MVS Updates: Mercedes First Article Testing Concerns, CBD Impacts on Drug Testing & DOT Clearinghouse for Drug & Alcohol Testing Violations

Just two months into the new year, and the Motor Vehicle Service Craft Division has been hard at work with several updates for the membership. Of primary issue are the Department of Transportation’s changes impacting MVS Operators with Commercial Drivers Licensing. More information will be provided, pending further discussions and meetings with the USPS.

Here are the notable updates:

FAT Testing Concerns for Mercedes Metris RHD Van

In mid-January, MVS APWU representatives attended the First Article Testing of the Mercedes Metris Right Hand Drive Van resulting in several concerns. The main issue for the testers was visibility. On January 28, MVS Director Michael O. Foster sent a detailed list of concerns that must be addressed by the USPS, per Article 39.3.B. The USPS responded on February 12, 2020. They provided an explanation for each issue and committed to making appropriate adjustments. Special thanks to MVS National Business Agent Bruce Amey, PVS Operator & South Carolina Postal Workers Union President Nate Walker, and VMF Lead Tech Timothy Schwarzbauer from the Upper Piedmont Area Local.

Click here for the specific concerns.

USPS Warns Employees to “Use caution when considering whether to use CBD products”

On February 20, the MVS Division received a general interest notice regarding the Department of Transportation’s announcement concerning the use of Cannabidiol products. In pertinent part, the letter states, “DOT requires testing for marijuana and not CBD. However, the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result…employees should use caution when considering whether to use CBD products.” 

Click here to view the full letter and the full DOT Compliance Notice.

Congress creates a “Clearinghouse” impacting MVS Operators with CDLs

By notice dated February 20, the USPS informed APWU of its compliance with a recent act of Congress that has established a drug and alcohol "Clearinghouse". The Clearinghouse is a secure online database providing employers, state licensing agencies, and enforcement officers with real-time information about commercial driver's license (CDL) holders' violations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug or alcohol testing rules. The USPS notice states:

The Postal Service is required to query the Clearinghouse for current and prospective employees' drug and alcohol violations. The Postal Service is required to annually query the Clearinghouse for each driver they currently employ. Employees will be required to sign a consent to allow the Postal Service to run the annual query. (See 49 CFR 382. 701 (b)). The Postal Service anticipates to run the first query in late 2020.

Click here to view the notification.

More information will be forthcoming. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the MVS National Office or your MVS NBA.