How a cocaine-positive truck driver exploited a federal self-certification loophole to clear 1,000 prohibted Clearinghouse violations
Widespread procedural lapses in the return-to-duty process could threaten clearances issued to truck drivers and other transportation operators, according to DOT.
The trucking industry’s decade-long push for hair follicle drug testing is reaching a critical inflection point as the Trump administration prepares to address guidelines that have been delayed repeatedly since 2015. Major carriers say hair testing catches 10 times more drug users than urine screens, but face fierce opposition from minority groups and independent truckers who claim the methods are discriminatory.
Regulators say the drug-testing oversight for truckers hauling production crews and film equipment is still safe enough to allow for reduced federal requirements.
Changes are coming to prohibited classifications at the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Clearinghouse-II, the second phase of the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse regulation, is coming soon. Find out how to get ready now and how Foley is making it easier for DOT-regulated companies to follow the regulation.
Landfill operator Waste Management Holdings told federal regulators that certain truck driver requirements hinder its ability to respond to emergencies.
Large fleets should be “laser-focused” on reauthorizing the infrastructure bill and the provisions – good or bad – that could make it into the legislation.
Trucksafe’s owner joins Taking the Hire Road to discuss the latest Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse statistics.
HHS is preparing to rollout a proposal that could move the trucking industry a step closer to federal recognition of drug hair tests.
After three years in operation, FMCSA’s drug clearinghouse is ‘a great source of truth’ despite alarming trends, asserts a trucking regulatory expert.
The nation’s top truck safety regulator argues her hands are tied when it comes to approving a drug-test exemption.
A proposal to allow regulators to review hair tests to screen truck drivers for drugs faces strong opposition from large groups of truckers.
Trucking regulators will consider allowing hair drug test results to be reported into a federal drug clearinghouse — despite asserting a lack of authority.
The federal government has cracked down on cannabis use among truck drivers. But recent research suggests legal marijuana may actually boost safety on the road.
Trucking carriers face increased risk of nuclear verdicts, but managing those risks is not insurmountable, if done right and from the start.
Carriers interested in conducting driver training for both property carrying and passenger carrying commercial motor vehicles must now meet requirements set forth under FMCSA’s entry-level driver training rule, including registering their programs with the TPR.
The latest government data reveals that an increase in truckers testing positive for drugs in 2021 was driven by cocaine and marijuana.
As competition for truck drivers heats up, fleets need to take steps to improve their recruiting, hiring and onboarding processes to find candidates and get them into trucks.
Transportation Secretary Buttigieg is unveiling a three-year strategy to work toward zero fatalities and serious injuries involving cars and heavy trucks.
A truckload carrier-backed study finds cocaine and opioid abuse by truckers are underreported at FMCSA.
Carriers need to ramp up education efforts on Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse testing to help drivers understand the zero-tolerance approach to safety-conscious driving positions.
Federal regulators have vastly improved the ability to keep unsafe drivers off the road but the trucking industry is scrambling to make up the shortfall.
Owner-operators are warning the FMCSA that shortages at drug-testing clinics are threatening truck driver livelihoods.
Check Call looks at shared truckload and the future of cost savings for shippers, Gene Seroka and the LA port congestion, and FMSCA’s new regulation for drivers.
FMCSA is giving states three years to comply with a new truck-driver ban for drug and alcohol abusers.
FMCSA Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi was told during the hearing on her nomination to become administrator that truck crash trends underscore the need for agency action.
FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse has several reporting requirements for carriers, but those without proper protocols in place could be reporting violations they shouldn’t, and that is harming drivers.
The number of drivers prohibited from driving due to drugs matches an estimated shortfall of drivers needed to keep up with freight demand.
Trucking companies cite safety concerns in their request to FMCSA to allow limited use of hair testing to screen for drugs.
A GAO report links accurate data collection to motor carrier costs.
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse data reveals 47,995 drivers are ineligible due to violations.
Compliance with record-keeping regulations is a time-consuming task that can easily fall through the cracks as busy fleet executives focus on day-to-day tasks.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, raising fuel taxes could be an option to pay for infrastructure, and a truck driver who faced a life-or-death decision on a bridge is rewarded for his choice.
Reliance Partners’ John Seidl explains that managers can avoid pestering drivers for their signatures altogether by simply using limited queries for their annual Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse checks.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, civil penalties for drug and alcohol violations could jump under a proposed rule. Plus, the holiday shipping season trned out better than most expected, and California unveils a plan to invest in clean vehicles.
