FMCSA Clearinghouse Queries
Employers — including Owner-Operators — are required to conduct a pre-employment query in the FMCSA Clearinghouse before hiring any driver for a safety-sensitive position, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). In addition, employers must conduct annual queries in the Clearinghouse for all currently employed CDL drivers, including themselves if they are Owner-Operators.
A Third Party Administrator (TPA) may be designated to conduct Clearinghouse queries on behalf of an employer.