Joe Reilly

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles regulated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration (FMCSA)need to be aware of potential problems with their CDL License when placed in a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status. This occurs when there is prohibited use of drugs or alcohol or refusal to test for drugs or alcohol. FMCSA has a goal of […]

Are you prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) due to a drug and alcohol program violation?  You must complete the return to duty process to clear up the violation. A driver with a drug and alcohol program violation is prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, including operating CMVs, for any DOT-regulated employer until the

FMCSA regulated employers have been required all along to perform previous employer checks when hiring new drivers. This requires a manual paper form to go back to any previous employers for 3 years back and asking these previous employer if the driver has had drug/alcohol testing program violations. This requirement was outlined in 49 CFR

The FMCSA Clearinghouse holds information about FMCSA regulated drivers who have had violations in the DOT FMCSA drug & alcohol testing program. An employer can designate a C/TPA to help the employer with FMCSA Clearinghouse requiremens. Prior to designating a C/TPA in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, an employer should establish a relationship with the C/TPA.  A

Actual Knowledge as defined by 49 CFR §382.107 Actual knowledge for the purpose of subpart B of this part, means actual knowledge by an employer that a driver has used alcohol or controlled substances based on the employer’s direct observation of the employee, information provided by the driver’s previous employer(s), a traffic citation for driving

Student drivers are drivers that are not yet fully licensed but hold a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Student drivers have two options for training; a training school or seek employment with a motor carrier that hires and trains CLP drivers for their company. Student drivers attending a training school are responsible for their own compliance

Owner-Operators have additional responsibilities as commercial motor vehicle drivers under the law. Read this article to find out more about the FMCSA Clearinghouse rules and regulations for Owner-operator drivers and penalties that could slow down your business. In this article we will cover: 1. The Role of the “Owner-operator” 2. FMCSA Responsibilities 3. Special Duties