As trucking fleets reassess their safety programs for 2021 and the post-pandemic world, here are five steps they can take to reduce their risk exposure.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, supply chain resiliency, digitization and trends were among the focus of the North American Supply Chain Summit on Tuesday. Plus, TravelCenters of America takes out a loan and more drivers might be failing drug and alcohol tests.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, J.B. Hunt is not expecting a slowdown in freight through at least the first quarter of 2021. Plus, Nikola Corp. and General Motors continue talking about a battery agreement, and some roads are just made for truckers.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, some carriers believe a proposed rule that would allow hair testing could weaken the effectiveness of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Plus, the U.S. Postal Service cuts a deal to ensure parcel delivery and Workhorse Group blames COVID-19 for not hitting production targets.
Roehl Transport sees plaintiff attorneys “having a field day” with the current proposal.
As the Nov. 3 election quickly approaches, both ATA and TCA are positioning to work with the next administration.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, truck drivers with violations in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse are not in a hurry to return to work based on FMCSA data. Plus, Amazon is delivering record numbers of its own packages, broker margins climb, and spot rates could near historic levels.
Fallout could include difficulty seating trucks.
Werner seeing 10 times greater rate of positive tests using hair versus urinalysis.
In today’s edition of The Daily Dash, drug test refusals could serve as the trigger to accept hair testing; introducing a solar-powered reefer trailer; and carriers have negotiating power.
COVID-19 emergency HOS exemption extended another 30 days
Industry hot topics were the focus of a recent discussion with FMCSA’s Jim Mullen and TCA’s David Heller, and some of the perspectives may surprise industry insiders.
FMCSA’s first detailed summary report also reveals high number of “limited” queries.
Tire inflation company Aperia is trying to gain market share by offering its solution with no upfront cost. Plus, movie industry freight haulers have received an exemption from drug testing rules and a judge has denied FedEx’s request to dismiss a racial discrimination suit.
OOIDA opposes FMCSA’s approval for motion picture group.
FMCSA has proposed a rule that would force states to stop issuing new, renewing or upgrading CDLs and CLPs, and in some cases even downgrading, for drivers until they complete the return-to-duty process following a positive drug or alcohol test result.
Agency wants state agencies to step up enforcement of CDL and CLP holders.
“More work to do” as FMCSA closes in on 900,000 total registrants.
In these trying times, regulatory compliance can’t be an afterthought. Failure to follow the rules – and the number of exemptions currently being issued makes that even more challenging – jeopardizes the fleet’s viability.
At TCA meeting, agency administrator says FMCSA will need help acting on reports of cheating.
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has been active for nearly two months now, but many carriers and drivers remain confused on what steps they must take to comply.
Private equity-backed trucking companies have had a tough time during this market downturn.
Every FreightWaves article is designed to assist our readers in becoming the most informed professionals in the transportation and logistics industry. These articles may have flown under your radar this week. We consider them essential reading. Trucking veteran Ingrid Brown shares cancer journey to save others – The 40-year trucking veteran is a tireless advocate for […]
Covenant Transportation’s Joey Hogan and Jet Express’ Kevin Burch talk capacity, insurance, trucking’s image and a lot more in wide-ranging discussion at ACT Research event.
On this weekday’s supply of What The Truck?!?, Dooner and Prevost have your loadboard covered. Why are 90% of drivers failing to register in Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse? Despite calls urging truck drivers to register in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database, the vast majority applying for jobs still […]
Daseke has found a permanent replacement for its retired founder and namesake Don Daseke, naming interim CEO Chris Easter to the position. Plus, Valentine’s Day logistics, truckers in Oregon get political and Chinese truck capacity shrinks.
Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach, said 90% of truck drivers applying for jobs have not registered in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a step that is required for any driver looking for a job.
Agency confirms it will credit ‘query’ balances in certain cases.
DOES THE DRUG & ALCOHOL CLEARINGHOUSE PASS THE TEST?
Rob Hatchett President of Seat My Trucks is helping carriers find drivers and navigate new regulations
Agency recommends repeating queries to ensure compliance.
A host of issues, from regulations to overcapacity, are coming together to place unanticipated stresses on carriers just as 2020 begins.
Database of test results seen as rate booster while unseated trucks pose risk to operations.
Anthony and Zach discuss what will trim the fat in the oversupplied trucking market as well as talk about why Intermodal has not materialized as the savior of the rail volumes with Mike Baudendistel.
Splitting up enforcement deadlines for the rule could cost millions in benefits.
Sign up required to access database when it’s fully implemented on January 6.
Motor carriers will still have to comply with January 6, 2020 deadline.
Employers can choose $1.25 bundling option or $24,000 annual fee.
The Trucking Alliance urges action on federal hair-testing guidelines
Truck drivers looking for a job will soon have to register with a new drug and alcohol clearinghouse.
