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Supervisor Reasonable-Suspicion Training
(49 CFR 382.603)

Two safety supervisors outside a training room discussing alcohol and controlled-substances indicators for CDL drivers.

Supervisors of CDL drivers must complete one-time, 2-hour training to recognize and act on reasonable suspicion—60 minutes on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substances. LFS delivers a practical, CFR-aligned course with real scenarios, documentation drills, and a certificate you can keep on file. 

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Who needs this
Any person you’ve designated to supervise drivers who are subject to DOT drug & alcohol testing under Part 382. (Owner-operators who supervise no other drivers are not in a supervisory role for this requirement.) eCFRfmcsa.dot.gov

Training formats

  • In-person (Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth)

  • Live webinar (interactive)

  • Private onsite for fleets (customized examples and policy alignment)

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What you’ll learn (syllabus highlights)

  • Legal framework: Purpose and scope of 49 CFR 382.603; link to reasonable-suspicion testing under §382.307 (when & how to refer). eCFR

  • Behavioral indicators: Physical, speech, and performance cues associated with alcohol misuse and controlled substances use (supervisors learn to recognize and document them). fmcsa.dot.gov

  • Documentation that holds up: Writing objective observations, time-stamping, witness corroboration, and securing records.

  • Decision-making under pressure: Threshold for “reasonable suspicion,” immediate actions, privacy, transportation from duty post, and testing referral flow. eCFR

  • Program touchpoints: How your call affects the employer testing program and records auditors may review during a Safety Audit. ai.fmcsa.dot.gov

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Deliverables you can keep on file

  • Certificate of completion (named to each supervisor)

  • Observation worksheet & checklist (repeatable template)

  • Manager quick-reference (actions to take within the first 15 minutes)

  • Policy alignment notes (how to reflect 382.603 in your handbook)

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How this protects your operation

  • Confident, defensible calls when impairment is suspected

  • Fewer gaps during FMCSA Safety Audits (auditors review your drug & alcohol program records and safety management controls) ai.fmcsa.dot.gov

  • Stronger insurer posture and fewer roadside/terminal disruptions

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Course length & proof

  • Duration: 2 hours total (60 minutes alcohol + 60 minutes controlled substances)

  • Frequency: One-time training for each supervisor (refreshers are a best practice but not mandated by 382.603) fmcsa.dot.gov

  • Proof: Certificate + attendance log retained by employer

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Pricing & booking

Public cohorts (Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth) and live webinars are offered year-round. Private onsite pricing depends on cohort size and customization.
 

FAQs Supervisor Reasonable-Suspicion Training
(49 CFR 382.603)

Does this satisfy 49 CFR 382.603?
Yes. Our course provides 60 minutes on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substances, with practical indicators and documentation steps, as required. eCFR
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Is this a one-time requirement?
Yes. FMCSA states supervisors must complete a one-time, 2-hour training (60+60). Many carriers choose periodic refreshers as a best practice. fmcsa.dot.gov
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Who exactly must be trained?
All persons you designate to supervise drivers subject to Part 382 testing. Owner-operators with no supervised drivers are not subject to the supervisor-training requirement. fmcsa.dot.gov
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What proof should we retain?
Keep certificates and attendance logs with your program records. FMCSA Safety Audits review documentation to verify safety management controls. ai.fmcsa.dot.gov
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Do you customize scenarios to our operation?
Yes. Private onsite sessions include your policies, shift patterns, and incident history to make the training immediately actionable.

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Want To Learn More Or Enroll? Text us 901-205-9679
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