If you make a career on the road as a trucker, you’ll inevitably hear the term “DAC report” kicked around at truck stops, over CB chatter, or in conversation with other drivers. But what exactly are DAC reports, why do they matter so much to drivers, and what can you do if there’s bad information on yours?
Pull up a chair, because this is one of those topics that sounds dull at first—but once you understand it, it becomes one of the most important pieces of your professional life on the road.
Table of Contents
So, What Is a DAC Report?
First things first: what is a DAC report? DAC stands for Drive-A-Check, and it’s a commercial driving record maintained by a private company (HireRight). In simple terms, a DAC report is like a résumé on steroids. It includes your employment history, any safety issues, violations, and other notes from your trucking career. When a company considers hiring you, they can pull your DAC report to get a complete picture of your record.
Unlike your DMV record, which shows only convictions and basic info, DAC reports include employer-reported events—anything from speeding tickets to accidents, towing violations, and even job gaps. That makes DAC reports powerful (and sometimes scary), because a single item in your file can influence a hiring decision, especially in a competitive job market.
Why DAC Reports Matter More Than You Think
Your DAC report isn’t just a passive history. Recruiters and safety directors look at it when making hiring decisions. A glowing DAC report can open doors. A messy one? It can slam them shut before you even get a callback.
We’ve talked to truckers who were shocked to learn that a minor mistake—something they took care of years ago—was still sitting in their file and costing them jobs. That’s frustrating, right? You do the work, you pay your dues, and then old baggage haunts you anyway. It’s even more frustrating when that problem in their report is actually an error.
That’s where knowing how to check your DAC report and manage it becomes a real career move.
How to Check My DAC Report (And Why You Should)
Getting your hands on your DAC report isn’t some secret trick. If you’re not sure how to check your DAC report, you’re not alone—many truckers don’t know how to or why it’s important.
You’re entitled to a free copy of your DAC report once a year. (If you request it more often, there may be a fee.) You should absolutely take advantage of this free yearly report. Why? Because if something’s wrong, you want to catch it early before it affects your next job opportunity.
When you check your DAC report, look for things like:
- Incorrect employment history
- Safety violations you never received
- Accidents that aren’t yours
- Duplicate entries
- Anything that looks like it shouldn’t be there
Common Things That End Up On DAC Reports
So, what is on a DAC report? DAC reports are one of those behind-the-scenes tools that trucking companies use every day—but most drivers don’t think about them until it’s too late. If you’re serious about your career, you can’t afford to be in the dark.
A DAC report can include:
- Employment dates and termination reasons
- Drug and alcohol violations
- At-fault accidents
- Speeding tickets and traffic violations
- DOT violations
- Carrier-reported performance issues
Because these reports come from carriers, safety managers, and background checks, they can sometimes include incorrect or outdated information. And when that happens, you’ve got every right to challenge it.
Mistakes Happen: How to Dispute Your DAC Report
No system is perfect—especially one built on employer reporting. That’s why it’s important to understand how to dispute your DAC report when something doesn’t look right.
If you spot incorrect information, here’s what you can do.
- Request a copy of your report. Get your current file in hand so you know exactly what’s in your record.
- Identify the errors. Be specific about what’s wrong—wrong dates, incorrect accidents, or job details that don’t add up.
- Gather your evidence. Pay stubs, court records, logbooks, or HR records can help prove your case.
- Submit a dispute to the reporting source. This might be the carrier that reported the info or HireRight (the company that maintains the DAC database).
- Follow up. Don’t just file once and pray. Track the dispute, make calls, and stay involved until it’s resolved.
This process isn’t always quick, and it isn’t always easy—but it works. Drivers who take the time to challenge errors often end up with cleaner, more accurate reports. That matters when your career is on the line.
When DAC Reports Clash With Your CDL
Here’s where things get really important: DAC reports can affect your ability to get hired, and that can impact your CDL career even if you didn’t do anything wrong. That makes having a truck driver attorney in your corner a serious advantage.
You can dispute DAC report problems on your own, and many truckers successfully do. But when the dispute fails or you find yourself blocked by obstacle after obstacle, you can always find an ally at ATLA. Knowledgeable legal support can make all the difference when what should have been a minor fix turns into a massive headache that could cost you job opportunities.
Here’s what a CDL lawyer can help you with:
- Assessing your report with a trained eye
- Spotting errors that you might overlook
- Crafting a strategy for disputes and negotiations
- Following up with entities on your behalf
- Advising you on employment impact
- Helping you understand your rights under federal and state guidelines
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Record, Protect Your Career
Truck drivers who stay proactive about their DAC reports are the ones who get hired faster, switch jobs more easily, and avoid nasty surprises during the recruiting process. It’s like preventative maintenance for your career—a little time invested now can save you big problems down the road.
Take time to check your report. Learn what’s on it. And if you find something that doesn’t belong—or something that could cost you a job—don’t ignore it. Dispute it, and if you need help, reach out to a truck driver attorney who knows how to protect your record.
You’ve got too much riding on your CDL to leave this to chance. Know your rights, check your file, and treat your DAC report like the essential career document it truly is.