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November 22 - Idealease Safety Bulletin "Are you ready for the new FMCSA regulations coming in 2020?"

Nov. 22 2019 Miscellaneous By Carrie LeBlanc

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Read and share the latest Idealease Safety Bulletin, "Are you ready for the new FMCSA regulations coming in 2020?" 

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD this November 22nd Edition and SIGN UP to receive these fleet safety tips directly to your email inbox!

In this issue find details on the following:

1. New FMCSA regulations - Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for  CDL Drivers:

  • Registration is now open at: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/  You will have to register your company if you have drivers subject to drug and alcohol testing regulations.
  • Starting 1/6/20, you must query the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as part of pre-employment to see if driver is eligible for hire. 
  • You must follow the annual query requirement and query all drivers you have with a CDL
  • Prospective and current CDL employees must sign a release as provided in the registration process.

Two types of queries as defined by FMCSA:

a. Limited - checks for presence of information in the driver's record and requires driver consent outside of the database

b. Full - discloses detailed information about resolved and unresolved violations and requires drivers to provide consent via the portal

Fees: $1.25 flat fee for every limited or full query (with bundle offers) unless carrier purchases unlimited plan at $24,500/yr. Bundles do not expire. 

You are still required to conduct past employment drug and alcohol inquiries to past employers as required by CFR 391.23 for all new CDL drivers hired until 1/23/23.

2/8/20 New Entry-Level Driver Training Rule: Final rule establishes minimum training standards for INTERstate and INTRAstate drivers applying for their initial CDL, upgrading their current one, or obtaining a passenger, school bus or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.  Drivers must complete a certified training program that meets the criteria for classroom and behind the wheel training before taking the CDL skills test.  Visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/  for a list of certified schools. 

2. Deer Season - it's a great time to remind your drivers of dangers of animals in the roadway. IIHS estimates 1.5 million deer-related accidents occur each year and cause close to $1.1 billion in damage, kill 150 people and injure 29,000.

3. Chains - make sure chains are the correct size, properly secured, clean and operational and easily applied. 

Find your state's chain laws here: 

https://www.tirechainsrequired.com/pages/tire-chain-laws 

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!