Truckers and Travelers
Trucking Information Resource
Hello Fellow Truckers! We’ve put together a basic overview of the DOT requirements for drug testing. These are standards for the entire trucking industry. Read on!
We are approaching the 20 year anniversary of the federal mandate requiring substance testing and alcohol testing of all CDL drivers. The days when a company could say they didn’t know about the drug testing mandate are long gone – if you don’t have a testing program in place, you are on borrowed time.
Who needs a test? Anyone who operates a vehicle in commerce, which requires its operator to have a CDL, is required to participate in a company based substance and alcohol testing program. Required tests include pre-employment, random, post accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow-up.
Pre-employment: Required prior to operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Random: Must test 50% of driver positions annually for drugs and 10% for alcohol.
Post Crash: After a “DOT crash” in which the driver is cited for a moving violation and after any fatal crash.
Reasonable Suspicion: Due to observed conduct associated with potential use.
Return to Duty: Required after prohibited conduct and before returning to duty.
Follow-up: Required testing for at least 12 months after prohibited conduct.
Federal rules mandate that owner operators must participate in an outside testing program in order to be in compliance with the random testing requirements. (Also known as a consortium) The vast majority of companies utilize third parties to manage their testing program, which has become the industry norm. There are numerous substance testing Third Party Administrators around the country, but when picking one, be sure to ask about the level of service as they are not all the same.
During a DOT audit, a company’s substance testing program is very closely scrutinized so be in compliance.
Remember, Drivers, it’s about keeping DOT compliant that keeps you profitable and successful in your trucking business.