If you employ CDL drivers, you’re required to be part of a DOT drug and alcohol testing consortium — but what does that really mean?

The thought of managing a DOT Drug and Alcohol Consortium (random testing program) can feel overwhelming. Let Onsite Safety Solutions keep things simple and you in compliance.

If your company employs CDL drivers, being part of a DOT (Department of Transportation) consortium isn't optional, it is federal law.

The Department of Transportation has strict rules to maintain safety of those who hold safety-sensitive positions. Specifically, DOT has established defined rates of drivers who should undergo testing quarterly. Let me explain..

The minimum testing rates are listed below with their corresponding DOT agency.

FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

• Drugs: 50%

• Alcohol: 10%

FAA - Federal Aviation Administration

• Drugs: 25%

• Alcohol: 10%

FRA - Federal Railroad Administration

• Drugs: 25% (covered service), 25% (maintenance of way), 50% (mechanical)

• Alcohol: 10% (covered service), 10% (maintenance of way), 25% (mechanical)

FTA - Federal Transit Administration

• Drugs: 50%

• Alcohol: 10%

PHMSA - Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

• Drugs: 50%

• Alcohol: NA

What does this really mean? Example, if you have 100 CDL drivers in a random testing pool, 50 of those drivers must undergo random drug testing during the year.

Onsite Safety Solutions, as your designated consortium, will work with your team to provide a list of randomly selected drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing every quarter. Testing will be performed by certified staff, urine specimens will be sent to HHS certified labs, and the results will be reviewed by our in-house MRO (Medical Review Officer).

Owner-Operators and Businesses Large and Small

Owner-operators are required to be part of a larger testing pool. Companies with less than 10-15 drivers may also want to be part of a larger testing pool. Companies with greater than 15 drivers will typically have a testing pool of their own.

DOT Consortium Random Testing is Only One Part of the Puzzle!

Enrolling in a random testing program does not mean complete compliance. DOT has additional guidelines that all employers and owner-operators must follow to reach complete compliance and avoid costly fines.

• Each company must designate a DER (Designated Employee Representative). This person acts as the liaison between the company and the C/TPA (consortium management team, Onsite Safety Solutions)

• Provide a detailed written drug-free workplace policy

• Supervisor training for reasonable suspicion testing

• Additional testing: pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow up testing

• Pre-employment and yearly FMCSA Clearinghouse queries

• Record keeping for the defined retention periods

• Employee education

How Can Onsite Safety Solutions Help?

Let the experts of Onsite Safety Solutions work with your team to manage your DOT random testing program. We take pride in our knowledge and understanding of the current DOT compliance standards, so you can rest assure that you will be prepared in times of a DOT audit.

We are accessible. We have 24 hour availability for drug and alcohol testing and only a phone call away.

We are local. We are from the area we serve. No corporate approvals, no red tape. Located locally is not always local.

Want more information? Call our office at 256-427-4777 or email Victoria Birdwell at victoria@onsitesafetysolutions.com