C.R. England: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Want to see what's on your own background check? Use Checkr to preview your own background check results.

Checkr is trusted by 140k+ businesses and 80 million individuals

Frequently asked questions

C.R. England: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

C.R. England is one of the largest refrigerated trucking companies in North America, employing tens of thousands of CDL drivers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As a DOT-regulated carrier, the company conducts background checks and drug testing as part of its standard hiring process for all driver and non-driver roles. Whether you are an experienced CDL driver or exploring C.R. England's truck driving training programs, understanding the C.R. England background check and drug test requirements can help you prepare for the application process.

Run a personal background check

Order online

Are you an organization? Run candidate background checks here >

C.R. England: Company overview

C.R. England was founded in 1920 by Chester Rodney England in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the company remains headquartered today. It is a family-owned business that has grown into one of the largest temperature-controlled (refrigerated) carriers in North America, operating full truckload (FTL), intermodal, and dedicated contract services.

The company is well known for its CDL truck driver training schools, which provide entry-level drivers with a path to a commercial driving career. C.R. England operates one of the largest private CDL training programs in the country, making it a significant employer of both new and experienced commercial drivers.

Company culture and employee programs: C.R. England offers CDL training and driver development programs through its truck driving schools, a dedicated freight division for consistent home-time schedules, and benefits packages for eligible employees including health coverage and retirement options. The company provides both regional and over-the-road opportunities, giving drivers flexibility in the type of work they pursue.

C.R. England background check FAQs

Does C.R. England do background checks?

Yes. C.R. England conducts background checks on candidates for all positions. For CDL driver roles, which are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), additional screening is required beyond a standard background check. This includes motor vehicle record (MVR) checks, employment history verification going back 10 years, and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing. Non-driving positions may be subject to a standard background check that varies based on the role's responsibilities.

How long can a C.R. England background check take?

A C.R. England background check typically takes 3 to 5 business days to complete. Several factors can affect turnaround time, including:

The number of counties or jurisdictions searched
Court delays or limited courthouse access in certain counties
The volume of employment history records that must be verified
International record searches, if applicable
State-specific reporting requirements

For more detail on what affects timing, see How Long Does a Background Check Take.

What can be revealed in a C.R. England background check?

A background check for a C.R. England position may include the following:

Motor vehicle record (MVR): A review of the candidate's driving history, including violations, license suspensions, and DUI/DWI records. This is particularly important for CDL driver applicants.
Criminal history: A search of county, state, and federal criminal records for felony and misdemeanor convictions
Identity verification: Confirmation of name, date of birth, and Social Security Number via SSN trace
Employment history verification: Confirmation of past employers, job titles, and dates of employment
Sex offender registry search: A check against national and state sex-offender registry
Global watchlist search: A review of global watchlists databases including sanctions lists and terrorist watch lists
DOT employment history: For CDL roles, a mandatory 10-year employment history inquiry with prior motor carrier employers as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

How far back can C.R. England's background check go?

For most positions, the FCRA limits the reporting of most adverse information to 7 years. However, DOT-regulated trucking positions carry additional requirements. The FMCSA requires CDL driver applicants to provide 10 years of employment history with previous motor carrier employers, and MVR checks typically cover the prior 3 years of driving history at a minimum.

Certain states have stricter look-back limitations under ban-the-box and fair chance hiring laws. For more on how these laws may apply, see "ban-the-box" laws.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how background checks are conducted for employment purposes. Under the FCRA, employers must:

Obtain written consent from the candidate before running a background check
Provide the candidate with a copy of the report if adverse action is being considered
Follow a pre-adverse and adverse action notification process before making a final hiring decision based on background check findings
Allow the candidate to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information

For a full overview of candidate rights under the FCRA and EEOC guidelines, see An Introduction to the FCRA and EEOC.

Does C.R. England drug test?

