INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
The United States Department of Transportation, an executive department of the U.S. federal government, is led by the Secretary of Transportation, who reports directly to the President of the United States and is part of the President's Cabinet. The department aims to develop and coordinate policies that will provide efficient and economical national transportation system, with due regard for need, the environment, and national defense. It is also responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects and establishing safety regulations for all major transportation modes. Agencies under the USDOT are:
- Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure (ARPA-I)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Maritime Administration (MARAD)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Office of Inspector General (OIG)
- Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
- Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)
- Research and Innovative Technology Administration，which includes the below agencies, among others：
- John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). However, we will only discuss 5 of the agencies (FAA, FMCSA, FRA, PHMHSA, USCG)
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The FAA delivers the world's safest, most efficient aerospace system. And
manages drug and alcohol testing for employers and employees in the aviation industry. You can find details on their web page.
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aims to decrease crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. It was established as a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on January 1, 2000, under the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. FMCSA is headquartered in Washington, DC, and employs over 1,000 people across all 50 States and the District of Columbia, all dedicated to improving the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and saving lives. The administration also regulates carriers and commercial driver's license holders (CDL). For FMCSA-related information, please visit their website.
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was established by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. It is one of ten U.S. Department of Transportation agencies focused on intermodal transportation. The FRA's mission is to facilitate the safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of people and goods crucial to growing a strong America, both now and in the future. Itsits motto is RAIL—Moving America Forward. For further information, please visit their website.
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) aims to enhance American communities through public transportation. Its goal is to create a better quality of life for everyone by striving for public transportation excellence—the FTA's shape how we achieve our mission. We uphold a culture of service, integrity, innovation, sustainability, and equity as we implement our policies, programs, and initiatives and support the nation's transit systems. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides safety resources and oversight for the mass transit industry. You can find more information on their official website.
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The administration also oversees pipeline industry operators and employees. For PHMSA-related information, visit the PHMSA website.
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The mission of the USCG is to ensure our Nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship.
The USCG accomplishes this through six major operational mission programs:
Maritime Law Enforcement, Maritime Response, Maritime Prevention, Marine Transportation System Management, Maritime Security Operations, and Defense Operations. Although, USG adhere to Part 40 for drugs but not for alcohol. To find out more, go to the United States Coast Guard (uscg.mil)
FMCSA Alcohol & Drug Clearinghouse
The FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse maintains records of all drug and alcohol program violations by commercial drivers, including those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The primary objective is to ensure thaThe FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse maintains records of all drug and alcohol program violations by commercial drivers, including those with a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a commercial learner's permit (CLP). The main goal is to ensure that these drivers undergo the necessary evaluations, education, or treatment before they can resume safety-sensitive functions, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle. This initiative is aimed at improving roadway safety. Every driver must be registered on the Clearinghouse. The Return to Duty process begin by you including your designated Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) on your Clearinghouse record.
THE RETURN TO DUTY PROCESS
WHAT IS THE DOT RETURN-TO-DUTY PROCESS?
The DOT return-to-duty process is a series of steps that a safety-sensitive worker should follow after failing a drug test. If you engage in drug abuse during your commercial driving career, you could be removed from your safety-sensitive position. Your prospective or present employer will perform one test: Pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up. If you refuse or fail an alcohol or drug test, you will be subjected to termination or a second chance. Even if you are terminated, as a safety-sensitive employee, you must identify a qualified Substance Abuse Professional and follow through with your Return-to-Duty plan. Following the DOT return-to-duty process, which includes evaluation, education, drug testing, and continued monitoring, you may be able to return to your position. After completing all the steps, you can resume your duties with the same employer or a different one. The return-to-duty drug test is essential after failing a DOT drug test, regardless of whether you are returning to work for the same employer.
MEETING WITH YOUR DOT Q-SAP
The Department of Transportation (DOT) strictly enforces these regulations, and ISSLC's Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is specially trained and qualified to assist employers in complying with them.
A confirmed violation (most commonly tests positive for alcohol or illicit drugs), at that time, the operator must stand down from the safety-sensitive duties and is not able to return to safety-sensitive duties until they have been released or returned to duty by a qualified SAP.
1. The operator should reach out to a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and undergo a face-to-face substance abuse assessment. Following the assessment, the operator will receive a recommendation for either drug or alcohol treatment or education.
2 Complete Treatment or Education: Finish your treatment or education program, and then reach out to your Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for a follow-up appointment.
3. Return to Duty Appointment: Attend the Return to Duty appointment with your SAP. Completing this step will result in your employer receiving a Return to Duty letter.
4. Clean Drug/Alcohol Test: Your employer will order a return-to-duty drug/alcohol test. These tests are directly observed, as regulated by the Department of Transportation. All follow-up tests will also be observed.
Please follow these steps diligently to ensure a smooth return to work. We will commence working with your employee within 24 hours of receiving your call.
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