Clearinghouse requirements delayed for states, not for truckers

[Mike]

FMCSA is issuing a final rule that will extend the compliance date for states’ query of the drug and alcohol clearinghouse for three years. However, the compliance date of Jan. 6, 2020 remains in place for all other requirements in the clearinghouse final rule. That means that all drivers who need to register for the clearinghouse still must do so in the coming weeks.

The extension of the states’ compliance date until Jan. 6, 2023 published in the Federal Register on Friday, Dec. 13. The rule will also allow states the option to voluntarily request clearinghouse information beginning on Jan. 6, 2020.

Clearinghouse requirements delayed for states, not for truckers

FMCSA extended the compliance date for states’ query of the drug and alcohol clearinghouse for three years, but the date wasn’t extended for truckers.

landline.media

 

[mndriver]

Say it isn't so

 

[Mike]

Say it isn't so

Are you registered?

 

[mndriver]

Are you registered?

Yes. As a motor carrier.

As a driver, the system said there's an issue with my records and the state of Minnesota. Probably what this entire article is about.

 

[Mike]

Yes. As a motor carrier.

As a driver, the system said there's an issue with my records and the state of Minnesota. Probably what this entire article is about.

This thing is giving me a headache. I love how they give us a deadline to get registered/setup, yet everything is so clunky you just want to throw the laptop out the window.

 

[mndriver]

 

[Electric Chicken]

Sooooo drivers still have a deadline to register but states don't have a deadline to make it possible?

 

[Mike]

Sooooo drivers still have a deadline to register but states don't have a deadline to make it possible?

Motor carriers, consortium's and others have a deadline.

As for drivers....

Drivers are not required to register for the Clearinghouse. However, a driver will need to be registered to provide electronic consent in the Clearinghouse if a prospective or current employer needs to conduct a full query of the driver’s Clearinghouse record—this will include all pre-employment queries beginning on January 6, 2020.
A driver must also be registered to electronically view the information in his or her own Clearinghouse record.
Drivers who register before January 6, 2020, will have their Clearinghouse accounts and contact preferences set up, allowing them to quickly respond to query requests from employers on or after January 6, 2020. Registration is available at Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse - Clearinghouse Registration.
Last Updated : November 14, 2019

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

An online database that gives employers and government agencies real-time access to information about CDL driver drug and alcohol program violations.

clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov

 

[Electric Chicken]

So if I never register as a driver, then what?

 

[mndriver]

So if I never register as a driver, then what?

Your employer is not able to run a query on you and they are required to remove you from any safety sensitive position.

Read that as ....


Not allow you to drive until you give them permission to run a query.


Which can only be done IF you are registered in the Clearinghouse

 

[Electric Chicken]

Your employer is not able to run a query on you and they are required to remove you from any safety sensitive position.

Read that as ....


Not allow you to drive until you give them permission to run a query.


Which can only be done IF you are registered in the Clearinghouse

So then I am indeed required to register.

 

[Mike]

So if I never register as a driver, then what?

If you ever go to another job, you won't be able to be checked electronically, at which point, the potential employer will require you to be registered in order to be hired.

So, you don't have to register, but you do have to register likely at some point. Or quit driving.

 

[Electric Chicken]

I'll wait.

I don't watch the goofy recycled safety videos until they make me either.

 

[Mike]

I'll wait.

I don't watch the goofy recycled safety videos until they make me either.

I would do the same thing as a company driver.

Instead, here I am beating my head against the wall trying to set this stupid thing up.

 

[Electric Chicken]

If you time your it correctly you can get a 3 day weekend.

"We're placing you out of service if you don't complete them by Monday."

Oh, cool. I'll do them Monday afternoon.

 

[mndriver]

So then I am indeed required to register.

But they can't TELL you that.

 

[Electric Chicken]

But they can't TELL you that.

"Don't HAVE to go to the gas chamber but if you don't you're gonna be shot right here."

Great options!

 

[Nomad1]

I tried to register last night but the site was having some issue and I couldn't. I'll try again some other day. I have a feeling it will be better after the deadline.

 

[Mike]

I finally got this completed this morning. Got logged into my portal and was able to give myself access to the clearinghouse as an admin which finally allowed me to link the clearinghouse to my FMCSA portal.

Got the company set up, got myself set up as a driver, and ran a query on myself to make sure I was not a drug addict and able to drive for myself.

Purchased 20 queries @ $1.25 each. Not sure how many I will need, but that covers 20 years of driving for myself, and I figure the cost of these things will go up before too long.

 

[Humble pie]

I finally got this completed this morning. Got logged into my portal and was able to give myself access to the clearinghouse as an admin which finally allowed me to link the clearinghouse to my FMCSA portal.

Got the company set up, got myself set up as a driver, and ran a query on myself to make sure I was not a drug addict and able to drive for myself.

Purchased 20 queries @ $1.25 each. Not sure how many I will need, but that covers 20 years of driving for myself, and I figure the cost of these things will go up before too long.

So basically it’s another tax.