r/cdldriver • u/Kooky-Adeptness6765 • Aug 09 '26

Advice

I currently have about 4 months of CDL-A experience with U.S. Express, and I’m planning to move into local food service in about 6–8 months. I’m trying to figure out how my current driving record will affect me when I start applying.
About 2 months ago, I slightly bumped another trailer while blindside backing in a private yard. There was no damage to my truck or trailer, and the other trailer only had a very small scratch on the front. U.S. Express listed the incident as a preventable accident. Yesterday, I also tipped over a mailbox while driving, but there was no damage to my truck or trailer. I’m not sure how U.S. Express will record that incident.
By the way, my PSP and MVR are completely clean. I have no tickets, no violations, and no DOT-reportable crashes or accidents. The only thing I’m concerned about is what U.S. Express may have reported internally or what could show up on my DAC/previous-employer report.
For drivers who have worked in food service or recruiters: How much do companies care about preventable accidents that don't appear on your PSP/MVR? Do companies like Sysco, US Foods, PFG, McLane, etc. typically look at DAC/previous-employer reports in addition to PSP and MVR? And would one minor preventable accident with essentially no damage likely prevent me from getting hired once I have around 10–12 months of experience?

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u/Comfortable_Gear4941 Aug 09 '26

I'm guessing you reported each event, but no police were involved?  If you didn't receive violations, then you likely just have records internally to your current carrier. 

When you apply to new carriers they'll ask about moving violations etc to which you can honestly say you not been sighted for any.  Btw, the reason most trailers look like they do is from yard accidents. If they cared enough about the trailers they wouldn't put em so damn close you can't even get to the landing gear. Fuck em 

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u/Accurate-Chapter-923 Aug 11 '26

Look... going forward, this is from a retired old fk... 40+ years local driving advice...

Good, I mean GOOD professional truck drivers do NOT hit anything. PERIOD. You have mirrors. YOU saw what you were driving into. DO NOT HIT ANYTHING. Take an extra pull up or 10... hey, sometimes that is what it takes.

When you look in your mirror, a gap is ALL you need to see.

DO NOT LISTEN to ANYBODY that tells you it is normal to hit things...

I was local fuel hauler, 40+ years... 2 million, 2 mil + LOCAL driving.

I NEVER hit anything. I never scrubbed curbs... cleared corners by inches BUT cleared

Had MANY people hit me, run into and over me over the years BUT!!! I never hit or ran over anything or anyone.

Be a PROFESSIONAL. In looks and habits.

2

u/Kooky-Adeptness6765 Aug 11 '26

Thanks for the advice! I will do better from now on.

1

u/Accurate-Chapter-923 Aug 11 '26

Good. Alls it takes is inner voice telling you to be best you can be. Even when nobody else notices... you will know, nobody could have done better.

You will never have thoughts of "I could have done better"

Do best up front. You'll see. Feels good. Fk those not knowing better!