Boost Driver Recruitment with a Digital Application

With many industries facing a persistent driver shortage—estimated to exceed 80,000 drivers this year—carriers are under pressure to recruit faster and more efficiently. In a market where drivers have multiple job options, companies that streamline their hiring process gain a clear advantage.

One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to do that? Transition from paper-based applications to a digital, mobile-friendly hiring experience.

Hire Faster & More Compliantly With Our Digital DOT-Compliant Application

What Is a Digital Driver Application?

A digital driver application is an online form that allows candidates to submit their information, upload documents, and complete required screenings from any device. These applications are typically optimized for mobile use, making it easy for drivers to apply while on the road or from home.

Key Benefits:

• Accessibility: Drivers can apply anytime, anywhere—no need for printers or scanners.

• Speed: Applications are submitted instantly, allowing recruiters to act quickly.

• Accuracy: Digital forms reduce errors and ensure all required fields are completed.

• Organization: All applicant data is stored securely and can be accessed from a centralized dashboard.

What Should a Digital Application Include?

To be effective and compliant, a digital driver application should include:

• Personal and contact information

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) details

• Medical certificate uploads

• Employment history and references

• Consent forms for background checks and drug testing

Some platforms also integrate with screening services to automate the next steps in the hiring process.

What does a DOT-regulated employee application need to include?

• Business name and address

• The applicant’s name, address - including any other addresses at which they’ve resided in the past three years - date of birth, and Social Security Number

• The issuing state, number, and expiration date of each valid commercial motor vehicle license or permit held by the applicant

• A detailed record of the applicant’s experience operating a motor vehicle, including the type of vehicle they operated

• A comprehensive list of all accidents the applicant was involved with in the past three year, including the date, nature of the crash, and if any fatalities or personal injuries were sustained

• A list of all the applicant’s motor vehicle violations in the past three years, with the exception of parking

• A statement detailing the facts and circumstances of any denial, revocation, or suspension of license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle; or a statement certifying that no such circumstance occurred

• A list of all the applicant’s employers over the last three years, including the dates employed, reason for leaving, and whether they were subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) while employed; in addition to whether their job was designated as a safety-sensitive function in any DOT-regulated mode subject to alcohol and controlled substances testing requirements  

• The names and addresses of all CMV employers that the applicant worked for in the seven years prior to the three-year period documented above, along with the dates of employment and reason for leaving each company

• Certification that the application was completed by the driver, and that it is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge

Of course, you must also uphold applicant rights during the hiring process. 

Why Speed Matters in Driver Recruitment

Time-to-hire is a critical metric in transportation. If a driver receives multiple offers, the company that moves fastest often wins. Digital applications help reduce delays by:

• Automatically triggering background checks and screenings

• Sending real-time notifications to recruiters and hiring staff

• Allowing conditional offers to be made sooner

This not only improves hiring outcomes but also enhances the candidate experience.

Exclusive 'Apply by License' Automation

Within Foley's platform, its proprietary 'Apply by License' feature speeds up hiring by letting applicants snap a photo of their driver’s license, which auto-fills key sections of the job application and creates a candidate profile the employer can track throughout the hiring process. Once hired, a DOT-compliant driver file is automatically created and maintained, with alerts for expiring documents like CDLs or medical certificates to help prevent violations. All that with the quick click of a camera phone!

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Understanding DOT Screening Requirements

Federal regulations require carriers to conduct several checks before hiring a driver. These include:

• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) reports

• Safety performance history from previous employers

• DOT Clearinghouse queries for drug and alcohol violations

• CDLIS scans to verify license status across multiple states

• FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports

• Criminal background checks

• Drug and alcohol testing

A digital platform like Foley's can streamline these steps by automating requests and storing results securely.

The Importance of Digital Compliance

Beyond hiring, maintaining compliance is essential for avoiding fines, improving CSA scores, and staying audit-ready. Paper files are vulnerable to loss, damage, and disorganization. A digital compliance system offers:

• Secure storage of driver qualification files (DQFs)

• Automated tracking of license and medical card renewals

• Continuous MVR monitoring for real-time alerts

• Audit-ready documentation for FMCSA inspections

With FMCSA increasingly requiring digital file submissions, going paperless is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

Final Thoughts

Digital driver applications and compliance tools are reshaping how carriers recruit and manage drivers. By adopting these technologies, companies can:

• Hire faster and more efficiently

• Ensure regulatory compliance

• Reduce operational risk

Whether you're a small fleet or a national carrier, embracing digital solutions is a strategic move that positions your business for long-term success in a competitive industry. If you're ready to streamline your hiring process and stay ahead in a competitive market, Foley offers a comprehensive digital solution designed specifically for the transportation industry.

From mobile-friendly applications to automated DOT-compliant screenings and continuous MVR monitoring, Foley’s platform helps carriers hire faster, reduce risk, and maintain full compliance—all from one easy-to-use dashboard.

Learn more about how Foley can support your recruitment goals, or contact us today to see Foley's industry-leading hiring and onboarding solutions in action.

Request a demo.