Santa shouldn’t be the only one checking lists

What are the 2024 testing rates?

By the end of 2024, those who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must complete:

• Drug tests that equal at least 50 percent of the average number of CDL positions for the year.
• Alcohol tests that equal at least 10 percent of the average number of CDL positions for the year.

You are permitted to test at a higher rate as best practice.

How to know if you’re on track

The number of random tests required by the end of the year can be computed using two simple algebra formulas:

• T = 50% x D for controlled substance testing, and
• T = 10% x D for alcohol testing.

For the variables within the formula:

• T is the number of required tests, and
• D is the total number of drivers subject to testing.

D for the end of the year involves adding up the number of names in each random selection earlier in the year and then dividing it by the number of testing cycles. When calculating, always round up.

Here is an example of an average number of drivers for quarterly selections:

• D = 75 + 80 + 78 + 92 = 325 / 4 = 82

Based on this, the carrier needs 41 completed drug tests (50% x 82) and 9 alcohol tests (10% x 82) by the end of the calendar year.

For the final quarterly draw, suppose the carrier had missed tests, leaving them with only 27 drug tests and 7 alcohol tests completed for the year.

The carrier must then select at least 14 driver names for drugs and 2 driver names for alcohol. If the carrier selects a few extra names as insurance, all the drivers must be notified and sent for testing. Once names are drawn, the carrier cannot stop once they meet the minimum testing rates due to the nature of “random” testing and to avoid accusations that the carrier subjectively decides who is sent and who is not.