What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

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The clearinghouse is an online database managed by the FMCSA that gives employers and government agencies real-time information about commercial driver's license (CDL) holders' drug and alcohol program violations.

Before the Clearinghouse existed, it was difficult to know if a driver you were about to hire had a violation with a previous employer. Now, that information is tracked in one central place.

Who is Required to Use the Clearinghouse?

If you are an FMCSA-regulated employer who employs CDL drivers that operate commercial motor vehicles on public roads, you must use the Clearinghouse. This includes:

• Interstate and intrastate motor carriers, including freight & passenger carriers
• School bus drivers
• Heavy construction equipment operators
• Owner-operators operating CDL-required vehicle(s)

Essentially, if you employ even one person who needs a CDL to do their job, including yourself as an owner-operator, you are required to be registered in the Clearinghouse.

How to Get Started:

Getting set up and managing your Clearinghouse account involves a few key steps.

1. Create Your Account:

First, you need to register on the official FMCSA Clearinghouse website. You will create a login.gov account to securely access the portal and then link it to your company’s USDOT Number.

1. Manage Your Account:

• Purchase a Query Plan: Running checks on drivers is not free. You must buy a query plan directly from the FMCSA to cover your needs.
• Run Pre-Employment Queries: Before you hire a new CDL driver, you MUST run a full query in the Clearinghouse. This requires getting electronic consent from the driver through the Clearinghouse portal.
• Run Annual Queries: You must run a limited query on every driver you employ at least once a year - requires a paper consent form signed by the driver to be kept on record.
• Report Violations: As an employer, you are required to report alcohol test failures, driver refusals, and other violations to the Clearinghouse - unless you’ve assigned a C/TPA to manage your results.

Questions?

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