Random Drug Test Rate Doubled for 2020

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has increased the minimum annual random controlled substance testing rate for commercial motor vehicle drivers, from 25 percent of the average number of driver positions to 50 percent, effective in the calendar year 2020. The minimum rate for random alcohol testing remains at 10 percent.

Federal regulations (49 CFR §382.305) require the FMCSA to increase the random controlled substance testing rate when the data for any calendar year indicates a reported positive rate of 1 percent or greater. The 2018 FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Survey showed the positive rate for controlled substances random testing increased to 1 percent. For 2016 and 2017, the estimated positive usage rate for drugs was estimated to be 0.7 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively. 

In light of the recent testing rate change, this is a good opportunity to contact your Consortia/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) to update your employee list, as well as confirm that your C/TPA is using the new 50 percent rate for your monthly or quarterly random controlled substance testing selection.

The announcement of the random controlled substance testing rate increase came just ahead of the official launch of the agency’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse on January 6, 2020. For more information on the Clearinghouse, please visit our Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse webpage. Owner Operator Direct policyholders can get further assistance regarding the Clearinghouse by contacting the our SafetyLink Hotline or calling 800-664-7222.

Owner Operator Direct provides top notch commercial trucking insurance to owner operators, whether operating with authority or as leased drivers. For a no-obligation quote, give us a ring at 800-499-1044 (Monday-Friday 9-5 pm ET) or answer some questions online and we'll email you one.