Feds double number of truckers to get drug tests

The new year will begin with it a new demand by the federal government to test more truckers for alcohol and drug use.

Currently, 25% of all truckers must be tested. But, results from a 2018 survey have triggered a requirement that doubles that amount to a minimum of 50% of a carrier’s total number of drivers. That survey found the number of truckers that tested positive for controlled substances had increased to 1%, and that caused the testing increase for 2020.

The new rate takes effect Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the new level of testing in the Federal Register Thursday, Dec. 26.