Safety is essential in any industry. When it comes to trucking, it’s important for drivers and employers to exercise caution since there are such large vehicles involved. One requirement for staying safe on the road is staying drug-free and alcohol-free behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created its drug and alcohol Clearinghouse to support this goal, and truckers should understand how this works..
The FMCSA Clearinghouse went into effect in 2020. This is a database that contains information about drug and alcohol testing for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. FMCSA-regulated employers must report any violations, including failed tests or refusals to test, to the Clearinghouse.
The goal of this database is to prevent drivers from moving employers to avoid completing the return to duty process after a drug or alcohol testing violation. Since all regulated employers must use this system for current drivers and query the system for new hires. Violations stay in the system until the driver completes the necessary steps to return to duty or for five years, whichever is longer.
What Truckers Need to Do
As a company driver, your company’s safety team can help you ensure you are compliant with FMCSA regulations
The first step is to register for the system as a driver. Then, you’ll need to provide consent for any queries that prospective or current employers need to make.
Beyond this, you will need to make sure you comply with any required testing including pre-employment and random tests. Of course, staying drug-free is also your responsibility, and is essential not only for yourself but for the safety of anyone with whom you share the road.
At Truck Master School, we teach our students about the trucking industry. We can help you set yourself up for success.
