If you’re driving a truck you shouldn’t be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Recently, on November 18, more than 178,00 truck drivers (and other CDL holders) had their licenses downgraded and their commercial driving privileges revoked. They were classified as “prohibited” status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. They had failed a drug or alcohol test in the past, and their employer (or prospective employer) or law enforcement at the roadside or scale house could have queried the Clearinghouse and removed them from the road. That said, “prohibited” drivers had time to complete the required return-to-duty (RTD) process, so there was a way to get back into good graces…
The Clearinghouse Rule is in Effect
Well, the time has come that the Clearinghouse rule is in effect and state driver licensing agencies are required to remove commercial driving privileges of drivers in “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse. So, many truckers’ CDLs have been downgraded– yet there’s the opportunity for drivers to complete the RTD process.
Does this mean fewer truckers on the roads? Not really, because many in the Clearinghouse are already prohibited from driving trucks. However, this move by the Clearinghouse does provide an additional check on the system as carriers who haven’t been using the Clearinghouse should see if their truckers have had drug and alcohol violations as they’re running their MVRs which are driven by insurance companies.
All in all, regulations are in effect to make sure drivers who shouldn’t be driving are not driving. If someone has a serious problem with drugs and alcohol they might just end up leaving the trucking industry all together, and that’s for the best. If you’re someone who doesn’t use drugs or alcohol and you’re looking for a truck driving job, Platinum Drivers can help you find one. Please call 844-800-1421 for more info.