How Does the FMCSA Clearinghouse Rule Affect Freight Supply and Demand?

Are you looking for a DOT qualified SAP for your employees? When an employee in a safety-sensitive role fails a DOT drug test, they are immediately removed from duty, which can lead to lost productivity and operational delays. Have you considered how having employees out of work due to failed drug tests disrupts your freight supply and demand, potentially leading to delayed shipments, increased operational costs, and a strain on meeting customer expectations? By having access to a network for your employees looking for a DOT qualified SAP readily available, employers can streamline the return-to-duty process, reducing the time employees spend out of work while ensuring all federal requirements are met. This proactive approach not only supports workforce stability but also reinforces a commitment to safety and compliance.

FMCSA clearinghouse rule puts bullseye on freight capacity

When even a small fraction of tens of thousands of trucks is removed from the roads, it can cause a significant shift in freight capacity. This is precisely what’s happening now as states implement new enforcement powers affecting approximately 179,000 truck drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse data as of October 1, these drivers are in “prohibited status.” On November 18, their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) were automatically revoked, a change that disproportionately impacts small trucking businesses responsible for much of the nation’s freight.

“’So what happens in those companies with five to 10 trucks that currently have drivers that were in prohibited status or weren’t properly going through the return-to-duty process? It’s going to be a slow burn’ of capacity exiting the market, Adam Wingfield, founder and managing director of Innovative Logistics Group, told FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller on Thursday.”

Previously, drivers with violations listed in the FMCSA Clearinghouse could still find ways to stay on the road, exploiting gaps in enforcement. However, before November 18, they were only “grounded,” not fully prevented from driving. With the new enforcement measures in place, states now have the authority to ensure stricter compliance, permanently shifting the freight landscape.

What Does This Mean for Safety-Sensitive Employees Looking for a DOT Qualified SAP?

Employers of safety-sensitive employees must act promptly when a worker fails a DOT drug or alcohol test, ensuring they are referred to a DOT qualified SAP to comply with federal regulations. Connecting employees with a service agent, such as SAP Referral Services, can streamline the process by quickly matching them with a DOT qualified SAP in their area. This step is critical, as delays in finding a certified SAP can extend the time employees are out of work, affecting operations, productivity, and fright supply and demand. SAP Referral Services simplifies this task, helping employers maintain compliance while ensuring employees take the necessary steps to return to duty safely and efficiently.

Connect with SAP Referral Services Today

Ensure compliance, protect productivity, and support your employees by partnering with SAP Referral Services. Their network for those looking for a DOT qualified SAP simplifies the return-to-duty process, helping safety-sensitive employees get back to work efficiently and in full compliance with federal regulations. Don’t let failed drug tests disrupt your operations—connect with SAP Referral Services today and maintain a safe, reliable, and compliant workforce. Contact us to get started.