Clearinghouse reporting reveals deficiencies in carrier drug and alcohol programs

From Freight Waves.

Through June 30, 2021, 85,745 drug and alcohol violations had been reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse since its launch on Jan. 6, 2020. Of those, 2,183 have been a result of a fleet reporting “actual knowledge” of a violation, and 12,448 have been for a test refusal.

Combined, that means 17.1% of all violations in the clearinghouse are a result of a fleet reporting the violation. But, according to J. J. Keller & Associates, in at least some of those cases, the drivers may be assessed a violation due to a reporting system that confuses carriers and results in violations being entered into the clearinghouse database when, in fact, they should not be.

The purpose of the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is to create an online database so FMCSA, employers, state driver licensing agencies and law enforcement officials can identify in real time CDL holders who have violated federal drug and alcohol testing program requirements.

Unfortunately, a percentage of these drivers are being unfairly penalized and sidelined because of what amounts to clerical errors. It’s unknown exactly how many drivers are impacted but reporting mistakes by fleets do occur, and drivers pay the price.

See the complete article online at Freight Waves.