If you are in the transportation industry, you probably know about the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations by now. The regulations were enforced to govern the operation of commercial vehicles. To be DOT compliant means you have successfully met the requirements of DOT to the letter. Failure to comply with the DOT regulations can land you in trouble including suspension of your permission to carry on with business and even jail time. Here is an overview of what you need to know about the training.
What is DOT driver supervisor training?
In a bid to keep all drivers of commercial vehicles sober while on the road, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requires all employers and supervisors in the transportation business are properly trained on drug and alcohol use. This ensures the traveling public is safe from the risk of avoidable accidents. This is where DOT driver supervisor training comes in. The FMCSA requires that employers must train supervisors of drivers on how to determine the possibility of reasonable suspicion and the need to test a driver. The training should be at least 60 minutes on alcohol misuse and a further 60 on controlled substances. It can be done via the DOT supervisor training video, online, or in person.
Who needs it?
You qualify for DOT training if you operate commercial vehicles that need a CDL on the road. Additionally, if you have more than one worker for the company, your supervisors must obtain DOT training. Although you are not technically asked to repeat the training after completion, it is highly that your supervisors undergo refresher training every 18 months. Besides the training, you should also have a written policy on alcohol and controlled substance use in the workplace. The policy should also be provided to each driver.
Purpose of the DOT Driver Supervisor Training
Supervisory training is usually required to enable supervisors to determine if alcohol or drug testing is needed. Ideally, they can give a go-ahead for the testing if there is reasonable suspicion that the employee in question is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is different from random testing done on the employee at the annual percentage rate.
Final Thoughts
DOT supervisory training is a mandatory requirement for all supervisors in charge of drivers of commercial vehicles. If you are a stakeholder in the transport industry, get online and look for the DOT supervisor training video as soon as you can.