The many DOT and FMCSA rules and regulations can be overwhelming, especially for new 
CDL drivers or owner-operators. When it comes to DOT mandated random drug and alcohol tests, hiring a third-party service provider can simplify this requirement for both owners and drivers. This is especially true (actually it’s required!) if the employer is the only driver.
When are DOT Drug & Alcohol Tests Required?
- Random CDL driver testing: spread over the course of the year, usually done quarterly.
- Pre-employment: prior to hiring a new CDL driver.
- Post-accident: Any Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver involved in a DOT reportable accident.
- Reasonable suspicion: Any time a trained employer witnesses suspected signs of intoxication or drug use.
- Return-to-duty: Following a drug test failure or refusal, usually based on Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation and recommendation.
- Follow-up: Continuing testing after a test failure or refusal, beyond return-to-duty tests, again based on SAP requirements.
Who is Subject to DOT Random Drug & Alcohol Tests?
All CDL drivers that operate a CMV on public roads are required to submit to random testing. This includes part-time drivers, and owner-operators. The FMCSA requires a random testing rate of 50%, meaning that if the company employs 10 drivers, it must conduct a minimum of 5 tests throughout the year. For alcohol testing, a 10% testing rate is required. These random testing rates are determined annually by the FMCSA, although they have not changed for many years.
What is the Role of Random Testing Service Agents?
DOT random drug and alcohol service agents, such as Office Tenders, are a useful resource for trucking companies and CDL drivers. The methods of random selection along with the associated paperwork for the random drug and alcohol testing program can be time-consuming and a hassle. However, compliance with these regulations is mandatory, crucial, and promotes safe driving.
The random selections for testing must be completed in a way that is scientifically valid, and can be demonstrated as such. Examples include a computer generated drawing or a random number table. For it to be actually random, DOT random drug and alcohol tests must be spread throughout the year, and the random selections are generally done quarterly.
In addition, the DOT random drug testing must be kept separate from any non-DOT testing programs that are designed specifically for your company. This means that the random drawing pools must be separate, which can create added paperwork and hassle. Choosing a third party service provider for the DOT testing ensures proper compliance with all of the various parts of the testing regulations.
For owner operators of CMVs or small trucking operations, a drug testing service agent is especially useful and required under the regulations. DOT drug and alcohol testing service agents, like Office Tenders, can add single drivers or smaller companies into larger pools to ensure complete randomness and compliance.
How Can Office Tenders Help with DOT Testing?
Office Tenders, Inc. provides comprehensive DOT paperwork services, including managing and facilitating DOT drug and alcohol testing pools. Call Office Tender’s today and we can:
- Provide your company’s drug testing policy.
- Provide DOT testing training materials for CDL drivers and supervisors.
- Establish random drug and alcohol testing selection pools.
- Notify you when testing is needed and for whom.
- Arrange a convenient clinic for the DOT testing.
With our complete package of services, you can rest assured that your company and your drivers will meet the regulations for DOT drug and alcohol testing. With Office Tenders, you won’t be surprised by changes in the regulations or have to worry about ensuring the randomness of the test – we handle all of the details, all for one low cost, with no hidden fees! Do you need help sorting through this matter? Office Tenders is your DOT paperwork partner!
