Gallagher Sharp Trucking Newsflash: FMCSA To Increase Random Drug Test Rate To 50% for 2020

12/27/2019
Joseph W. Pappalardo By Joseph W. Pappalardo

According to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration document that was published in the Federal Register today, December 27th, 2019, the FMCSA will be increasing the minimum annual percentage rate for random drug testing. The current rate of 25% will be raised to 50% and the change will go into effect on January 1, 2020. The higher percentage means that 2.1 million random tests will need to be conducted in 2020, a significant increase from the 1.05 million random controlled substances tests that were required at the rate of 25% of all driving positions.

“This change reflects the increased positive test rate and will result in an estimated $50 to $70 million increase in costs to the industry by requiring that more drivers be tested,” the Federal Register document states. See https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-12-27/html/2019- 28164.htm.

We will continue to monitor this update and provide additional information as it is disseminated.

If you have any questions, contact: Joseph W. Pappalardo, Partner Gallagher Sharp LLP Sixth Floor, Bulkley Building 1501 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (216) 522-1320 jpappalardo@gallaghersharp.com www.gallaghersharp.com