FMCSA Lengthens Drug Testing Window for Hiring
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), in a new step to combat the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy, is modifying a regulation regarding drugs. No, truckers will not be allowed to drive while smoking marijuana without being added to the Clearinghouse.
The Change
Normally when hiring a company driver, the company must perform pre-employment drug testing. The exception to this was if the prospective employee had taken a controlled substances testing program that complied with 49 CFR part 382 within the last 30 days.
The exception has had its length tripled to ninety days. While the pandemic was first a boon for the trucking industry, the honeymoon period has ended and some layoffs and furloughs occurred. The FMCSA does not want the hiring or rehiring of commercial truck drivers to be impeded harshly during the state of emergency. The costs of pre-employment drug testing can be a burden on trucking companies. As such, the FMCSA is trying to make things easier for companies while not condoning codeine.
The FMCSA says this is an easy and effective way to serve the public interest. “FMCSA finds that the granting of this waiver is in the public interest because it will facilitate the efficient return of furloughed commercial motor vehicle drivers to the workforce, allowing them to resume critical transportation functions performed by passenger and property motor carriers. In addition, this waiver will reduce the regulatory burden on employers and furloughed drivers subject to the pre-employment testing requirement” the waiver said.
The waiver is expected to last through the end of September. To read the waiver in its entirety, click the link.
Conclusion
After two months where average COVID-19 deaths in the United States exceeded one thousand per day, June is on pace to buck that trend. Hopefully, this means that the coronavirus pandemic is approaching its end and things will return to normal soon.
The CDC has a webpage that tracks the current cases and deaths, and how it compares to yesterday.
CORONAVIRUS [COVID-19] UPDATES AND ARTICLES
- Trucker’s Guide to When Every State is Reopening
- FMSCA Extends Hours of Service Relief Declaration
- How Truck Drivers Can Keep Their Cabs Clean During COVID-19
- International Roadcheck Delayed Over COVID-19 Fears
- Pennsylvania Reopens (Some) Rest Stops
- Truck Dealers Seek “Essential Status”
- Navistar And Paccar Halt Production
- Mack And Volvo Suspend Truck Production
- Fmcsa Expands Its COVID-19 Response
#THANKATRUCKER
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and equipment financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!
We have financing options for semi-trucks, commercial trucks, trailers, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Semi-Truck Financing
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
