FAQ & Help Center
How to Enroll and Run Queries
Vertical Identity Drug & Alcohol Consortium Clearinghouse Mandatory Enrollment started 1/6/2020
For enrollment you have two options:
1. Watch Videos Part 1 and Part2 for Step by Step Instructions or
2. Follow Instructions on this page.
Part 1 : Step by Step Instructional Video
Part 2 : Step by Step Instructional Video
How to Buy Query Credits
DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING POOL
STEP BY STEP DOCUMENTED INSTRUCTIONS FOR THOSE
WHO PREFER TO READ INSTRUCTIONS INSTEAD OF
FOLLOWING VIDEO GUIDE
Step 1 Instructions – Link your FMCSA Portal to Clearinghouse
Why link your Clearinghouse account and Portal account?
Any company with a USDOT number can have a FMCSA portal account. This account links all of your FMCSA resources. https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov/login
Linking your Portal account will associate your Clearinghouse activity with your USDOT Number, which will enable DOT personnel to verify your Clearinghouse activity quickly and easily after January 6, 2020. Establishing this link today will help streamline interactions with DOT personnel down the road.
FMCSA Portal Account holders Registration instructions.
Before you begin to register as an Employer in the Clearinghouse, please confirm that you have added the Clearinghouse role in your Portal profile.
To do this, please follow these steps (Video Part 1)
- Login to the FMCSA portal->navigate to Account Management->My Profile->Portal Roles/USDOT#
- Confirm the presence of / or add the “DACH Motor Carrier Admin” role from the available roles list to your Requested Roles
- You will then be prompted to enter your Portal credentials.
- After your Portal credentials are successfully verified, your Portal information will be brought into the registration process and will visible in your My Profile section after you’ve completed registration. For more detailed instructions, please click on the following link for the registration job aid for employers: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Registration-Employer-Instructions
Step 2-4 Create Login.gov & Register in Clearinghouse as Owner Operator
Links for detailed registration instructions: Employers (including Owner Operators)
https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Registration-Employer-Instructions
Drivers covered under an employer’s consortium (random testing program)
Go to https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/ to register and select Vertical Identity at your C/TPA.
Step 5 – Buy Credits/Queries from FMCSA directly
CLEARINGHOUSE GUIDE LINKS
Links for detailed registration instructions:
Employers (including Owner Operators) Link to Clearinghouse
Drivers covered under an employer’s consortium (random testing program) Link to Clearinghouse
Go to https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/ to register and select Vertical Identity at your C/TPA.
FAQ
The main difference between a lab-based urine drug test and a CLIA-waived instant urine drug test is the time it takes to get results and the level of accuracy.
A lab-based urine drug test is typically more accurate and reliable than an instant test, as it is performed by a professional laboratory and can detect a wider range of drugs at lower levels. The process involves collecting a urine sample, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results usually take a few days to a week to come back.
On the other hand, a CLIA-waived instant urine drug test can provide results within minutes, making it a quicker and more convenient option. However, these tests may have a higher rate of false positives or false negatives, and may not be able to detect as many drugs as a lab-based test. Instant tests are typically performed on-site, and involve dipping a test strip into a urine sample and reading the results within a few minutes.
Failing a DOT (Department of Transportation) regulated drug test can have serious consequences for employees in safety-sensitive positions. Some of the consequences include:
- Immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties: Employees who fail a DOT drug test are required to immediately cease performing safety-sensitive duties, which can impact their ability to work and earn a living.
- Referral to a substance abuse professional: Employees who fail a drug test must be referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who will evaluate them and determine if they require treatment. This evaluation may include a clinical assessment, drug and alcohol testing, and other tests as deemed necessary.
- Mandatory completion of a return-to-duty process: Employees who fail a drug test must complete a return-to-duty process that includes treatment, if necessary, and ongoing monitoring and follow-up testing
- Loss of CDL (Commercial Driver’s License): CDL holders who fail a DOT drug test will have their license suspended for a period of time, and may also face fines and other penalties.
- Termination of employment: Employers are required to terminate the employment of any employee who fails a DOT drug test, unless the employee successfully completes the return-to-duty process.
It’s important for employees in safety-sensitive positions to understand the serious consequences of failing a DOT drug test, and to take steps to avoid drug use that could put themselves and others at risk.