Is Your Company Compliant with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?

Understanding the Clearinghouse Requirements

The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an essential online database designed to ensure safety and compliance in the commercial transportation industry. It provides employers with critical information on commercial driver's license (CDL) and commercial learner's permit (CLP) holders' drug and alcohol program violations. This tool is vital for employers to identify drivers who have committed a violation with a previous employer but have not reported it to their current employer.

 

Why Registration is Crucial

All FMCSA-regulated employers are mandated to register with the Clearinghouse. Registration is not just a compliance box to check off; it plays a crucial role in ensuring you have access to the necessary safety and violation information about your employees. It allows you to make informed decisions about the drivers you employ, contributing to safer roads for everyone.

 

Queries You Need to Complete

As part of the Clearinghouse compliance, you need to:

• Query the Clearinghouse before allowing current or prospective CDL drivers to operate a commercial motor vehicle. This step ensures that the drivers do not have any unreported violations that could affect their ability to perform their duties safely.
• Perform an annual query for each CDL driver you currently employ. This ongoing responsibility helps maintain high safety standards within your operation by ensuring you are aware of any new violations.

Stay Informed with Regular Updates

In addition to registration and queries, it's crucial to sign up for email updates from the Clearinghouse. These updates will keep you informed about any changes in the system, new requirements, and tips to stay compliant. Keeping up with these updates can save your company time and resources by helping you adapt to any changes proactively.

 

Utilizing the Clearinghouse for Compliance and Reporting

To manage these responsibilities efficiently, utilize the Clearinghouse website (https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/) for completing these operations. Here, you can also view monthly summary reports, which are invaluable for monitoring compliance across your team of drivers. Staying compliant with these regulations is not just about avoiding penalties; it's about upholding the highest safety standards and ensuring your company is a responsible participant in the transportation industry.