Are you ready for the DOT Clearinghouse?
Whether you’re a single truck owner operator or a large fleet, the Clearinghouse represents a major regulatory change that will impact your compliance on an ongoing basis. In this resources section, we’ve compiled as much information as possible to help guide you through the process – from helpful blog articles, to FAQs to registration assistance.
If you have questions about anything you see in this Resource Section, or need help complying with these new requirements, we have a Clearinghouse Task Force that is ready to help. Give us a call anytime at (860) 815-0762.
Get Started in 5 Steps
Confused by your new Clearinghouse requirements? Not sure where to start? At Foley, we’ve created a five-step plan to help you prepare before the January deadline.
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Step 1: Register Your Clearinghouse Account & Designate a Third Party Administrator
Your first step in Clearinghouse compliance is registering as an employer in the Clearinghouse portal. This step is required for all safety-sensitive employers that hire FMCSA-regulated drivers.
During the registration process, you’ll be able to assign Foley has your Third Party Administrator so that we can can manage your Clearinghouse requirements on your behalf. We’ve included a guide below that will help you complete the necessary steps.
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Step 2: Build a Process to Collect Consent to Run a Limited Query on All of Your Drivers Annually
You will be required to run limited Clearinghouse queries on all of your CDL drivers annually. In order to initiate this process, you must collect consent from all of your drivers before you run these checks. As this is a background check for employment purposes, it is vital to ensure this consent form be compliant with all State and Federal laws, including the FCRA.
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Step 3: Build a Compliant Clearinghouse Addendum for Your DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy
Your DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy must include language regarding mandatory Clearinghouse compliance.
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Step 4: Purchase a Query Plan
In order to run mandatory queries, employers must purchase a clearinghouse query plan.
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Step 5: Establish a Process for Mandatory Clearinghouse Record Keeping Requirements
A little known component of the new clearinghouse regulation is that employer’s must maintain records of all queries run.
Get Clearinghouse Compliant
There’s a lot of steps that go into a fully-compliant program. Fill out the form now to speak with one of our Clearinghouse Compliance specialists.