Designated Employer Representative (DER) Must Remove Employee from Safety-Sensitive Functions While Awaiting Split Specimen Test Results

DER Remove Employee: Immediate Action Required Drug testing compliance is essential in safety-sensitive industries, and the Designated Employer Representative (DER) must take immediate action when an employee tests positive for drugs. Without hesitation, the DER remove employee from safety-sensitive duties after receiving a verified positive drug test result. This guide explains the split specimen [...]

By |February 10th, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Designated Employer Representative (DER) Must Remove Employee from Safety-Sensitive Functions While Awaiting Split Specimen Test Results

What Does the MRO Report to the DER When There is a Positive, Adulterated, or Substituted Test Result?

MRO Report to DER: Key Responsibilities and Process The MRO report to DER is a crucial step in workplace drug testing. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) serves as a vital link in ensuring accurate drug testing processes. Before informing the Designated Employer Representative (DER) of any test results, the MRO verifies the findings with [...]

By |January 24th, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on What Does the MRO Report to the DER When There is a Positive, Adulterated, or Substituted Test Result?

When You Hire A New CDL Driver (FMCSA)

When you hire a new CDL driver, you must complete several steps before the driver becomes eligible to drive. When You Hire a New CDL Driver Ensure the driver is registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse to conduct a Pre-Employment Full Query. You must receive a “Driver Not Prohibited” Pre-Employment Query result, or the driver [...]

By |January 3rd, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, Drug Testing Policy, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on When You Hire A New CDL Driver (FMCSA)

FMCSA on-site audits are rising steadily

According to industry experts, JJ Keller's yearly report states that FMCSA and its state partners conducted over 12,300 investigations in 2023. Out of these, 4,100 were on-site audits, and 5,800 were on-site focused reviews. In 2023, FMCSA increased on-site audits as more auditors actively conducted field investigations than in 2022. This trend is expected [...]

By |June 7th, 2024|DOT Compliance|Comments Off on FMCSA on-site audits are rising steadily

Drivers who work for more than one employer

CDL drivers working for multiple employers are more common than you think. There are specific regulations from FMCSA regarding such drivers. Drivers who work for multiple employers are broadly classified into the following: Drivers who hold regular employment with multiple employers Drivers regularly employed by a motor carrier but occasionally drive for another motor [...]

By |April 30th, 2024|DOT Compliance|Comments Off on Drivers who work for more than one employer

Penalties for Non-Compliance of Drug/Alcohol Testing and FMCSA Clearinghouse Regulations

Stay Compliant to Avoid Severe FMCSA Drug Testing Penalties As a DOT-regulated business, you must comply with FMCSA drug testing penalties and Clearinghouse regulations. Failing to do so can result in crippling fines that impact your operations. Many businesses struggle to keep up with these rules, but non-compliance leads to serious consequences. Some business [...]

By |February 17th, 2024|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on Penalties for Non-Compliance of Drug/Alcohol Testing and FMCSA Clearinghouse Regulations

What is a Highway?

FMCSA Drug Testing Program: What You Need to KnowFMCSA FMCSA Drug Testing Program: What You Need to Know For employers of CDL drivers, it is not always clear whether their drivers need to be in an FMCSA drug testing program. Understanding when and why FMCSA regulations apply is crucial for maintaining compliance and safety [...]

By |November 13th, 2023|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on What is a Highway?

Penalties for Non Compliance with DOT Regulations

In today's compliance-driven landscape, employers operating within the transportation industry must be keenly aware of their obligations under 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established these regulations, which outline strict requirements for drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive employees. Employers must adhere [...]

By |April 13th, 2023|Blog, DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Penalties for Non Compliance with DOT Regulations

When Can a Driver Be Tested for Alcohol

While consuming alcohol is legal for adults over 21 in all U.S. states, alcohol testing for drivers enforces stricter rules for CDL holders. They cannot have a breath alcohol concentration of .02 or higher while performing safety-sensitive tasks. Alcohol impairs judgment and increases risky behavior on the road. Due to these dangers, the Federal [...]

By |November 4th, 2022|Alcohol, Blog, DOT Compliance|Comments Off on When Can a Driver Be Tested for Alcohol

Compliance Checklist for Owner-Operators

For owner-operators, staying compliant with government regulations is crucial for your business. To help you manage the most common requirements, here’s an Owner Operator DOT Compliance Checklist. 1) Drug and Alcohol Testing Owner-operators must actively participate in a Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol testing program. A consortium or third-party administrator handles the [...]

By |July 20th, 2022|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on Compliance Checklist for Owner-Operators