The federal government is moving to multifactor identification for access to official accounts and databases. You probably already experience updated security when accessing your bank, mortgage or credit card accounts – the same thing is coming at the federal level.
The updated security will be through Login.gov and will replace the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Portal used to report drug and alcohol tests results and to review information in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse when hiring new truck drivers.
Important dates: the new government security system is effective beginning January 1, 2024. But FMCSA is requiring users of its Portal to convert to the new multifactor identification system by December 1, 2023. Moving forward, as of next year all access will be through Login.gov.
Directions on converting to the new access system are found on the FMCSA website.
Begin the process. There you will enter the email address you currently use to access the FMCSA Portal and then follow the step-by-step instructions to set up a Login.gov password and at least one more method of authentication, such as text messages, phone calls or backup codes. Login.gov encourages you to consider more secure authentication devices, such as security keys or facial and fingerprint recognition. Along the way, you will be asked to confirm the information you have entered. When completed, you will be returned to the Login.gov account page or to the FMCSA access page.
Please be sure your FMCSA Portal email address exactly matches your Login.gov email address. If not, log into the FMCSA Portal with your Portal username/password and update your email address to be the same as your Login.gov email address.
Updated security and multifactor identification are realities in many areas of our commercial and personal lives. And now the federal government is joining the ranks.
Every year, TAT (formerly called Truckers Against Trafficking) honors a member of the trucking, bus or energy industry, whose direct actions help save or improve the lives of those exploited or prevent human trafficking from taking place, with the Harriet Tubman Award
Bob Costello has indicated that the freight market has improved – but very slowly – since January. It must be said that ATA’s indices are dominated by contract freight as opposed to spot rates.
Now, however, with Republican control of both houses of Congress and the White House (and, some say, the Supreme Court) I am optimistic that trucking will get a fairer shake than it has during Biden’s term in office.