FMCSA Increases Testing Rates

Scott Watson is a Qualified DOT/SAP.
Call Heartland Intervention at 317-752-8811 for all your DOT/SAP needs.

Testing Rate Increases in 2020

The FMCSA announced recently that they have increased the drug testing rates for employees in safety-sensitive duty. Truck drivers and others covered by the rule will likely be subject to an increased number of random drug screens in 2020. The alcohol rate remains at 10%.

According to a document published in the Federal Register on Dec. 27, the agency is increasing the minimum annual percentage rate for random drug testing from 25% of the average number of driver positions to 50% of the average number of driver positions. This change will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Who is Impacted?

For reference, FMCSA estimates there are 3.2 million commercial driver license holders participating in interstate commerce and 1 million CDL holders. Under the annual random testing rate of 25% of all driving positions, this meant at least 1.05 million random controlled substances tests were to be conducted. With a testing rate of 50%, approximately 2.1 million random tests will need to be conducted in 2020.

DOT Return to Duty Changes

Employees who don’t pass those screens will be subject to the DOT Return to Duty Process as outlined in CFR Part 40. Aside from the addition of the Clearinghouse in 2020- that process remains largely the same. Our friends at ITI have included this in their announcement this week.

DOT/SAP Services from Heartland Intervention

Heartland Intervention, LLC is the leading provider of Substance Abuse Professional services in the area. Scott J. Watson is a qualified DOT/SAP with many years of experience. He is registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse and ready to assist you.

These changes can be confusing for drivers and companies alike. For more info, click HERE. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Scott- call 317-752-8811.

Transportation Safety

sized two truckers dot sap

When a child steps onto a school bus there is an assumption that the bus driver is sober.  When a 140,000 pound airplane surges down a runway, the passengers and their loved ones have an expectation that the pilot is not himself “a mile high”.  There are pack & ship companies who work with airports to get the best result. When a commuter steps onto the train that will carry her to and from a downtown office she may not ever wonder if the one in charge may have taken somebody else’s pain or anxiety medication.  This is because travel in the United States is among the safest in the world.

Heartland Intervention founder Scott J. Watson will be speaking this week at the 9th Annual Federal Transit Administration Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas.  As a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Scott will be outlining the roles and responsibilities of employers, employees and the SAP in the DOT Return to Duty process as outlined in CFR Part 40.

Heartland Intervention and Mr. Watson take very seriously the safety of the travelling public.  As a DOT/SAP, Scott works with both employees and employers to make sure that they are compliant with the DOT rules for each of the six operating administrations.  Anytime there is a question about CFR Part 40, modal rules, or the responsibilities of the employer, employee and SAP we are here to help.

Heartland Intervention is a leading provider of DOT/SAP services in the United States and Central Indiana.  Call Scott directly today at 877/752-8811.  We would be happy to schedule an appointment for an assessment or to discuss how we may  help you or your company remain compliant and the travelling public safe.