Double Nickel launches AI agent to automate driver employment checks

Double Nickel has introduced an AI-powered agent named Vera to streamline employment verifications for trucking companies. The New York-based firm stated that Vera managed 40% of verifications autonomously during beta testing. Two trucking carriers, each with over 500 trucks, tested the product over 30 days. During this period, Vera attempted approximately 250 verifications, completing more than 100 on its own.

These automated verifications took an average of one day compared to four days for manual processes. Vera's services are priced at $7 per verified employment history, and the company only charges when a verification is completed. Vera identifies previous employer contacts, sends verification requests, and follows up via phone and email.

It also records and transcribes calls and logs its attempts. Vera discloses its identity as a virtual assistant and informs recipients that conversations are recorded. If contact information is unavailable, Vera can retrieve it from the former employer. In cases where Vera cannot complete a verification, it logs the attempts for carriers to handle manually.

The launch addresses federal regulations requiring carriers to investigate a driver's safety performance history from their previous three years of employment regulated by the Department of Transportation. Carriers must document their efforts within 30 days of a driver's first day of service and maintain these records in the driver's qualification file.

The FMCSA requires carriers to retain these records for three years following a driver's employment. The FMCSA emphasizes that motor carriers must continue to meet these federal requirements when utilizing automated tools like Vera.