Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Operating Authority (MC number) and who needs it?

Answer: In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate operating authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:

Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or other compensation)
Transporting passengers, or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce
Transporting federally regulated commodities or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce

Question: What is a Comprehensive Compliance Review Audit?

Answer: During the CR, FMCSA reviews all motor carrier, driver, and vehicle requirements for the carrier’s entire operation, including commercial-zone and long-haul operations, to ensure proper safety management controls are in place before granting the motor carrier standard operating authority. The carrier must receive a Satisfactory rating to receive standard operating authority.

Question: Who is required to run Random Pool Selection & Drug/Alcohol testing?

Answer: CDL drivers are subject to unannounced random testing. A driver may be directed to take a drug test even when at home in an off-duty status. Random alcohol testing may only occur when the driver is on-duty or immediately before or after. Once notified to report for random testing, the driver must immediately report to the testing location.

Question: Why is the clearinghouse regulation mandatory for CDL drivers?

Answer: The Clearinghouse contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. When a driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process and follow-up testing plan, this information is also recorded in the Clearinghouse.

Question: What material is disclosed on the Reasonable Suspicion Training?

Answer: This Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors Video consists of four segments: general requirements on reasonable suspicion referrals; alcohol abuse in the workplace; prohibited drugs in the workplace; and the reasonable suspicion interview.

Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/guidance