Complying with federal rules that require interstate bus operators to perform background checks on drivers and potential drivers is seldom easy, especially for smaller operators or those with little experience.

Now, members of the United Motorcoach Association and the Trailways Transportation System have a new tool that provides a one-stop shop for criminal records searches as well as motor vehicle records checks.

The two associations announced separately they have established relationships with Amerisearch Background Alliance of Jefferson, Ohio, to provide their members with streamlined and more thorough employee and applicant screening processes.

Amerisearchs online system delivers secure, encrypted information to assist operators in accomplishing comprehensive background checks. The process gleans information from motor vehicle records as well as criminal data bases, federal and county district court data, and terrorist watch lists. Military service records, employment and education history, and credit reports are also among the companys many resources.

"In this era of global terrorism, we believe Amerisearchs services are needed more than ever," said Gale Ellsworth, Trailways president and CEO, "and we welcome their help in verifying that our employees and applicants are truthful about their backgrounds and professional experience.

"It continues to be our priority to give Trailways employees and customers safe environments in which to work and travel, and we believe this partnership will be a valuable assist in sustaining our commitment," she added.

Victor Parra, president and CEO of UMA, said that through its partnership with Amerisearch, UMA member companies "can get all the important background investigation information they need. ... Amerisearch Background Alliance helps you make the right human resource decisions."

Michael K. Brown, Amerisearch president, said screening out suspected terrorists is a very important component of his companys services, but there are a number of other issues that can impact a company and its stakeholders.

"The kind of information we provide employers will reveal whether someone is lying, is able to drive, or has a criminal background. It takes about $2,000 to hire and train an employee, so the employer should know who they are. Otherwise they could end up like the limo company that had employed a driver for some years before we screened him. He was revealed to be an arsonist."

Amerisearch also works with its clients, like UMA and Trailways companies, to protect the rights of employee applicants, Brown said, and the company vets the information it receives for accuracy. "Releasing wrong information is just as dangerous as releasing no information," he said, "and we are compliant with all state hiring laws."

For more information, UMA members can call (800) 424-8262, Trailways members can call (703) 691-3052 and Brown can be reached at (440) 576-3095.