Why Does GoShare Require a Background Check? - GoShare blank

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Why Does GoShare Require a Background Check?

When truck, van and car owners discover GoShare, many are excited to start right away. So, it can be dismaying to find that you are unable to start on the platform until you have passed a vehicle inspection and background check. These steps may seem time-consuming and are frustrating to some future GoShare delivery pros that are eager to begin accepting projects right away. But, they are necessary to ensure a high quality of service and to help create a safer working environment for everyone.

Why does GoShare require a background check?

Background checks are required to ensure that delivery professionals on the GoShare platform have a safe driving record and no recent criminal history.

Customers that hire GoShare Delivery Professionals want to ensure that the individuals they are hiring have no history of violence, theft, or substance abuse while driving. After all, delivery professionals will be transporting their goods and even coming into their homes. While these questions may be asked during the sign up process, it would be irresponsible to assume that every applicant is telling the truth. This position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

What does the background check look for? 

GoShare uses a third-party service called Checkr to perform a comprehensive background check that validates the applicant’s social security number, address history, as well as looking through both national and local criminal and civil records, sex-offender registries, global watchlists, and driving records. These background checks are compliant with state and federal laws and are accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). You can contact Checkr at 1 Montgomery St. Suite 2400 San Francisco, CA 94104, visit candidate.checkr.com, or call (844) 824-3257.

The evaluation of background checks vary from city to city and is based on a combination of criteria specified in local laws and regulations governing delivery drivers, as well as GoShare’s internal safety standards. Applicable laws specifying the criteria GoShare must follow when reviewing background check results vary considerably by state, so individuals might be disqualified for criminal offenses and driving history not indicated here.

What could make me fail the background check? 

Subject to and in accordance with state and local law, some types of criminal convictions such as murder, sexual assault, and terrorism-related offenses will result in disqualification if they occurred at any time in your lifetime.

Convictions at any time in your lifetime for violent crimes, sexual offenses, and registered sex offender status, among other types of criminal records are also disqualifying*(see below).  Pending charges for those categories of crimes are also disqualifying, unless and until such charges are resolved in your favor.

Criminal Record

  • If you were convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor, we will assess your background on an individual basis. Felony or violent misdemeanor convictions in the last 7 years may be disqualifying.
  • No individuals registered on the National Sex Offender Registry or DOJ50-State Sex Offender Registry.
  • No individuals included on domestic or international government watch lists.

Driving Record

  • Your driver’s license must be active and free of disqualifying restrictions.
  • Must have in-state driver’s license for your state of residence. Active duty military are exempt from the in-state license requirement, but will be asked to provide proof of service. No other exceptions.
  • No driving-related convictions for hit-and-run, speeding 100+ mph, reckless driving, street racing, or speed contest.
  • No DUI, DWI, or other drug-related driving violations in the last 7 years.
  • No major vehicle violation in the past 5 years.
  • No violations in the past 3 years for driving on a suspended, revoked or invalid license or insurance. 
  • No more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years.
  • No more than 2 accidents in the past 3 years.
  • No more than 1 moving violation and 1 accident in the past 3 years.
  • No more than 3 minor violations in the past 3 years including accidents, traffic light violations, speeding, or moving violations.
  • No infractions or violations if ages 18 to 21 years of age. Must have at least 2 years of clean and unrestricted driving experience.
  • No more than 1 cell phone or distracted driving violation in the past 3 years.

If you have one of these instances on your record, we suggest not moving forward with the background check or sign up process until you meet aforementioned criteria. Background check fees are not refundable.

How long does the background check take?

Every background check is unique to the individual, and so the time to complete them varies. In our experience most background checks take 3-5 business days to be completed. However if you have moved frequently and to many different locations, it may take a few extra days to obtain all your records for review. Applicants who live or have lived in California and Massachusetts may also experience longer than average turn arounds as the courts in these states generally take longer to respond to records requests.

Will I receive a copy of my background check?

Yes, you will receive a copy of your background check at the same time our team receives the results.

Can I submit a previous background check?

We are unable to accept previous background check reports you may have. GoShare operates with high standards to ensure the safety of customers, business partners, and other delivery pros on the platform.

I believe there was an error on my report, what should I do?

If you believe there is an error on your report, please contact Checkr to alert them to this mistake. If they amend your report, we will be able to move forward with your account. Be prepared to specify what is inaccurate and send any supporting documentation you have. Federal law gives background screening companies 30 days to reinvestigate the information and correct the report if they have made a mistake. If the source of the incorrect data was not a mistake from Checkr but an error in the original records, you may need to file a dispute with the appropriate public agency.

I failed the check, but I don’t think my past mistakes are an accurate reflection of my current self. Does GoShare make exceptions?

Unfortunately, we are not able to make exceptions.

What does GoShare charge me for my background check?

GoShare asks that Delivery Professionals share the cost of the background check with our organization. We have found that when offered for free, we have a significant number of applicants that complete onboarding, but never do a single project. This increases our costs of operating the platform. By asking drivers to share the cost, we are ensuring that only drivers that are truly interested in accepting GoShare projects move forward. We eliminate the cost of onboarding applicants that are not committed and those savings are put back into our platform. There are many reasons that Delivery Professionals love GoShare. Watch this driver testimonial video to hear from some of the most successful GoShare Delivery Professionals.

The background check fee is $49, or $154 if you have ever lived, worked, or received a citation in the state of New York. In 2019, New York raised the prices of records requests in their state. Unfortunately, the high cost of conducting a background check in the state of New York requires us to charge a higher amount if you are a current or past resident of the state. The background check fee is non-refundable.

Will GoShare reimburse me for my background check if I fail?

If you have challenges in your past that make you ineligible join the GoShare platform, please do not proceed with the sign up process until you meet the criteria mentioned above. You will not be reimbursed for a failed background check. The background check fee is non-refundable.

Ready to get started? Visit our Delivery Professional page to learn more about working GoShare and to start the sign up process.

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page or contact our customer service team.

*Depending on applicable regulations, laws, and practices in the city where you want to drive, this background screening may include an individualized assessment that considers any evidence of rehabilitation or good character you may provide.