Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/19/2017-01278/controlled-substances-and-alcohol-use-and-testing-jb-hunt-transport-inc-schneider-national-carriers
Timestamp: 2017-06-28 21:16:01
Document Index: 318488244

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 383', 'art 40']

:: Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing: J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., Schneider National Carriers, Inc., Werner Enterprises, Inc., Knight Transportation, Inc., Dupre Logistics, Inc. and Maveric Transportation, LLC Application for Exemption
82 FR 6688
Background—Regulatory Requirements
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-01278
FMCSA announces that it has received an application from J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. (J.B. Hunt), Schneider National Carriers, Inc. (Schneider), Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Werner), Knight Transportation, Inc. (Knight), Dupre Logistics, Inc. (Dupree), and Maveric Transportation, LLC (Maverick) (the Applicants) to allow hair analysis in lieu of urine testing for pre-employment controlled substances testing of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders. The Applicants currently conduct pre-employment urine testing that satisfies the Department of Transportation's (the Department) requirements under 49 CFR part 40 and hair analysis, separate from the Department's controlled substances and alcohol testing program. The Applicants' believe their data “. . . demonstrates that hair analysis is a more reliable and comprehensive basis for ensuring detection of controlled substance use” and the exemption would enable these fleets to discontinue pre-employment urine testing. FMCSA requests public comment on the exemption application.
To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and put the docket number, “FMCSA-2017-0002” in the “Keyword” box, and click “Search.” When the new screen appears, click on “Comment Now!” button and type your comment into the text box in the following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party, and then submit. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may grant or not grant this application based on your comments.
FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also Start Printed Page 6689provide an opportunity for public comment on the request.
Currently, 49 CFR 382.105, concerning FMCSA's controlled substances and alcohol testing regulations, requires that each employer ensure all alcohol or controlled substances testing conducted on CDL holders complies with the procedures under 49 CFR part 40. All parties who conduct controlled substances and alcohol tests required by the Department must follow the Part 40 requirements on how to conduct the test and what procedures to use. Currently, Part 40 only allows urine testing for controlled substances. Congress, through the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-143, Title V, 105 Stat. 952). OTETA requires the Department to follow the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for scientific testing issues. While DOT has discretion concerning many aspects of the regulations governing testing in the transportation industries' regulated programs, we must follow the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for the laboratory standards and procedures the Department will use for regulated testing.
Section 382.301 provides requirements concerning pre-employment testing of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders for controlled substances, while 49 CFR part 383 prescribes requirements for individuals who must obtain a CDL. With limited exceptions, an employer must conduct pre-employment testing for controlled substances prior to the first time a driver performs “safety-sensitive functions,” as defined in 49 CFR 382.107. Employers must not allow a driver whom the employer intends to hire or use to perform safety-sensitive functions unless the employer has received a controlled substances test result from the medical review officer (MRO) or consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA), as those terms are defined in 49 CFR 40.3, indicating a verified negative test result for that driver.
The Applicants have requested an exemption from 49 CFR 382.105 and 382.301 with specific authorization for release of and obtaining hair test results to comply with 49 CFR 391.23, Investigations and inquiries. Under the exemption, the carriers would conduct pre-employment tests using hair analysis only, rather than hair analysis in addition to urine testing, and individuals with negative test results would be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions for the employer. Individuals testing positive would not be allowed to perform safety-sensitive functions until the driver completes the return-to-duty process under Subpart O of 49 CFR part 40. In addition, the Applicants would share the positive hair testing results with prospective employers in response to safety-performance inquiries required by 49 CFR 391.23.
The carriers that would be covered by the exemption already use hair analysis as a method for pre-employment controlled substances testing of drivers on a voluntary basis. However, they also conduct urine testing for drugs because it is the only screening method accepted under the Department's regulations. The Applicant's view their use of multiple screening methods as an unnecessary and redundant financial burden. Also, the Applicants consider urine testing to be less effective in pre-employment screening for drugs than hair analysis.
A copy of the exemption application and all supporting documents submitted by the Applicant is available for review in the docket referenced at the beginning of this notice.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4) and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public comment on the application for an exemption from 49 CFR 382.105 and 382.301.
The Agency will consider all comments received by close of business on February 21, 2017. Comments will be available for examination in the docket at the location listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The Agency will consider to the extent practicable comments received in the public docket after the closing date of the comment period.
[FR Doc. 2017-01278 Filed 1-18-17; 8:45 am]