Drug and Alcohol Compliance

When operating as a motor carrier Drug and Alcohol Compliance is of the utmost importance for a few reasons.  One you want to assure you are employing drivers who are not under the influence of substances or alcohol when operating a commercial motor vehicle and two the rules and regulations set forth by the FMCSA can be the most costly in terms of fines during an audit.  The new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database set-up by the FMCSA and put into effect in January of 2020 has also caused some confusion amongst motor carrier and drives alike.  Anyone operating a CMV over 26,001 lbs is required to be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol program as well as assure the queries are being done per the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules.  Along with the testing programs all carriers employing drivers must have someone within their organization complete the Reasonable Suspicion Training, have a compliant drug and alcohol policy, and have all drivers review and have a signed receipt that they are aware of the policy.