Orlando, Florida—With the arrival of a new year, aside from the worries of possible inclement weather conditions that normally affect us during the winter season.

When it comes to regulatory topics in the trucking industry, two items had final rules issued during the last quarter of 2019: The drug and alcohol clearinghouse, and training for entry-level drivers.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse - implementation of the rule began January 6, 2020.

All parties involved in the drug and alcohol testing process for CDL holders will be required to register, including motor carriers (employers), consortiums/TPAs, service agents, medical review officers/substance abuse professionals, and drivers – at least most of them over time. Not every driver will have to register (those who are long-time employees and who have never failed a drug/alcohol test probably won’t be required to register.)

Having said that, after January 6th of this year, all carriers will conduct a limited query first, which only tells them if there is a record in the database on that driver. If the query comes back ‘yes, there’s info,’ then a full query is required, and you’ll have three business days to report violations, including refusals to be tested.

Driver consent is required prior to a query.

ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING

A rule to set national minimum-training standards for entry-level applicants seeking to obtain a commercial driver’s license or certain endorsements in effect after Feb. 7, 2020.

The key elements of the final rule are as follows:

Applicants seeking a commercial driver’s license will have to demonstrate proficiency in “theory” (classroom) training and in behind-the-wheel training given on a “driving range” and on a public road.

There are no required minimum number of hours for the knowledge or behind-the-wheel portions of any of the individual training curricula. However, training providers must determine that each CDL applicant demonstrates proficiency in all required elements of the training.

The prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel training must be provided by an entity listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, which must meet qualification standards for their instructional programs as set forth in the rule.

Who is affected?

First-time CDL applicants, both Class A and Class B

Current CDL holders seeking a license upgrade, such as a Class B holder seeking a Class A, or seeking for the first time to secure an additional endorsement to transport hazardous materials, or to operate a motor coach or school bus.

This rule also requires CDL training providers to register with the FMCSA’s training provider registry (TPR). Training providers registered must deliver FMCSA’s required curriculum. One of the possible impacts of this rule could include raising the “entry bar” for new drivers, which could affect the supply of drivers. The training is likely to be more expensive as well.

At Orlando Truck Insurance, we specialize in trucks and commercial vehicles insurance coverage in Orlando and surrounding areas in Central Florida. If you have questions about how how to best protect your investment in the trucking business, or any other commercial insurance aspects, please do not hesitate to visit us online at Orlando Truck Insurance, or you may also call us directly at (407) 203-7085.

Hector Perez, Producer

Email Hector
Call 407-203-7085