Safety Insights … Truism: Safety starts with the hiring process. The goal should never be to fill a seat! The objective is to find a qualified driver that will be an assest to the company. Qualifed drivers are “out there”; however, a process is meeded to find them. The process should begin with with an in-person , or at minimum a visual, encounter. A 15-minute chat with an applicant can reveal a tremendous amount of information relative to experience, general knowledge of driving, attitude, thought process, and demeanor. I call it a “gut” feeling. Every time that I have gone against my “gut” it has cost me one h… of a headache! It can also verify, or initiate doubt, on information contained in the application when submitted. MVR’s are nice (especially as they are required); however, a PSP paints a better picture and is well worth the cost. Hiring has become a complicated process; however, I firmly beliefe that it should start with the safety department. Approval from safety should always preceed the handoff to HR or an outsourced vendor. Authority should never be delegated until responsibility has been assumed. A committed hiring philosophy reflects in SMS BASICs’s sans ▲’s. Safe Travels, Safety Bob