FMCSA to Lower Random Drug Testing Level to 25% in 2016
The trucking industry will be able to randomly test 25% of its drivers for drug use during 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Dec. 21.
FMCSA indicated the change will go into effect Jan. 1. In the announcement, Scott Darling, FMCSA’s acting administrator, indicated the agency made its decision after the positive rate for random drug testing fell below a 1 percent threshold for three consecutive years, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The agency’s administrator may choose to lower the minimum annual random drug testing percentage rate to 25 percent when the industrywide random positive rate has been less than 1 percent.
For 2015, FMCSA called on the trucking industry to randomly test at least 50% of its drivers for drugs. The U.S. Department of Transportation had lowered the testing rates for other transportation modes, noting the 25% rate serves as a deterrent from drug use.
American Trucking Associations praised the agency’s announcement, calling it an “important step that will immediately reduce regulatory and cost burdens for motor carriers.” ATA noted that carriers may choose to test at a rate higher than 25 percent in 2016.
