Drug and alcohol misuse is a serious offense in the United States, and regulating this aspect is of utmost importance in the trucking industry.
Employees in trucking industries designated to supervise drivers are required by the Federal Department, particularly the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), to be duly certified for Reasonable Suspicion Training.
What Is the DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training?
The DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training is a critical tool in maintaining a safe, productive, and compliant work environment.
This training equips supervisors with the knowledge to identify signs of drug and alcohol abuse, enabling them to address situations promptly and prevent potential safety risks.
As outlined in 49 CFR 382.603, employers are required to train supervisors of CDL drivers to receive a total of 120 minutes of Reasonable Suspicion Training for the following:
- Alcohol misuse (60 minutes)
- Drug/controlled substance abuse (60 minutes)
The training will be the basis for supervisors whether there is any reasonable suspicion for probable alcohol misuse or substance abuse to require CDL drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing, as outlined in 49 CFR 382.307.
Requirements for Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
- You operate vehicles on interstate and/or intrastate public roads that require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This includes trucks, buses, and vehicles that transport hazardous materials (HM).
- You have more than one employee in your company.
- You are designated to supervise CDL drivers.
You may also take the USDOT’s “Am I Covered?” test to determine whether you are subject to the DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
Important Note: While owner-operators are not mandated to undergo DOT Supervisor Training, it is essential to note that they are still obligated to enroll with a consortium to ensure compliance with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Employer Obligations for DOT Supervisor Training for Reasonable Suspicion Testing
As outlined in 49 CFR 382.601, employers of more than one CDL driver are required to provide educational materials and develop a written policy on controlled substances, drug, and alcohol misuse in the workplace.
The required content to educate supervisors should cover but are not limited to the following:
- information about the safety-sensitive functions performed by drivers
- information concerning driver conduct (expected and prohibited)
- circumstances and/or symptoms that create reasonable suspicion of drug and alcohol misuse
- information about the reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing process
- consequences for drivers who violate DOT alcohol and drug abuse regulations, including removal from safety-sensitive positions
As mentioned, supervisors are required to undergo a total of 120 minutes of Reasonable Suspicion Training: one part should be at least 60 minutes that cover substance abuse and drug misuse, and the second part should be at least 60 minutes that cover alcohol misuse.
Online training for the Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training is the easiest and fastest way to ensure supervisors are compliant with their training requirements.
It can be conveniently completed at any time, and the certificate of completion is available upon passing the exam.
DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training Fees
The fee for the DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors will depend on the training provider.
The fees cover the cost of providing quality training materials, exams, and other resources needed to ensure supervisors are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.
Moreover, it is a small investment compared to potential fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Circumstances That May Establish Reasonable Suspicion of Drug and Alcohol Use
As a supervisor, it is critical to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use to keep your drivers and others on the road safe.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified several indicators that may give rise to reasonable suspicion, including but not limited to:
Physical evidence of substance abuse
- Possession of drugs or paraphernalia
- Presence of alcohol bottles or drug containers
Physical and behavioral indicators of drug or alcohol misuse:
- Breathing: shallow breathing or odor of alcohol
- Pupils: dilated or constricted pupils
- Skin: flushed skin or excessive sweating
Speech and performance indicators of drug or alcohol misuse
- Coordination: difficulty walking, standing, or picking up objects
- Speech: slurred or incoherent speech
DOT Supervisor Training Recertification & Recurrent Training
Recertification and recurrent Reasonable Suspicion Training are not mandated by law.
However, keeping the knowledge current through periodic refresher courses ensures best practices and adherence to USDOT regulations.
Furthermore, supervisors who have completed the training but have not yet received their certificate should also consider taking a refresher course.
This will ensure that they have all the necessary knowledge to make reasonable suspicion determinations and handle situations effectively.
Get Your Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors with DOT Compliance Group
As a company, we recognize the importance of DOT Supervisor Training for Reasonable Suspicion Testing.
Our online training program is designed to provide supervisors with the necessary knowledge to identify signs of drug and alcohol misuse and ensure the safety and compliance of your company.
With DOT Compliance Group, you can conveniently complete the training at any time at your own pace and receive your certificate of completion upon passing the exam.
Enroll now to get started on your Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors!
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