Get Your Focus Back With Enhanced DQF
Go paperless and stay compliant with Tenstreet.
Carriers face a common problem when it comes to managing Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) - the overwhelming amount of paperwork. In many cases, paper-based systems can obscure crucial information and lead to careless mistakes or failing an audit.
The pressure to stay compliant with ever-changing regulations, maintain annual MVR Reports, and store organized driver files can be a daunting task for many carriers.
With Tenstreet, you can say goodbye to the chaos of paper and embrace a clean start. Our easy-to-use digital DQF system eliminates the hassle of paper-based processes, streamlining your operations and reducing the risk of errors. Stay compliant with confidence as Tenstreet keeps your driver files organized and up-to-date, ensuring you're always in sync with the latest regulations.
Let Tenstreet be your ally in the journey towards efficient and compliant DQF management, freeing up your focus and protecting the health of your business.
What Safety Departments Can Do With Enhanced DQF
Digital Driver Files allow you to digitally store DOT and company-required documents for every driver, including the mandatory 3 years for your terminated drivers.
With Tenstreet, you can view and track annual MVR/COV reporting at every stage your drivers complete, and know where they currently are in the process.
Document Expiration Alerts gives you the power to set customizable notifications that alert key personnel when a driver’s documents are nearing expiration or are missing.
Online files stored by Tenstreet are protected by encryption and follow strict privacy standards that ensure confidentiality of sensitive information and offer more security than paper files.
With Digitized Signatures, recruiters can email release forms to multiple recipients in just one click, eliminating the pain of having to print and fax the required forms for employment history and drug screening data.
Bulk MVR Ordering is an easy process that allows you to request MVRs for all drivers in their anniversary month (or whenever you need them).
Driver Notifications allow you to send automatic alerts to drivers through email or Pulse requesting an updated copy of their CDL or a COV whenever you need it.
Document Uploader enables drivers to upload pictures of documents and licenses from a mobile device, making it easy to keep files up-to-date.
Digital Driver Files allow you to digitally store DOT and company-required documents for every driver, including the mandatory 3 years for your terminated drivers.
With Tenstreet, you can view and track annual MVR/COV reporting at every stage your drivers complete, and know where they currently are in the process.
Document Expiration Alerts gives you the power to set customizable notifications that alert key personnel when a driver’s documents are nearing expiration or are missing.
Online files stored by Tenstreet are protected by encryption and follow strict privacy standards that ensure confidentiality of sensitive information and offer more security than paper files.
With Digitized Signatures, recruiters can email release forms to multiple recipients in just one click, eliminating the pain of having to print and fax the required forms for employment history and drug screening data.
Bulk MVR Ordering is an easy process that allows you to request MVRs for all drivers in their anniversary month (or whenever you need them).
Driver Notifications allow you to send automatic alerts to drivers through email or Pulse requesting an updated copy of their CDL or a COV whenever you need it.
Document Uploader enables drivers to upload pictures of documents and licenses from a mobile device, making it easy to keep files up-to-date.
Take the first step toward better document storage with Tenstreet
DQF Frequently Asked Questions
A Driver Qualification File (DQF) is a mandatory documentation requirement set out by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) protocols. It is essentially a record of pertinent information regarding a driver operating commercial vehicles.
The documentation held within a DQF contains various records outlining the suitability of the truck driver in operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). A DQF is actually quite complex in its requirements. DOT driver qualification file forms, certifications, licenses, and more needs to be compiled and maintained in a DQF alongside the driver application form.
Despite its complexity, to comply with the DOT regulations, a DQF must be accurately kept for each driver. The Department of Transportation conducts audits to ensure companies are properly abiding by DQF requirements.
Any truck driver traveling interstate will need a Driver Qualification File if:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is over 10,000 pounds
- Vehicle is designed to carry 15 people or more
- Vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
Note that even though the requirement to drive a vehicle over 26,000 pounds is a commercial driver’s license (CDL), your CDL qualifications have no bearing on DQF requirements. The requirement for a DQF applies to those driving interstate with any vehicle over 10,000 pounds, regardless if you possess a CDL or not.
Rules for driving intrastate vary depending on the state. Some states require a DQF when vehicles are over 10,000 pounds, following the federal regulations. Others require a DQF for vehicles over 12,000 up to 26,001 pounds.
A DOT employment application is one of the mandatory forms to be included within a Driver Qualification File. In fact, truck drivers are not allowed to drive a CMV unless this employment application form is signed-off.
The employment application form can be created by the employer so long as it includes all the required information as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations 391.21. Alternatively, you can utilize the FMCSA new driver application package.
Note that this employment application is mandatory for all DOT drivers. Even if you’re the owner-operator of your trucking company, you’ll need to fill one out to be compliant.
The FMCSA driver qualification file packet details everything that needs to be included in the DQF. Below is a summary of the key components as outlined in the Driver Qualification File checklist.
1. Application for Employment
Each DQF must contain the driver’s application for employment. The Code of Federal Regulations detail information required to be on each employee application.
2. Investigation in Safety Performance History
An inquiry must be held on the driver’s safety performance history for the past three years. This investigation must be documented and retained inside the DQF.
3. Motor Vehicle Record
The trucking company must obtain the driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR) for the past 12 months. A review of the driver’s MVR will be conducted annually to ensure minimum safe driving requirements are satisfied.
4. Certification of Violations
Drivers must provide a list of motor vehicle infractions and violations each year. This record should be compared with the MVR and retained within each truck driver qualification file.
5. Driver’s License
Either one of the two must be retained in the DOT Driver Qualification File:
- Road test certificate
- Copy of commercial driver’s license
6. Medical Examiner’s Certificate
Every two years, drivers must pass a physical exam by a licensed medical examiner. Examiners will take note of any physical impairments which may affect the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. All medical examiners need to be authorized and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners List.
The point of maintaining a Driver Qualification File for each driver is to not only protect the driver and the company but the public as well. Actively maintaining truck driver qualifications through these records provide a way to monitor a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
What Our Clients Say
Learn More About Safety With Tenstreet
The Next Peanut Butter & Jelly: Tenstreet and SambaSafety
Peanut butter is an unimpeachable delicacy. Perfectly pairing a comforting sweetness with a salty, roasted finish, it is one of the world’s great foods. Jelly
The Case of the Stolen SSNs
Our Mystery Series continues with another crime against trucking. Read on to discover some of the biggest culprits in holding back your business and how
5 Reasons to Go Paperless for Earth Day
It’s that time of year again for our planet’s favorite holiday: Earth Day! How are you going to celebrate on April 22nd? We hope you’ll
Staying Compliant with Tenstreet’s DQF
Managing paper files is a grueling task. And as your fleet grows, any form of a paper-based filing system quickly starts to border impossible. The
Your Tenstreet Starter Kit: 3 Popular Stacks
LEGO®, arguably the most ingenious toy ever invented, has come up with a brilliant way to help businesses realize their full potential. Using Lego-building exercises
Dear Safety: Your Job Has Just Gotten Easier
We’re happy to announce the release of two powerful new additions to our line of truck driver safety services. Now along with our DQF module,
