
TOPIC:
Drug & Alcohol Compliance: Reasonable Suspicion and the Clearinghouse
Drug and alcohol compliance remains a critical responsibility for motor carriers, with increased enforcement focus on proper reasonable suspicion determinations and accurate Clearinghouse reporting. This session will examine employer obligations under FMCSA drug and alcohol regulations, including supervisor training requirements, documentation standards, and the steps required when reasonable suspicion arises.
Speaker Dave Zander will provide practical guidance on navigating the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, covering pre-employment queries, annual checks, reporting requirements, and common compliance pitfalls. The discussion will also address how Clearinghouse violations impact hiring decisions, return-to-duty processes, and ongoing compliance.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of regulatory expectations and actionable strategies to strengthen compliance programs, reduce risk, and protect their organizations from costly violations.
PRESENTER:
Dave Zander – Director of Safety & DOT/OSHA Safety Consultant
At Lubenow Companies, Inc. he has dedicated over 11 years to enhancing safety protocols and ensuring compliance within the transportation industry. With a robust career boasting over 35 years in trucking-spanning roles in driving, recruiting, and safety- Save has built a reputation as a leading expert in the transportation field.
Dave is deeply committed to maintaining the highest safety standards as a Certified Director of Safety through the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI). His professional affiliations reflect his active engagement with the safety community, including membership in the Homeland Security Highway Watch Team, the Wisconsin Safety Management Council, and the National Safety Council, among others. This extensive involvement underscores his dedication to promoting safe practices within the transportation sector.
Dave’s impressive driving record includes over 3.5 million accident/violation-free miles, a testament to his commitment to safety and professionalism on the road. His efforts have been recognized with the President’s Safe Driver Award from the WMCA, highlighting his outstanding contributions to safer driving practices.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dave is a proud military veteran, having served for nine years in the U.S. Army. This experience has instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and a commitment to team values, which he carries into his work today.
As an advocate for safety and compliance, Dave Zander continues to lead by example, educating others in the industry about the importance of adhering to DOT and OSHA regulations. His passion for safety not only protects lives but also enhances the operational efficiency of the organizations he works with.



