FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse has released important registration requirements for all CDL Drivers. You may be subject to employer Clearinghouse requirements as a CDL driver. Failure to consent to FMCSA Clearinghouse will limit your ability to perform safety-sensitive functions as a self-employed driver. Don’t limit your ability to find new routes and employers to work with, find out how to register now.
“Failure to consent to FMCSA Clearinghouse
will limit your ability to perform
safety-sensitive functions as a self-employed driver.”
Assistance for drivers in the Clearinghouse is available and very affordable from ClearinghouseServices.com. The registration link direct from the FMCSA Clearinghouse is https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register.
Who is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
FMCSA stands for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA is in charge of regulating commercial motor vehicles, or CMV’s. This includes regulation of drivers, educational information for drivers, enforcement of safety checks, research of best methods, and technology-based improvements to the industry.
Why is the FMSCA Clearinghouse Important?
The FMCSA’s job is to improve safety and reduce crashes on U.S. motorways. The FMCSA Clearinghouse works hard to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large CMV’s like trucks and buses. Basically, it is their job to keep everyone safe
What Type of Driver is Covered by FMCSA Clearinghouse?
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles operating on public roads must meet the following requirements to be covered under FMCSA Clearinghouse rules:
- CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles:
- (CMVs) (greater than 26,000 CGVWR, or
- transporting more than 16 passengers, or
- placarded for hazardous materials) on the public roadways
The above also applies to owner operators and drivers with Commercial Learners Permits (CLP).
What does a “self-employed” driver look like?
Self-employed drivers, also known as “owner-operators” or “single-driver operations” are persons who operate a commercial motor vehicle for their own authority. This can be as a single person or under your own company
“You are required to register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse as an employer and indicate that you are an “owner-operator” during the registration process.”
Affordable assistance for owner operators to navigate the Clearinghouse is available from: ClearinghouseServices.com
Why Should I register for FMCSA Clearinghouse?
As a self-employed driver you are subject to the FMCSA Clearinghouse Rules and Regulations just like any other employer. You are required to register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse as an employer and indicate that you are an “owner-operator” during the registration process. Once registered you can add drivers by verifying your CDL information with the system.
All employers of CDL drivers must check the FMCSA Clearinghouse to verify there are no unresolved substance abuse program violations or prohibitions on current or prospective drivers. Any CMV operations require a FMCSA Clearinghouse check by the employer. The driver must also provide consent to the employer through the FMCSA Clearinghouse for employment checks. Failing to consent will block the driver from safety-sensitive roles such as CMV driving.
How do I use the FMCSA Clearinghouse as a CDL Driver?
Once you are registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse as a self-employed CDL driver you can take advantage of its many helpful features. You can provide immediate electronic consent to release any substance abuse information in your FMCSA Clearinghouse record. You can also review your FMCSA Clearinghouse records to make sure they are accurate, up-to-date, and remove any incorrect information needed. If you have an unresolved substance abuse program violation, you can find a substance abuse professional, or “SAP” to help you with return-to-duty (RTD) activities so you can get back on the road
Where can I get help to register and keep my records current?
ClearinghouseServices.com provides expert assistance from seasoned professionals to employers, drivers and service agents to help you navigate the FMCSA Clearinghouse. It is our goal to assist employers and CDL drivers with FMCSA mandated responsibilities. Cut out the confusion and register your company with us today. Contact us or call 877-345-2425 for immediate assistance.
ClearinghouseServices.com is a private company not affiliated with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Federal Motor Carrie Safety Administration (FMCSA).