Yes. C.R. England is a DOT-regulated employer, and all CDL drivers are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Drug testing occurs at the following stages:

Pre-employment: All driver candidates must pass a drug test before beginning work
Random: CDL drivers are subject to unannounced random drug and alcohol testing throughout the year
Post-accident: Testing is required following any qualifying accident involving a commercial motor vehicle
Reasonable suspicion: A supervisor may require testing if there is reasonable cause to believe a driver is impaired
Return-to-duty and follow-up: Required for drivers returning to safety-sensitive functions after a violation

DOT regulations require testing for five drug categories: marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). A positive result or refusal to test is treated as a disqualifying event under DOT rules.

What is the C.R. England drug test type?

The DOT-mandated drug test used at C.R. England is a 5-panel urine test. This is the standard test required by the Department of Transportation for all safety-sensitive transportation employees, including CDL truck drivers. The urine specimen is collected at a DOT-approved collection site and analyzed by a certified laboratory. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews all results before they are reported to the employer.

Note that under DOT regulations, oral fluid testing was approved as an alternative collection method in 2023. Employers may choose between urine and oral fluid collection depending on their program setup.

Does C.R. England hire felons?

C.R. England evaluates candidates with felony records on a case-by-case basis. There is no blanket policy that automatically disqualifies all applicants with a criminal history. However, certain offenses are disqualifying under federal regulations or company policy, including:

Disqualifying offenses under FMCSA regulations for CDL holders (for example, using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony)
Drug-related offenses that conflict with DOT drug and alcohol program requirements
Offenses directly related to the responsibilities of the position applied for

For candidates asking what trucking companies hire felons, C.R. England's individualized assessment approach means that the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and evidence of rehabilitation are all considered. Candidates are encouraged to be transparent during the application process. The FCRA and EEOC guidelines also require employers to conduct an individualized assessment rather than applying blanket exclusions.

What is the C.R. England hiring process?

For CDL truck driver positions, the C.R. England hiring process follows these general steps:

Online application: Submit an application through C.R. England's website, including employment history, CDL information, and driving record details
CDL verification and DOT physical: Candidates must hold a valid CDL (or be enrolled in C.R. England's training program) and pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner
Phone screen or interview: A recruiter conducts an initial conversation to review qualifications, experience, and position fit
Background check consent: Candidates provide written authorization for the background check and MVR review
Background check: A third-party CRA conducts the background investigation, including criminal history, MVR, and 10-year employment verification per FMCSA requirements
DOT drug test: Candidates complete a pre-employment urine drug test at a DOT-approved collection site
Orientation and training: Candidates who clear all screening steps attend orientation, and new CDL graduates complete the required finishing program before solo dispatch

Timelines may vary based on background check turnaround times and scheduling for DOT physicals and drug testing.

What is C.R. England's DUI policy?

C.R. England follows DOT and FMCSA regulations regarding DUI and DWI for commercial driver license holders. Under federal regulations, a CDL holder who receives a DUI or DWI conviction faces serious consequences, including:

First DUI/DWI conviction: A minimum 1-year disqualification of CDL driving privileges (3 years if the offense occurred while operating a vehicle transporting hazardous materials)
Second DUI/DWI conviction: Lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL

For the purposes of CDL disqualification, a DUI includes operating a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher, or operating any vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

C.R. England's DUI policy reflects these federal requirements. Candidates with a DUI on their driving record may be disqualified depending on when the offense occurred and whether CDL driving privileges were impacted. Candidates with a DUI on record should be prepared to discuss the circumstances, as MVR checks will surface this history. The look-back period for DUI on an MVR typically covers the prior 3 to 7 years depending on state reporting rules, though DOT employment history verification extends 10 years.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what C.R. England may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies. In one secure report you can review:

Criminal history searches: Search databases and registries; SSN trace, sex-offender registry, global watchlists, plus national, county, state, and federal court records.
Motor vehicle records: Search a state's DMV, confirm driver's license status, and identify driving incidents. Reviewing your MVR in advance is particularly useful for CDL driver applicants, as driving history is a primary factor in the C.R. England background check process.

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or families.

Are you a candidate with an open background check with Checkr?

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.