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US DOT & Cross Border Requirements FAQs
The Department of Transportation(DOT) was established by an act of US Congress on October 15, 1966. The Department’s first official day of operation was April 1, 1967. It is the regulating body for all commercial transportation in the U.S.A.
The US DOT’s Mission is to “Ensure our nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world; that improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.”
Anyone who wishes to participate in commercial transportation in the US will be required to follow DOT regulations.
Click on the frequently asked questions below to view the answers.
What is the FMCSA?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Which employees need to be covered by FMCSA?
A person who operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds; or is designed to transport 16 or more occupants; or is of any size and is used in the transport of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to have a placard.
What types of Drug Testing programs are used?
Pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post accident, return to duty, and follow-up.
What types of Alcohol Testing Programs are used?
Pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post accident, return to duty, and follow-up.
What is a reasonable-suspicion test?
One trained supervisor or company official can make the decision based upon specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations convening the appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors of the employee.
When can you go back to work after failing and alcohol test?
The employee cannot be returned to work until the next day or the start of the employees next regular shift, but not less than 24hrs following a test.
What training must an employee receive?
Employer must provide educational materials explaining drug and alcohol
regulatory requirements and employer’s policies and procedures for meeting regulation requirements. Distribution to each employee of these educational materials and the employer’s policy regarding the use of drugs and alcohol is mandatory.
What training must a supervisor receive?
One-hour of training is required on the specific, contemporaneous physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable drug use. One-hour of training is also required on the specific, contemporaneous physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable alcohol use.
Do you have to report violations to FMCSA?
No, there are no reporting requirements to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
How long after an accident can I consume alcohol?
Drivers are prohibited from using alcohol for eight hours following an accident or until they have undergone a post-accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first.