Drug & Alcohol Testing
Guidance on USDOT drug and alcohol testing programs including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing, plus the FMCSA Clearinghouse, return-to-duty process, and oral fluid testing developments under 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 382.
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FMCSA Keeps Random Drug & Alcohol Testing Rates the Same for 2026
On January 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced what many of us in the industry expected: the minimum random drug testing rate for CDL drivers remains at 50%, with alcohol testing holding steady at 10%.If you're keeping score at home, that's six consecutive years at these rates since FMCSA bumped them up from 25% in January 2020. And based on the numbers coming out of the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, don't expect that to change anytime soon.Why the Rate Stays Where It IsHere
CDL Drug Testing Faces Uncertainty After Trump Executive Order
It's official. December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Attorney General to "take all necessary steps to complete the rulemaking process related to rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act in the most expeditious manner."For the cannabis industry, it's a landmark moment. For the trucking industry, it's the beginning of a very uncertain chapter, one that hinges entirely on how the Department of Health and Human Services, the
What Trump’s Marijuana Rescheduling Executive Order Could Mean for Trucking
On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to expand medical marijuana and cannabidiol research and to move marijuana toward rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. While the order is framed around science, medicine, and research access, it has once again raised a critical question for the trucking industry: what happens to federal drug testing and highway safety if marijuana is no longer treated as a Schedule I drug?This is not a new con
Brandon Wiseman
DOT Proposes Adding Fentanyl to Drug Testing Panel
In a significant move to address the escalating opioid crisis, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its drug-testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 40. Published in the Federal Register on September 2, 2025, the proposal aims to add fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid—and its metabolite norfentanyl to the DOT's drug testing panels for both urine and oral fluid specimens. This change comes amid rising overdose deaths linked to fentan
Brandon Wiseman
SCOTUS opens the door for truckers to sue over mislabeled CBD products
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in Medical Marijuana, Inc. v. Horn, an important case with implications for regulated trucking. The Court ruled that a commercial truck driver could seek treble damages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for financial losses (i.e., being out of a job) resulting from a mislabeled CBD product that led to a positive drug test and his termination.NEW Supreme Court ruling on CBD & truckers | What drivers n
Brandon Wiseman
DQ, Personnel, and Drug & Alcohol Testing Files: Understanding the distinction
Managing compliance for regulated drivers in the trucking industry involves a myriad of record-keeping requirements. Among the most important are the Driver Qualification (DQ) File, the Personnel File, and the Drug & Alcohol Testing File. While these files serve different purposes, confusion about their distinctions and proper maintenance can lead to compliance issues and penalties. This article will explore each file type, explain why it is essential to keep them separate, and provide best prac
Brandon Wiseman
Year in Review: 2024 Regulatory Highlights and 2025 Outlook for Fleets
As 2024 winds down, the trucking industry finds itself reflecting on a transformative year while preparing for potential regulatory shifts in 2025. Episode 44 of Trucksafe LIVE! tackled key regulatory milestones, upcoming challenges, and industry-shaping court cases. Here's a comprehensive look back at 2024’s top trucking regulations and a forward-looking perspective on what fleets might expect in 2025. Catch the replay of the episode below! Trucksafe LIVE! | Ep. 44 - Year-in-review & 2025 outlo
Brandon Wiseman
The Impact of FMCSA Clearinghouse Phase 2 and Other Crucial Updates from Episode 41 of Trucksafe LIVE!
In the latest episode of Trucksafe LIVE! (Episode 41), hosts Brandon Wiseman and Brian Runnels tackled some of the most pressing issues impacting the trucking industry, from the long-anticipated Clearinghouse Phase 2 to upcoming regulatory changes and fleet safety updates. As the hosts discussed, trucking regulations are rapidly evolving, and motor carriers must stay informed and proactive to ensure compliance and maintain a competitive edge.Trucksafe LIVE! | Ep. 41 - Preparing for Clearinghouse
What You Need to Know About the Clearinghouse II Roll Out by FMCSA
In an effort to close gaps in federal drug & alcohol testing regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will soon roll out Clearinghouse Phase II—a significant change to the manner in which driver drug & alcohol violation data is accessed and utilized by State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). BIG changes in store for the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse!Effective November 18, 2024, FMCSA, the federal agency charged with regulating the operation of commercial drivers an
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