FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance for Owner Operators

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As an owner operator you have a lot to handle. You act as the accountant, mechanic, dispatcher, sales representative, and on top of all that, you’re also the one driving the truck. The last thing you want to worry about is compliance. 

The FMCSA enacted the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse on January 6, 2020. This new mandate requires owner operators to register to the online database, which helps identify CDLs with drug and alcohol violations. After registering with the Clearinghouse, owner operators are also responsible for designating a Consortium or Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) in order to remain compliant with the DOT’s random testing requirements. 

For more information, please read the FMCSA’s brochure on how the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse affects owner operators.

Drivers Clearinghouse is your C/TPA. We’re here to ensure that you remain compliant under this regulation.

Drivers Clearinghouse as Your C/TPA: 

Both owner operators or C/TPAs may report violation information in regards to drivers employed by that owner operator. However, if an owner operator commits a drug and alcohol program violation, this information must be reported by the C/TPA. That’s where we come in.

Drivers Clearinghouse Owner Operator Plan Includes: 

  • Annual query

  • Designated C/TPA for reporting drug and alcohol violations

  • MRO services

  • Upcoming expiration alerts

  • Store records of completion

  • Real-time roster management  

  • Error notifications

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FMCSA Clearinghouse FAQs

When does the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Regulation go into Effect?

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse went into effect on January 6, 2020.

Will Violations that Occur Before January 6, 2020 Need to be Included in the Clearinghouse?

No, the Clearinghouse database will only contain violations that occurred on or after the implementation date.

How do Owner Operators Meet Their Clearinghouse Obligations?

Owner Operators must comply with all Clearinghouse requirements imposed on both employers and employees. Under the Clearinghouse final rule, an employer who employs himself or herself as a CDL driver must designate a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) to comply with the employer’s Clearinghouse reporting requirements.

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Are Social Security Numbers Required to Enter Driver Violations?

No, only the driver’s CDL number and issuing state are required.

How will the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Regulation Impact Owner Operators? 

Failure to comply with the new regulation can lead to penalties and fines.

Why Work With Us?

With over three decades of industry experience, we are the compliance experts for matters relating to the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We understand the ins and outs of the new FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse regulation, so you don’t have to.

Ready to Move Forward?

Have More Questions?

If you’re interested in learning more about Drivers Clearinghouse for Owner Operators, please fill out the form below and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.