Daily dispatch, March 10: CVTA warns fraudulent emails circulating about Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

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Updated Mar 11, 2020

Trucking news and briefs for March 10, 2020:

Be wary of fake emails about CDL Drug/Alcohol Clearinghouse compliance
The Commercial Vehicle Training Association is warning its members of an email circulating referencing CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse compliance.

The email is worded to look like it originated from a government agency, but it is actually a sales pitch to enroll with a consortium/third-party administrator. The email starts off saying, “FMCSA Clearinghouse enrollment is due immediately,” and follows that up by saying the email is an automated notice regarding clearinghouse enrollment for CDL drivers.

The email adds that “failure to comply with federal regulations may result in failure of a U.S. DOT audit and penalties assessed during a U.S. DOT compliance review.”

Andrew Poliakoff, CVTA’s director of governmental affairs, says CVTA members and trucking companies “should be alert to these sorts of CDL-based marketing schemes.”

TSA allowing TWIC to satisfy hazmat endorsement requirements
The Transportation Security Administration issued an exemption this month that allows states to issue hazardous materials endorsements (HME) to drivers with a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The exemption allows TSA to conform with the TSA Modernization Act, which permits states to issue a HME to an individual following TSA notification that he or she does not pose a threat, or “if the individual holds a TWIC issued by TSA.”

The agency says it intends to update its regulations to reflect the change, and the exemption issued March 1 is in place until those changes can be made.

With the exemption, drivers with valid TWICs will not have to submit information, biometrics and fees to TSA because they have already completed the appropriate security threat assessment for their TWIC, which includes criminal, immigration and terrorism checks.