Happy November! 

It's time to turn our thoughts to the upcoming year and TSS's priorities for 2020. 

As we've discussed in previous newsletters, the biggest thing in the drug testing world is the Federal Motor Carrier Clearinghouse. Registration is open now! If you have a CDL or employ CDL holders, you must register. It is not optional. Other registrants are Third Party Administrators or TPAs (that's TSS, Inc), Medical Review Officers, and Substance Abuse Professionals. For the next three years, drug and alcohol history checks will be managed as they always have via fax, mail or email. But starting in January 2020, it is mandated that they also go through the Clearinghouse. TSS is here to help you navigate the Clearinghouse system. If you are an owner/operator, you are required to have a TPA. This is an important regulation and it will be critical for you to follow the rules.

We've just completed a round of audits with several clients through the Federal Aviation Administration. While these can sometimes be challenging, I am pleased to report that our TSS clients did well through the inspections. One thing I cannot stress enough is that keeping your paperwork in order makes an audit go so much smoother. If you need help with how to organize that, please let our operations staff know. We've got easy ways to get you streamlined to make your system work for you, especially in an audit situation.

Now is also the time of year that our renewal contract comes out. We've worked diligently to, once again, bring you a solid deal (2020 price list). My mission is to keep it real, affordable and make it easy for you to keep doing what you do. I know you drive trucks, run boats and fly planes. And we want you to be able to focus on that, with minimal interruption from us. How can you help us help you? Keep your employee list up to date - all the time. When someone quits, call or email us. Hired someone new? Make sure we know it and add them to your roster. This fourth quarter has been horrible on the roster segment. We've had to use the alternate list, which upsets many of you. I get it. It's tough when you think you are done with your screening, to get a call that one more person has been chosen. I wish I had a better way to control that, but federal regulations guide how the system works. The ONLY control we have is encouraging you to update your roster and get your people screened immediately upon receiving notification. If you are struggling with this, please let us know. Let's work on a plan to ease the struggle. We should be an asset to your business, not a problem.

 

TSS is always endeavoring to make the safety aspect of running a business as easy and efficient for our clients as possible. We are excited about some developments coming in the new year, including our new online training program which will conveniently provide you with resources you need to keep your staff certified and educated about all aspects of workplace safety. Stay tuned for more information.

 

Lastly, I want to send you my heartfelt THANK YOU. Not just this month, but always, I am grateful that you have entrusted your business with me and the staff at TSS. November 1 was our 20th anniversary of working in this industry. Many of you have been with us for nearly the entire time. I was grateful then and continue to be so today. You make TSS what it is. From myself, and the entire staff, I send my appreciation and gratitude.

Best regards, 

Renee Schofield