There is a massive amount of confusion in the trucking industry regarding the FMCSA Clearinghouse and the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process. For many CDL drivers who have faced a violation, the numbering of the steps feels like a countdown to a finish line.
However, many drivers are sitting at home waiting for “Step 5” to be completed, under the impression they can’t be hired until it is. Here is the truth: Step 4 is your ticket back to the driver’s seat.
Understanding the Difference: Step 4 vs. Step 5
To get back on the road, you must follow the formal RTD process. Here is how the final leg of that journey actually functions:
- Step 4: Eligible For the RTD Test. Once your Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) determines you have completed your required education or treatment, they will make you eligible for an RTD test. When your employer (or prospective employer) uploads a negative result for this drug test into the Clearinghouse, your status changes to “No Longer Prohibited.”
- Step 5: Green Light, DMV Validation. This step simply gets DMV off your back, reinstating your Commercial Drivers License at DMV. A C/TPA can order the RTD test for you but they cannot do your follow-up testing plan unless you are a bonafide Owner Operator with your own truck and DOT#.
- Step 6: The Follow-Up Testing Plan. This step is simply the initiation of your follow-up testing schedule (a minimum of 6 tests in 12 months). While it is a required part of the process, this step is taking place while you’re working.
The Key Takeaway: You are legally eligible to get hired in safety-sensitive functions (driving) as soon as Step 4 is successfully recorded by your SAP. You do not need to wait for Step 5 to “finish” or even begin to start your new job.
Why the Confusion?
Many drivers—and even some smaller carriers—mistakenly believe that the entire 6-step process must be “closed out” before a driver can be hired.
- The “Eligible for RTD Test” Status: Once Step 4 is complete, your Clearinghouse profile will show you are eligible to take the RTD Test.
- The Role of the C/TPA: For owner-operators or drivers looking for new employment, Step 5 (C/TPA) involvement is an option prior to the follow-up testing plan management, but the follow-ups happen while you are employed and driving for that company.
- Employer Still Doesn’t Hire: The company who won’t hire you at step 4, won’t hire at step 5. Two reasons: 1) Company Policy 2) Company Insurance. Don’t wast your time – Move on.
What You Need to Do Now
If you have completed your SAP portion of the RTD process and have a negative RTD test result on file:
- Check Your Status: Log into the FMCSA Clearinghouse to ensure your status has updated to “No Longer Prohibited.”
- Educate Yourself: If a carrier tells you they can’t hire you because you aren’t at “Step 6,” they most likely have a 0 tolerance policy or company insurance concerns.
- Stay Alert: Remember that there are a lot of false C/TPA advertising saying they can do step 6 when you’re not working. You will lose your money and the tests won’t count if you are not working or you are working in a Non-DOT regulated position.
Get Back on the Road with Confidence
Navigating the Clearinghouse is stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Delivered2Choices, we specialize in helping drivers navigate the Return-to-Duty process efficiently so they can get back to work as soon as possible.
Stop waiting for a finish line that doesn’t exist. If you’ve hit Step 4, it’s time to start driving.
Are you currently stuck in the Return-to-Duty process and unsure what your next move is? Call us today at 916-399-3047.
