In only about two months, it will be mandatory for safety sensitive motor carriers and drivers who operate in the United States to register with the FMSCA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Before the deadline arrives, it is important for these carriers and drivers to understand what it means and how to comply.
The Clearinghouse is an online registry and database that will track any safety sensitive driver’s non-negative results from a drug or alcohol test. It will also include details about those drivers’ participation in duty to work programs.
The Clearinghouse will help employers to hire safe drivers because they will be able to check the database prior to hiring as well as annually during the course of each driver’s employment. All information about drug and alcohol violations will remain in the database for a minimum five years or until the driver has completed their return to duty process.
Once registration opens, employers as well as owner-operators will be required to register for the Clearinghouse in order to make enquires about drivers and pull up their reports. Employers should also designate a Third Party Administrator (TPA) who can make enquires on their behalf.
Employers will be responsible to report the following to the Clearinghouse:
Safety sensitive drivers must create an account with the Clearinghouse that allows employers report as well as access reports on any drug or alcohol violations. Drivers must give consent for this within the Clearinghouse portal. Drivers may also use the portal to pull up their own reports and will have the opportunity to have incorrect information removed or updated.
Owner-operators must designate a Third Party Administrator (TPA) that will manage their drug and alcohol testing and who will input that information into the Clearinghouse database.
At Trux Solutions, we specialize in helping drivers and carriers with safety and compliance issues. We offer fleet management solutions including electronic reporting devices as well as training programs to ensure that you stay compliant and profitable, and avoid fines for violations. If you require assistance in registering for or navigating the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse – or in any other compliance issue – contact us today.
Although employers and drivers are not required to register for the Clearinghouse until it comes into effect this January, it is best to set up your account now so that your operations will continue to run smoothly after January 6th. If you would like assistance to make sure that you are compliant with these new regulations, contact Trux Solutions today. We would be happy to assist you.
Q: When is the deadline to register for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
All carriers, and drivers (including owner-operators) must register with the Clearinghouse by January 6, 2020.
Q: Who needs to delegate a Third Party Administrator (TPA) and why?
Third Party Administrators must be designated by Employers and Owner-Operators to make enquires on their behalf as well as to manage drug tests for drivers.
Q: What must employers report to the Clearinghouse?
Employers must report all drug violations including positive drug and alcohol tests, refusal to be tested, “actual knowledge” violations and negative return to duty results.
Q: How long is information stored on the Clearinghouse?
Five years or until the return to duty process is complete (whichever is later).
Q: What if a driver discovers incorrect information on the Clearinghouse?
There will be a reporting process and the driver will have the chance to have the incorrect information removed.
Q: How do I register for the Clearinghouse?
Visit the Clearinghouse website to register.