Important change to how you report your annual drug and alcohol testing data to DOT

For 2024, U.S. Department of Transportation-regulated employers have new requirements for accessing DOT’s Management Information System (MIS) to report annual drug and alcohol testing data.

To submit their 2023 totals for the March 15 reporting deadline, employers must now access the system through their own, free LOGIN.GOV account, which is a secure service used by the public to sign in to participating government agencies’ systems, including MIS. With this new requirement, a third party cannot complete MIS reporting on the employer’s behalf.

What does this mean for you, as the employer, and your Third Party Administrator?

TSS, as your TPA, can still prepare the information for you. However, your company’s Designated Employer Representative (DER) (the person who manages your drug and alcohol testing program) must input the information into the system. If you need help with your statistical report totals, we are here to assist. Please contact TSS Operations Manager, Ginny Clay at ginny@tss-safety.com.

Other than this, the new login requirements do not change the reporting process in any significant way.

Are the Commercial Drivers working in your community safe?

Can you be certain that the people working on construction sites, delivering goods, fixing roads and doing other work on behalf of your town or city are sober and safe?

Not always. Often, municipalities don’t verify whether the companies they are doing business with comply with regulations requiring random drug testing.

When municipalities accept bids for jobs, any contract routinely includes language asking the bidder to certify that they will abide by all local, state, and federal laws. Without specific cause, however, municipalities typically don’t investigate further. So, it’s hardly surprising that some businesses, especially smaller, local companies don’t follow or know all regulations that apply to them.

A section of the law that is frequently overlooked is the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rule, 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 382 of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, which requires that all employers of commercial drivers have a random drug and alcohol screening program that meets the requirements outlined in the regulations.

Why is this important?

The consequences are significant. Drug testing is a powerful deterrent to workplace drug use and provides employers with the tools they need to ensure a drug-free workplace.

Jelly Roll on the Fentanyl Crisis

We recently came across coverage of country rap artist Jelly Roll's testimony about the fentanyl crisis in the United States. We applaud that as someone who was part of the problem when he was dealing drugs, Jelly Roll now wants to be part of the solution when it comes to substance use and addiction. We encourage you to watch his moving call for proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to dealing with the issue.

Winter Driving Safety

In January, most parts of the United States experienced at least one walloping winter storm. Deep snow and frigid temperatures blanketed the nation. Roadside emergencies were hitting all-time highs. Some states even issued NO TOW rules, meaning the tow trucks were not allowed out to pull vehicles from the ditches. The conditions were so treacherous that even the towing professionals stayed home! It is worth discussing the safety for you and your passengers in the event of a snow emergency.

In TSS’s First Aid courses, we ask folks about what they have in their car for emergency care. And, we get a lot of different answers! Here are our top recommendations for ensuring that you are prepared for inclement winter weather conditions:

Tires. Strict attention should be given to the condition of your tires BEFORE the snow starts falling. Studded tires are great for traction. Just pay attention to the dates set for installation and removal in your area.

Online Learning at TSS

The start of the year is an ideal time to make sure you are up to date on your workplace training requirements. But we know, it's also a busy time when it's tough to schedule time for in-person or webinar training. So why not consider taking an online class at your own pace?

At TSS we offer a variety of online training courses that will benefit your organization and even your personal growth.

First, you never know when you might need to step in in an emergency. CPR is a proven lifesaver, and we should all know how to perform it properly. If CPR training has been sitting on your to-do list for too long, TSS, has you covered. We offer a top-quality blended training class for CPR. You can take the online portion at home, at your convenience and then schedule an appointment for the hands-on portion of the course at one of TSS’s local offices with an experienced trainer. Now is the time to get started so that you’re ready for the active spring and summer seasons. Register here.

We also offer professional online training courses through our website that you can start, leave and come back to, depending on your schedule. Please take a few minutes to browse our course offerings focused on workplace safety and well-being.

Coaching Corner: Love your Heart

By Renee Schofield, NO SPEED LIMIT

As a certified health and wellness coach, I am always gathering resources to help people live their best life.



Did you know that research shows that our relationships with others are another key component to heart health and general well-being?

In my blog, I often discuss the importance of good nutrition and plenty of exercise. Well, social connection and physical demonstrations of affection are just as critical to maintaining good heart health. 

When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “People with stronger social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those who have fewer social connections. They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression.”

Here are some examples of what the research says: