FMSCA Announces Drug and Alcohol Testing Frequencies for 2019

January 22, 2019 | comments

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced their annual drug and alcohol testing rates for 2019. FMCSA drug and alcohol testing rates are the minimum percentages at which employees involved with handling hazardous materials must undergo random drug or alcohol testing during the calendar year. The 2019 testing percentages are set at a minimum of 25 percent for drugs and 10 percent for alcohol.

Employees subject to testing include persons employed by a HazMat employer and who in the course of employment directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety. Covered employees include:

• An owner-operator of a motor vehicle transporting hazardous material in commerce.

• An employee that loads, unloads, or handles hazardous materials

• Manufactures, tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks, or otherwise assures containers, drums, or packagings are qualified for use in HazMat transportation.

• Prepares HazMat for transportation.

• Responsible for safety of HazMat transportation.

• Operates a vehicle to transport HazMat.

FMCSA’s random drug and alcohol testing requirements are applicable to both intrastate and interstate drivers required to have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Employers are responsible for implementing and conducting driver drug and alcohol testing programs. Employers may meet this requirement using their own employees, contract services, or through a testing consortium that provides the service.

FUELIowa has partnered with Doctor’s Review Service to meet your drug and alcohol testing compliance demands. Through our partnership with Doctor’s Review Service, FUELIowa members have the option to join a consortium with hundreds of other drivers or, if eligible, for their company to be considered its own testing pool which eases budgeting and oversight. For more information please contact John Maynes in the FUELIowa office at 515-421-4043.

Federal Transportation