2026 Safety, Screening & Compliance
— Roundtable —
Nashville, TN | September 9-10, 2026
HOSTED BY: WorkforceQA
Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes. Strengthen Compliance. Reduce Risk.
Get ready to dive into the latest trends and best practices in safety and compliance screening. This in-person event is your chance to connect with industry professionals, share insights, and tackle real-world challenges together.
Don’t miss engaging discussions, expert tips, and practical case studies designed to strengthen your organization’s safety and compliance programs!
What to Expect
This annual roundtable, formerly known as the FMCSA DER Roundtable, brings together DERs and Trucking compliance and screening experts for two full days of practical learning and networking. Expect engaging speaker sessions, panel discussions, and plenty of peer-to-peer conversations focused on real-world best practices, compliance updates, and operational strategies that strengthen program consistency and FMCSA compliance.
AGENDA
Safety, Screening & Compliance Roundtable
Hosted by WorkforceQA · Tap any session to view details
Breakfast
Welcome & Opening Remarks
WorkforceQA
9:15 - 10:15 AMFMCSA Clearinghouse Update: Compliance Trends, Operational Challenges, and Clearinghouse 2.0 Implementation
Bryan Price, FMCSA
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FMCSA Clearinghouse Update: Compliance Trends, Operational Challenges, and Clearinghouse 2.0 Implementation
Bryan Price, FMCSA
An update on FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, including compliance trends, operational challenges, Clearinghouse II implementation with State DMVs, violation data trends, driver petitions, and key insights for motor carriers.
Bryan Price · Chief, Drug and Alcohol Program Division, US DOT, FMCSA
10:15 - 11:00 AMDOT Return to Duty Process and Employer Responsibilities
Nicole Hanratty, ASAP
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DOT Return to Duty Process and Employer Responsibilities
Nicole Hanratty, ASAP
An overview of the DOT return-to-duty process, including SAP requirements, employer obligations, Clearinghouse compliance, and best practices for managing violations.
Nicole Hanratty, CEAP, SAP, SAE · Chief Operating Officer, American Substance Abuse Professionals (ASAP)
Networking Break
11:15 AM - 12:00 PMDOT Oral Fluid Drug Testing: Where We Are Today
Dr. Donna Smith, WorkforceQA
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DOT Oral Fluid Drug Testing: Where We Are Today
Dr. Donna Smith, WorkforceQA
An update on the status of DOT oral fluid testing, including regulatory developments, implementation challenges, and what employers should know as this testing method evolves.
Dr. Donna Smith · Director of Regulatory Affairs, WorkforceQA
Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 PMMarijuana Rescheduling & Regulatory Update 2026
Dr. Donna Smith, WorkforceQA
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Marijuana Rescheduling & Regulatory Update 2026
Dr. Donna Smith, WorkforceQA
An overview of the latest marijuana regulatory developments, including federal rescheduling efforts, potential impacts on DOT-regulated employers, and what employers need to know moving forward.
Dr. Donna Smith · Director of Regulatory Affairs, WorkforceQA
2:00 - 2:30 PMHair Testing in DOT Programs
Guest Speaker TBD
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Hair Testing in DOT Programs
Guest Speaker TBD
Session details to be announced.
Networking Break
2:45 - 3:30 PMAsk the Experts: Live Q&A
Panel discussion
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Ask the Experts: Live Q&A
Panel discussion
Open Q&A with the day's speakers, covering clearinghouse compliance, return-to-duty, oral fluid testing, and regulatory change.
Bryan Price, Dr. Donna Smith, Cindy Faber, Marc Bourne, Mike Watts, Grady Phillips & Nicole Hanratty
Evening Reception: Dinner & Live Music at Ole Red
Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 AMFMCSA & DOT Physicals: What Employers Need to Know
Cindy Faber, WorkforceQA
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FMCSA & DOT Physicals: What Employers Need to Know
Cindy Faber, WorkforceQA
An overview of DOT physical requirements, recent FMCSA updates, employer responsibilities, and best practices for maintaining compliance with driver medical qualification requirements.
Cindy Faber · WorkforceQA
Networking Break
10:15 - 11:15 AMSPE (Skill Performance Evaluation) Programs & Compliance
Cindy Faber, WorkforceQA
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SPE (Skill Performance Evaluation) Programs & Compliance
Cindy Faber, WorkforceQA
An overview of the FMCSA Skill Performance Evaluation program, including eligibility requirements, application processes, compliance responsibilities, and best practices for managing drivers with qualifying physical impairments.
Cindy Faber · Occupational Health Advisor, WorkforceQA
11:15 AM - 12:00 PMEmployment Screening: Optimizing Workflow & Reducing Costs
Grady Phillips & Marc Bourne
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Employment Screening: Optimizing Workflow & Reducing Costs
Grady Phillips & Marc Bourne
Discover strategies to streamline employment screening processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance compliance through effective screening program management.
Grady Phillips, Chief Revenue Officer · Marc Bourne, VP of Background
Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 PMBest Practices in Continuous Monitoring: Enhancing Background Screening Compliance in Trucking
Marc Bourne & Guest
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Best Practices in Continuous Monitoring: Enhancing Background Screening Compliance in Trucking
Marc Bourne & Guest
An overview of continuous monitoring solutions, including MVR and background screening best practices, to help trucking employers improve compliance, mitigate risk, and maintain visibility into driver records.
Marc Bourne & Guest
1:45 - 2:30 PMRoundtable Discussion: DER Challenges in the Field
Open exchange of ideas
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Roundtable Discussion: DER Challenges in the Field
Open exchange of ideas
Open exchange of ideas, challenges, and industry feedback among Designated Employer Representatives.
2:30 - 3:15 PMAsk the Experts: Live Q&A
Panel discussion
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Ask the Experts: Live Q&A
Panel discussion
Closing Q&A with the roundtable's speakers and subject matter experts.
Dr. Donna Smith, Cindy Faber, Marc Bourne, Mike Watts, Grady Phillips & Nicole Hanratty
Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways
"I look forward to this roundtable each year, as I continue to grow in this field and gain even more knowledge from colleagues and experts. No matter how long you've been in the business, it seems there is always something new to learn. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Nashville again this year!"
Build a Safer, More Compliant Fleet
The trucking industry continues to face increasing regulatory scrutiny, workforce challenges, and operational risks. The 2026 Trucking Safety, Screening & Compliance Roundtable provides the knowledge, tools, and connections you need to navigate these challenges with confidence.
Seating is limited – Register early and join us in Nashville, September 9–10, 2026.
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK: $244.00 per night
BLOCK CLOSES 8/14
Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University,
2555 West End Avenue,
Nashville, TN, 37203
SPONSORS:
Hosted by WorkforceQA
WorkforceQA provides nationwide FMCSA-compliant drug & alcohol testing, Occupational Health, DOT Physicals, and FCRA-certified background screening services. We help employers stay audit-ready and confident in every aspect of DOT compliance.
