New Trucking Regulation to Address Opioid Crisis

Bob Robenalt was quoted in the article “New Trucking Regulation to Address Opioid Crisis” featured in Materials Handling & Logistics, a national transportation/supply chain trade publication. The article discussed the new DOT regulations which now requires testing for additional drugs. The ruling which became final in November requires employers to add four semi-synthetic opioids to the drug testing panel. This rule applies to all DOT modalities and employers in DOT-regulated industries subject to 49 CFR Part 40, such as aviation, motor carriers, railroads, mass transit and pipeline employers. 

“These regulations recognize the safety issues in the trucking industry that are brought about by opioid use," explained Bob. “These will ensure that the proper testing is being done.” 

He added the need for these rules is imperative citing the Quest Diagnosis Index of 2016 which reported that drug use in the U.S. workforce, reached the highest positivity rate in 12 years. This was based on an analysis of more than ten million workforce drug test results. 

To read the full article, visit Materials Handling & Logistics.