Maintaining a safe and drug-free work environment is crucial in the trucking industry. It not only guarantees the safety of all individuals involved, but it also ensures compliance with regulations such as the DOT drug screen that mandate drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers. However, with the growing number of drug-related incidents involving commercial drivers every year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) realized the need for a more comprehensive system to track drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers. This led to the creation of the FMCSA Clearinghouse, a database that provides information on drug and alcohol violations committed by commercial drivers.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the FMCSA Clearinghouse and discuss why it was created. We’ll explore how the Clearinghouse works, its benefits, and the impact this new system has had on the transportation industry.
What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database designed to keep track of violations committed by commercial drivers. It was established in January 2020 to improve road safety and ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. The database contains information on drug and alcohol testing violations committed by commercial drivers. It also includes information on refusals and failed tests, which will be reported to the Clearinghouse by DOT-regulated employers.
Why was the FMCSA Clearinghouse created?
The Clearinghouse FMCSA was created because of the need for a more comprehensive system to track drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers. Before this system was introduced, DOT-regulated employers had to rely on self-reported information from job applicants and previous employers. This system was unreliable and could easily be manipulated, making it challenging for employers to identify candidates with a history of drug and alcohol violations. With the Clearinghouse, employers now have access to a centralized database that provides more reliable information about job candidates’ drug and alcohol violation history.
How does the FMCSA Clearinghouse work?
Employers and investigators can request access to the Clearinghouse to run queries on drivers. All commercial drivers looking for employment in the trucking industry must register with the Clearinghouse and give their consent for employers to access their records. This means that drivers will no longer be able to hide their violations or test results from new employers. DOT-Regulated employers are required to run an inquiry to ensure there are no active violations with potential candidates before employing them. The FMCSA Clearinghouse provides employers with real-time reports on any drug and alcohol violations committed by potential employees, including refusals to test and test results. Employers must also run annual queries in the DOT Clearinghouse (FMCSA).
What are the benefits of the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse has numerous benefits for the transportation industry. It helps employers and investigators identify drivers with a history of drug and alcohol violations, decreasing the risk of incidents on the road and minimizing liability for company owners. The Clearinghouse also makes it easier for carriers to run inquiries on potential employees, which saves time and money spent on background checks and reduces paperwork. On the driver’s end, the Clearinghouse provides a centralized location for drivers to track their testing results, making it easier for them to review their record and make adjustments if needed.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse has been a vital addition to the transportation industry. It provides a secure and comprehensive database that helps employers and investigators identify drivers with a history of drug and alcohol violations, minimizing the risks on the road. With the Clearinghouse’s introduction, DOT-regulated employers now have access to more reliable information about potential job candidates, making background checks on candidates easier. Drivers are also benefitting from the Clearinghouse by keeping track of their testing results and ensuring their records are accurate. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a significant step towards retaining a safe and responsible workforce in the trucking industry, and its implementation highlights the FMCSA’s commitment to road safety.
Is the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Working?
41,000 Drivers tested positive for Marijuana in 2022. In the past, these drivers could manufacture stories about taking care of aging parents or a sick child and hide the employment where they had a drug and/or alcohol violation. These 41,000 drivers and owner operators now must choose to go through the SAP process with a Substance Abuse Professional and get educated about drug and alcohol abuse. After the SAP Process, the driver must submit to a Return to Duty Test as well as prescribe Follow-Up testing by their SAP. Both the Return to Duty and Follow-up testing must be observed which eliminates the chance to cheat on the drug screen.
The FMCSA regulations, including the FMCSA Clearinghouse, can be complicated. Workplace Screening Intelligence has an easy to use FMCSA Clearinghouse Membership. The Membership includes, Employee Training, Policy Addendum, Documentation and Supervisor Training. If you need assistance with The FMCSA Clearinghouse, please contact our knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com For more information on the FMCSA Clearinghouse go to https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/