• Save yourself from paper pits

    COME UP FOR A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

    Working with paper can obscure crucial information and house difficult processes that lead to careless mistakes or failing an audit. Push the paper off your desk and get a clean start with a simple, easy-to-use DQF.

  • Become a compliance expert

    PROTECT THE HEALTH OF YOUR BUSINESS.

    Gain new confidence knowing your drivers’ files not only stay organized, but also stay compliant. Manage your drivers with software that delivers immediate updates on new regulations and molds itself to the way you operate.

  • Free up your focus

    SAVE YOUR MENTAL ENERGY.

    With automated workflow built around your DQF duties, including annual MVR and points management, you can enjoy a system that steps you through what needs your attention next.

Digital Driver Files

DOT and company-required documents stored for every driver, including the mandatory 3 years for your terminated drivers.

Annual MVR Reports

Annual MVR/COV reporting that displays every stage your drivers complete, and where they currently are in the process.

Document Expiration Alerts

Customizable notifications that alert key personnel when a driver’s documents are nearing expiration or are missing.

Secure Driver Data

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.

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 release forms for employment history and drug screening data.

Bulk MVR Ordering

An easy process that allows you to request MVRs for all drivers in their anniversary month (or whenever you need them).

Driver Notifications

Automatic alerts sent to drivers through email or Pulse requesting a 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.

  • Step 1: Talk with us

    Tell us about the biggest problems your business faces.

    We’ll equip you on your fight forward.

  • Step 2: Launch with us

    Get up and running quickly with personalized trainings and ongoing education.

    We’ll become one of the team.

  • Step 3. Grow with us

    Easily overcome new challenges as you continue to grow.

    We’ll give you your time back.

Take the 1st step

Request a Demo

Want to see how DQF fits into your safety strategy?

Download the Year With Tenstreet Safety Timeline to learn how Enhanced DQF integrates with our other tools to create a complete safety solution.

Click to Download
  • “Keeping a compliant DQ file can be a challenge and Tenstreet has been key in helping us do that. I asked for a mock audit a couple of months ago and the auditor stopped after looking at just a few drivers and safety management pieces stating that Ard had the best driver file management that he has seen to date. Thank you all for helping us be one of the best safety departments in the industry!”
    Jeanine Gaskins, Ard Trucking
  • “Just to let you know, we went through a Texas State DOT Audit and we passed with flying colors. The auditors were here for only 6 hours! They were very pleased with the electronic DQ Files! They stated they planned on being here for 3-4 days!”
    Jason Turnbo, Parkway Transport

  • “It is tremendously easier to manage than our previous process. It probably took a whole day to do DQF reports prior to Tenstreet and it has saved us a huge amount of time.”

    Jenny Topp, QA Coordinator, TransCor America, LLC

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.