Who Needs FMCSA Supervisor Training & Why It’s Required (2025 Guide)
If you operate a trucking company that employs CDL drivers, you have more on your plate than keeping trucks on the road — you also have to keep your business FMCSA-compliant.
One of the most overlooked requirements? Supervisor Drug & Alcohol Training — also called Reasonable Suspicion Training.
This guide explains who needs it, what it covers, and why it matters, so you can avoid fines, stay legal, and protect your company.
🚛 What Is FMCSA Supervisor Training?
Under 49 CFR Part 382.603, FMCSA requires that anyone who supervises CDL drivers must receive training on how to identify and handle situations where a driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty.
It’s called Reasonable Suspicion Training because it teaches supervisors how to observe, document, and act when they believe a driver is impaired.
👥 Who Needs Supervisor Training?
Fleet owners with CDL drivers
Dispatchers or safety managers supervising CDL drivers
Owner-operators with employees who hold CDLs
Even if you’re a small carrier, if you employ even one CDL driver other than yourself, someone must be trained.
📚 What Does the Training Cover?
FMCSA requires:
1 hour of training on alcohol misuse
1 hour of training on controlled substances use
You’ll learn:
Signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use
Proper documentation techniques
When and how to require a reasonable suspicion test
How to handle safety-sensitive duties while awaiting test results
📅 How Often Is It Required?
FMCSA only mandates one-time completion per supervisor — but best practice is to refresh every 2–3 years to keep skills sharp and stay up-to-date on policy changes.
⚠️ What Happens If You Skip It?
Fines: FMCSA violations can cost thousands per occurrence
Audit failures: Missing proof of training is a common audit finding
Liability exposure: If a driver causes a crash and you lacked trained supervisors, your company could be held responsible
🛡️ How BUnited Services Can Help
We make it easy to get FMCSA-compliant supervisor training — 100% online, convenient, and designed for trucking companies of all sizes.
✅ Meets FMCSA requirements
✅ Certificates issued upon completion
✅ Affordable for individuals and teams
Don’t wait for an audit to find out you’re missing required training.
👉 Enroll in FMCSA Supervisor Training Today
📧 Email: compliance@bunitedservices.com
📞 Call: (904) 423-4960
