (72 in a 65, and 1 red light ticket from 8 years ago).

So my question is...when I fill out job applications in the very near future, do I list this as an accident? Will I be able to explain to them that it's not listed on my MVR, but JB Hunt considered it an accident? What's the best route to go? Like I said, I'm an honest up front person and don't want to hide anything...but if I don't have to list an accident that isn't considered an accident by the city police that were on the scene, I don't think I should have to...but I assume another company will see it listed on the DAC from JB Hunt, right?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks guys.


And also, do you think this will be a dealbreaker when I look at a company like Crete, R&L, etc?

[Rev.Vassago]

I called my company (JB Hunt) and told them what had happened just to be safe. I like to cover all my bases and I don't hide things from my employers (though it might have helped if i did in this case!). Anyway, JB has it listed on my paycheck history as a "preventable accident". Again, I stress...I was issued no ticket and the cop said "this happens all the time, it's not a big deal."

First off, just because "it happens all the time", or you weren't issued a citation, doesn't mean it isn't a preventable accident.

I just ran my MVR report online and I show no accidents on my record in the past 10 years. I have 2 tickets in that time (72 in a 65, and 1 red light ticket from 8 years ago).

It doesn't surprise me that it didn't show up.

So my question is...when I fill out job applications in the very near future, do I list this as an accident? Will I be able to explain to them that it's not listed on my MVR, but JB Hunt considered it an accident? What's the best route to go? Like I said, I'm an honest up front person and don't want to hide anything...but if I don't have to list an accident that isn't considered an accident by the city police that were on the scene, I don't think I should have to...but I assume another company will see it listed on the DAC from JB Hunt, right?

Yes, it will likely be on your DAC, and therefore you should list it on any application. Usually, there is a place to explain the accident, and you should do so - as short and to the point as possible.

And also, do you think this will be a dealbreaker when I look at a company like Crete, R&L, etc?

It really all depends upon how old that speeding ticket is. If the rest of your DAC is clean, and the speeding ticket is old, then it will have less of an impact.

[LARM]

I called my company (JB Hunt) and told them what had happened just to be safe. I like to cover all my bases and I don't hide things from my employers (though it might have helped if i did in this case!). Anyway, JB has it listed on my paycheck history as a "preventable accident". Again, I stress...I was issued no ticket and the cop said "this happens all the time, it's not a big deal."

First off, just because "it happens all the time", or you weren't issued a citation, doesn't mean it isn't a preventable accident.

I agree...I was just stating what I was told. One thing's for sure...I'll never deliver a load to that receiver again for as long as I drive. I circled the block 4 times for about an hour trying to find a way in. I should have just told them I couldn't deliver it...live and learn I guess.

[GMAN]

The most harmful thing is the ticket for running a stop light. The good part is that it was 8 years ago. One speeding ticket for 7 mph over the posted speed isn't too bad if that is all that is on your mvr. If there wasn't any damage to the trailer it probably won't hurt you in getting something with another carrier. I would be forthcoming about the accident. Most carriers pull a 3 year mvr. Some may go farther back. I think Landstar now goes back as far as they can. Each state sets their own guidelines as to how far back they will go on an mvr. If you want to go with Crete or some other carrier, I suggest you get a copy of your mvr, fill out an application and submit it. You could follow up with a phone call. However, before sending an application you might want to give them a call and just ask them. Explain your side of the story and go from there. I would note the accident. Some applications ask about specific time periods, such as within the past 5 years. It is always better to be honest. Most of us can deal with something much easier when the applicant is honest and up front. We have a major problem with dishonesty.

[LARM]

The most harmful thing is the ticket for running a stop light. The good part is that it was 8 years ago. One speeding ticket for 7 mph over the posted speed isn't too bad if that is all that is on your mvr. If there wasn't any damage to the trailer it probably won't hurt you in getting something with another carrier. I would be forthcoming about the accident. Most carriers pull a 3 year mvr. Some may go farther back. I think Landstar now goes back as far as they can. Each state sets their own guidelines as to how far back they will go on an mvr. If you want to go with Crete or some other carrier, I suggest you get a copy of your mvr, fill out an application and submit it. You could follow up with a phone call. However, before sending an application you might want to give them a call and just ask them. Explain your side of the story and go from there. I would note the accident. Some applications ask about specific time periods, such as within the past 5 years. It is always better to be honest. Most of us can deal with something much easier when the applicant is honest and up front. We have a major problem with dishonesty.

Thanks for the info GMAN! Like I said, I'm an honest person...I just didn't know if it was something I needed to list. Sounds like I do...and your advice about calling them and asking them sounds like a good one. Thanks again.

[GMAN]

Glad to help. Let us know what they say.