As part of the recently passed transportation bill, Congress has ordered the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to create a national clearinghouse for drug and alcohol test results for commercial drivers.  The clearinghouse, which is strongly supported by the American Trucking Associations “ATA,” is designed to close a significant loophole in the existing rules and prevent “job-hopping” drivers who violate the drug and alcohol rules.

Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has voiced its desire to create such a clearinghouse in the past, progress has been slow, if not altogether imperceptible.  In hopes, the Congressional directive will motive the Administration to act quickly and the clearinghouse will become a reality.  Our roadways will be undeniably safer with fewer drugged and drunk commercial drivers behind the wheel.