Owner-operators often learn about the Clearinghouse the hard way, at a roadside inspection or a pre-employment check. Here is the short version.
The rule: if you hold a CDL and drive under your own authority, you are both the driver and the employer. You register in the Clearinghouse in both roles and designate a C/TPA.
Why you need both roles
As a driver, your own violations are recorded in the Clearinghouse and follow you. As an employer, you are responsible for the testing program and for reporting. Because there is only one person, you fill both roles.
What a C/TPA does for you
- Reports violations on your behalf
- Handles required Clearinghouse queries
- Runs your random testing pool, with selections, MRO review and records
With WorkOccMed, Clearinghouse reporting and queries are part of the consortium program. See whether owner-operators need a consortium.
What to do
- Register for the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (free) in both roles.
- Enroll in a consortium, which gives you a random testing pool and a C/TPA.
- Designate your C/TPA in the Clearinghouse.
- Keep your enrollment certificate and test records for audits.
Questions? Call (888) 233-4567.
Frequently asked questions
Do owner-operators have to register in the Clearinghouse?
Yes. An owner-operator with a CDL who runs their own authority is both a driver and an employer, so you register in both roles and designate a C/TPA.
What does a C/TPA do in the Clearinghouse?
You designate it to report violations and handle required queries for you. WorkOccMed handles Clearinghouse reporting and queries as part of the consortium program.
Is the Clearinghouse the same as a drug testing program?
No. The Clearinghouse is the FMCSA database of violations. You still need to be enrolled in a random testing program, which is what a consortium provides.
Where do I register?
On the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse website, which is free. Ask us if you get stuck.