01/17/2022
Who is checking the FMCSA Clearinghouse??
State Troopers are checking driver information through the FMCSA Clearinghouse during violation stops and routine checks. If a driver is listed as Prohibited, they will have to immediately stand down and not be allowed to continue driving.
One of our clients sent a driver to pick up cargo in another state. That driver submitted to a routine check at a weigh station and during that check, the driver’s information was submitted through the FMCSA Clearinghouse. The query was returned with: “Prohibited from performing safety sensitive functions per 382.501(a) in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.”
The driver was not allowed to drive the vehicle from the weigh station. The vehicle had to be removed from the area, the company had to dispatch another driver to complete the assigned pick up and delivery and the driver had to obtain transportation to return to Texas.
It is very important to run pre-employment and annual queries on all of your drivers. Chem Chek can assist you with this if you:
• Register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse and designate Chem Chek Co., Inc. as your TPA (Third Party Administrator)
• Check the box to give permission to Chem Chek to run queries on your behalf
• Purchase a query plan through the Clearinghouse.
• Queries cost $1.25 each, with a discount for multiple queries. Chem Chek cannot do this for you.
If you have not registered with the Clearinghouse, you should do it immediately (mandatory for employers of FMCSA regulated employees 01/06/20). If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us (even if you wish to run your own queries and choose not to give Chem Chek permission to do so, we will be happy to help you register and remain compliant).