OUR SERVICES

Drug & Alcohol

DOT Consortium

Clearinghouse Overview

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) has established the Commercial Driver License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) database to provide immediate access to details concerning infractions related to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) controlled substances and alcohol screening program for CDL operators.

The Clearinghouse serves as a nationwide database that necessitates the reporting of occurrences linked to breaches of drug and alcohol regulations as defined in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 40 and 382 by both current and potential employers.

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Testing Program

For individuals operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) under a CDL with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,001 lbs., mandatory enrollment in a third-party random drug and alcohol testing consortium is a requirement. It’s important to note that holding a CDL does not automatically subject an individual to drug and alcohol testing under the FMCSA DOT program.

FMCSA Compliance Requirements – Who Falls Under the Rules?

In line with FMCSA directives, anyone operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), as outlined in 382.107, for activities spanning intrastate or interstate commerce and is subject to the CDL mandate under 49 CFR part 383, is classified as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle.

FMCSA-Mandated Training

As stipulated by the relevant regulation, 49 CFR 382.603, supervisors overseeing CMV drivers who operate vehicles requiring a CDL must undergo 60 minutes of training focused on recognizing signs of alcohol misuse and an additional 60 minutes dedicated to identifying signs of controlled substance misuse (totaling 120 minutes). This training equips supervisors to identify scenarios and cues that may raise reasonable suspicion of a driver’s alcohol or drug use and empowers them to initiate testing based on such suspicion.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements in Commercial Trucking