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In today's competitive job market, successful companies across various industries are relying more and more on applicant tracking software to streamline the recruitment process. While standard ATS platforms are designed to manage general job applicants, the trucking industry has specialized requirements that require unique ATS solutions. In this article, we will examine the key differences between ATS for trucking applicants and standard ATS for general job applicants, highlighting the different features and functionalities that cater to the specific requirements of the trucking industry.
Job Posting and Candidate Sourcing
Truck driver specific ATS software is designed to attract and source qualified candidates for commercial driving positions efficiently. These systems often integrate with popular truck driver job boards, allowing driver recruiters to post job openings across relevant driver recruiting platforms with just a few clicks. Moreover, ATS solutions for trucking applicants typically incorporate advanced filtering functionality that focuses on specific criteria related to commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements, the applicant’s experience with hauling specific types of cargo, and the applicant’s knowledge of federal regulations, ensuring that only Department of Transportation (DOT) qualified candidates are considered.
On the other hand, most standard ATS platforms cater to a much broader range of industries, job applicants, and positions. They generally offer more flexibility in types of job applicants and candidate sourcing across popular job boards and social media platforms. However, they generally lack the industry-specific features necessary to recruit and qualify applicants for truck driver positions, leading to a higher volume of failed hires.
Document Management
Trucking applicants are required to submit a range of mandatory documents, such as CDL licenses, medical certifications, and driving records (MVR), to help meet DOT compliance requirements. Good truck driver specific applicant tracking systems, such as CDL Suite, include document management features that ensure DOT compliance, allowing driver applicants to complete required consent forms as well as upload required documents directly from their mobile phone. Most ATS systems can be expected to store these documents securely. Truck driver recruiters can easily access and verify the required credentials, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Most standard ATS platforms offer document management functionality as well, however they generally do not have specialized tools for handling the distinctive document requirements specific to driver recruiting.
Compliance and Safety
The trucking industry is highly regulated to maximize safety on the roads. Truck driver specific ATS systems, such as CDL Suite, generally incorporate special features that aid recruiters while ensuring compliance with DOT regulations. CDL Suite includes a user-friendly driver qualification module that easily conforms to any fleet’s unique workflow. Many systems also include functionalities like integrated employment verifications, driver's license validation, monitoring and tracking of required consent forms.
Most standard ATS platforms do not have built-in safety and compliance features needed to manage driver recruiting requirements set by the trucking industry. Driver recruiters will need to conduct all verification and compliance functions manually to ensure compliance, increasing the likelihood of errors and potential liabilities.
Integration with Background Screening Solutions
Trucking companies rely heavily on background screening service providers to manage their screening quickly and accurately. Specialized ATS solutions for the trucking industry often integrate directly with background screening providers, ensuring seamless data exchange between platforms. This integration ensures better coordination between driver recruiting and HR, ensuring that the on-boarding process goes as smooth as possible.
Most standard ATS platforms include integration capabilities. However, standard ATS platforms generally are not capable of passing data specific to driver recruiting and screening. As a result, trucking companies using standard ATS systems are required to transfer data manually between systems, leading to potential missing or inaccurate screening data.
Conclusion
ATS software plays a critical role in optimizing and simplifying recruitment processes for successful businesses across all industries. However, the trucking industry's distinctive requirements demond unique ATS solutions that focus on the specific needs of truck driver applicants. Truck driver specific ATS software such as CDL Suite offers enhanced capabilities such as driver compliant job applications, streamlined driver qualification file management, compliance with DOT and guidelines, and integration with background screening providers. By taking these key differences into consideration, trucking companies and driver recruiting can leverage effective technology for attracting, evaluating, and hiring qualified candidates, ultimately enhancing their recruitment processes.
