Big Changes in Store for Trucking Relations in 2024

The trucking industry landscape is shifting in 2024 with some important updates that both employers and drivers need to be aware of. Here are two key changes coming down the pipeline:

1. Stricter Return-to-Duty Rules for Drug and Alcohol Violations

As of November 18, 2024, drivers prohibited in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will lose their commercial driving licenses until they complete the necessary return-to-duty process. This means if you have a drug or alcohol program violation, you cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for any DOT-regulated employer until fulfilling all return-to-duty requirements.

Make sure you understand the steps to get your Clearinghouse status switched back to "not prohibited." The FMCSA Learning Center outlines what drivers need to do, so review the details at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Learn. Noncompliance means you'll remain barred from driving CMVs.



  2. Changes to Unified Carrier Registration Fees

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program requires all carrier types to register and pay annual fees based on fleet size. For 2024, the FMCSA recently announced a further 9% reduction in UCR fees following a 31% decrease for 2023. So fees are dropping, but registration and payment remains mandatory for all interstate carriers, regardless of business size.

Stay up-to-date on any fee adjustments so you correctly calculate what you owe each year for UCR participation. This ensures you dodge fines and remain compliant.

The trucking landscape continues evolving, so brush up on the latest developments affecting employers and drivers. Two impactful updates are changing return-to-duty clearing house rules and reducing UCR fees for 2024. Stay informed and adjust business operations accordingly!