If your business uses trucks, even one bad driver can put everything at risk. This is especially true when it comes to FMCSA Clearinghouse violations.
The Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse exists to keep unsafe drivers off the road. However, many companies don’t realize that one violation can lead to massive fines, CDL cancellations, or legal trouble.
This is exactly what happened to one construction company. Thankfully, Eclipse DOT stepped in before the situation turned into a full-blown disaster.
The CDL That Disappeared Overnight
A mid-sized construction company had a longtime driver on staff. He had years of experience, a clean record, and no recent accidents.
But the company didn’t know he had failed a DOT drug test months earlier. As a result, the FMCSA Clearinghouse automatically canceled his CDL. The company received no notice.
He continued driving for weeks. He hauled heavy loads and showed up at job sites. All the while, he didn’t legally hold a valid CDL.
If he had been stopped at a roadside inspection—or worse, involved in a crash—the company would have been fully liable. Fortunately, Eclipse DOT caught the issue during a routine compliance check, well before the DOT or an attorney discovered it.
How Eclipse DOT Saved the Company From a Six-Figure Disaster
Eclipse DOT’s Effortless Compliance Framework™ includes routine Clearinghouse queries. These checks ensure every driver in a company’s fleet is properly licensed, drug-free, and fully compliant.
When Eclipse DOT reviewed this company’s Clearinghouse report, one driver stood out:
❌ Listed as “Prohibited” in the FMCSA database
❌ Failed drug test with no return-to-duty process
❌ CDL downgraded by the state without notice to the employer
If no one had caught it in time, the company could have faced serious consequences:
🚛 The driver would have been pulled off the road on the spot
💰 Fines could have exceeded $15,000 per violation
📉 Insurance premiums would likely skyrocket
⚖ A single accident could trigger a lawsuit with zero legal defense
Instead, Eclipse DOT took fast action:
✅ They removed the driver immediately
✅ They helped begin the return-to-duty process
✅ They prevented fines and legal damage
✅ They protected the company’s compliance record
Why Clearinghouse Violations Are More Dangerous Than Ever
The Clearinghouse doesn’t just catch unqualified drivers. It exposes companies that aren’t paying attention.
Here’s why this matters more now than ever:
🔴 CDLs are downgraded without notice if a driver fails a drug test
🔴 Employers are still responsible, even if they weren’t informed
🔴 DOT officers are checking Clearinghouse records more often
🔴 One violation can impact your CSA score and insurance for years
Most businesses don’t have a system in place to catch these issues before they explode. That’s where Eclipse DOT steps in.
How Eclipse DOT Keeps You Covered
Clearinghouse compliance is serious business. Eclipse DOT provides a proven system to eliminate the guesswork:
🚀 They run automated Clearinghouse checks quarterly and annually
🚀 They send immediate alerts when a driver is flagged
🚀 They track CDL and medical card expiration dates
🚀 They walk you through return-to-duty requirements
🚀 They conduct internal audits before the DOT shows up
How Many Companies Are Driving Blind?
It happens more than you think:
❌ Drivers stay on the road with suspended or canceled CDLs
❌ Companies skip required Clearinghouse queries
❌ Employers unknowingly keep prohibited drivers on payroll
Each of these mistakes puts your entire operation at risk.
Don’t Wait for a Disaster. Get a Free Compliance Review
If your business employs CDL drivers, make sure you know where you stand—before an officer or lawyer does.
Eclipse DOT is offering a FREE Clearinghouse Compliance Review to help you spot and fix risks before they cost you everything.
🔹 Are your drivers fully compliant with the Clearinghouse?
🔹 Would your company pass a DOT audit today?
🔹 Do you have a way to track prohibited status and license changes?
📞 Call 970-749-9449
💻 Visit www.eclipsedot.com to book your free assessment
About Eclipse DOT
Eclipse DOT helps companies that rely on commercial vehicles stay compliant, avoid huge fines, and protect their business. With a 100% audit success rate, we make Clearinghouse compliance simple and stress-free.
Final Thought
One missed Clearinghouse violation nearly shut down a company. Eclipse DOT caught it in time.
Could your business be sitting on a risk you don’t see yet?
Let’s find out before it’s too late.
Bonus:
Start your free trial at DOTDocs.com for exclusive access to CDL and DOT compliance content. Don’t forget to request your FREE Micro Audit through the Eclipse DOT Micro Audit Program. Experience what effortless compliance really looks like.