Clearinghouse

What Is the Clearinghouse in Trucking

The Clearinghouse is an electronic database established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to centralize and track records of commercial drivers’ drug and alcohol violations. It serves as a comprehensive resource for employers, state licensing agencies, and enforcement personnel to access and verify a driver’s compliance with the regulations.
Learn more about FMCSA here.

Purpose of the Clearinghouse

The primary objective of the Clearinghouse is to enhance safety on the roads by identifying and addressing drug and alcohol-related issues among commercial drivers. It aims to prevent drivers with substance abuse problems from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and ensures that employers have the necessary information to make informed hiring decisions.

Key Features of the Clearinghouse

1. Driver Registration: All commercial drivers are required to register with the Clearinghouse. This allows employers and authorized users to perform queries and access a driver’s information, including drug and alcohol violations, return-to-duty status, and completed substance abuse treatment programs.

2. Reporting and Querying: Employers are mandated to report drug and alcohol violations, such as positive test results, refusals to test, and completion of the return-to-duty process. They are also required to conduct queries in the Clearinghouse to check the records of prospective hires and current employees annually.

3. Driver Consent: Drivers provide consent for their employers to access their Clearinghouse records. This ensures transparency and allows employers to make informed decisions regarding hiring, retaining, or terminating a driver based on their drug and alcohol history.

4. Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) Reporting: Substance Abuse Professionals play a crucial role in the Clearinghouse process. They are responsible for evaluating drivers who violate drug and alcohol regulations, developing treatment plans, and reporting successful completion of treatment to the Clearinghouse.
   Learn more about SAP here.

Significance of the Clearinghouse

1. Enhanced Safety: The Clearinghouse helps identify drivers with drug and alcohol violations, preventing them from operating CMVs until they complete the return-to-duty process successfully. This enhances overall safety on the roads by reducing the risk of accidents caused by impaired driving.

2. Streamlined Hiring Process: Employers can use the Clearinghouse to make more informed hiring decisions. By accessing a driver’s Clearinghouse records, employers can identify any past drug or alcohol violations and ensure they comply with regulations before bringing them on board.

3. Improved Compliance: The Clearinghouse strengthens compliance with drug and alcohol regulations by establishing a centralized database for tracking violations. Employers and enforcement agencies have easy access to accurate and up-to-date information, reducing the likelihood of non-compliance.

4. Effective Substance Abuse Management: The Clearinghouse promotes effective substance abuse management by requiring drivers with violations to complete the return-to-duty process and undergo mandatory testing. It helps drivers address their substance abuse issues and ensures they are fit for duty before returning to operating CMVs.