If you have drivers going to the United States, time is running out for you to register for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Program. Recently, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sent out reminders to 10,000 carriers in Canada and another 4000 in Mexico about the issue.
The Clearinghouse Program will come into full effect on January 6th and carriers driving in the United States must be registered.
What is the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Program?
Essentially, it is an online database that houses information about drivers and carriers who have drug and alcohol violations. It is meant to provide added safety to those on the road by providing employers and law enforcement officers with this information.
Once the program comes into effect, carriers will need to email the FMCSA in order to request access to the database. Carriers however, should register as soon as possible to avoid experiencing possible delays once the program goes live on January 6th.
This will be a requirement for all Canadian and Mexican carriers who are already required to comply with the drug and alcohol testing requirements of FMSCA and DOT. These are the same regulations which U.S. based drivers will be required to comply with.
According to several experts in the industry, most Canadian carriers are aware of the new program and yet only about half are ready for its implementation. Several trucking companies are having difficulty registering for the program through the FMSCA’s website which has been experiencing a number of password glitches.
What Information will Be Included in the Database?
The purpose of the database is to make roads safer by helping employers identify drivers who have drug and alcohol violations including:
- Testing positive for drugs and/or alcohol.
- Refusing to take a drug or alcohol test.
- Undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation as part of a return to duty protocol.
Once the database is up and running, employers will be required to check the records of new drivers before hiring them. Drivers with violations will have a hard time getting licensed in other states.
Must all drivers register for the program?
No. Only drivers who are looking to change their current employer will be required to register with the database.
Contact Trux Solutions for Help!
Are you a carrier or a driver and in need of help registering with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse? Contact Trux Solutions today for assistance.
