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Authorized users must register for Clearinghouse access

After several months of buildup, the transportation industry has reached the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse effective date of January 6, 2020. The new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database provides FMCSA and employers with information needed to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle on public roads based on DOT drug and alcohol program violations.

Owner-operators must designate a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) such as Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium (WDTC) to comply with the employer’s clearinghouse reporting requirements.

Authorized users who have not yet gained access to the FMCSA Clearinghouse are required to request it by registering at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/. The website includes information about query plans and frequently asked questions with regard to the Clearinghouse.

Open enrollment for DOT consortium is now

Employers and owner-operators can take advantage of the current open enrollment for DOT consortium period to help them remain compliant with FMCSA regulations. Open enrollment makes it easier for employers and owner-operators to participate in random DOT drug and alcohol testing programs, along with assistance maintaining required testing records.

Query plans are available for purchase

Query plans are available for purchase for employers of drivers requiring a CDL. Queries are electronic checks in the Clearinghouse used by carriers to learn if current or potentially future employees are prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle or performing other safety-sensitive functions due to an unresolved violation.

Queries enable carriers and their designated consortium or TPA to conduct queries for all current and potential new employers as required by law. The plans can only be purchased on the FMCSA Clearinghouse website by registered employers.

Clearinghouse live webinars available in January

FMCSA is hosting several live informational webinars after the FMCSA Clearinghouse effective date to help users understand the requirements of the Clearinghouse. There are two webinars in January, the first on January 22 (8:30-10 a.m. CDT) for substance abuse professionals and medical review officers, and the second on January 23 (12:30-2 p.m. CDT) for employers, consortium/TPAs and CDL drivers.

Prior to the FMCSA clearinghouse effective date or the webinars, visit the Clearinghouse Learning Center for answers to common questions.

About Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium is an accredited, Certified Third Party Administrator (C-TPA), and specializes in consortium management; a variety of drug testing methods, including urine, hair and fingernails; post-accident testing; pre-employment drug tests; criminal background checks; supervisor training programs to keep employees compliant with DOT regulations; pre-employment DOT physicals; and paternity DNA testing. Headquartered in Green Bay, WDTC also has offices in Oshkosh, Appleton, Fond du Lac and Madison, Wisconsin. Call 888-784-8842 or visit www.widrugtesting.com for more information.