FMCSA’s random drug testing about to double in the new year

FMCSA has made the announcement: compared to 2019, twice as many truck drivers will be subjected to random drug testing. In terms of percentages, previously, the testing applied to 25% of truck drivers, but now, the number will increase to 50%. As for random alcohol testing, the minimum annual rate remains at 10%.

The reason behind the increase is the rule that requires the FMCSA administrator to increase the minimum annual percentage rate when the reports indicate that 1% or more of people have tested positive. The rule originates way back from 2001. In 2017, the controlled substances positive result percentages stood at 0,8%. But in 2018, the numbers reached 1%, thus triggering the changes.

Now that the random drug testing will affect 50% of truck drivers, this means that there will be 2.1 million random controlled substance tests issued. Naturally, this means that the costs associated with performing these tests will go up as well. In 2020, this will add anywhere from $50 million to $70 million on top of the existing costs.

According to Rachel Aycock from the CMCI Drug Consortium, the process itself will not go through any changes. However, any driver will have a greater likelihood of being selected. When things are about to be set in motion, each employee representative will get their hands on the selection letter. In case a driver gets selected, he or she will be required to visit the facility immediately to have the tests done.