For safety and compliance reasons, truck operators in the United States are responsible for complying with DOT and FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations. For smaller trucking and bus companies looking for a comprehensive solution, National Drug Screening offers a turnkey program for quick and easy compliance.
What are the FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements?
DOT FMCSA drug and alcohol testing compliance consists of certain requirements, including:
- written policy
- Training of supervisors and education of employees
- Drug testing before employment
- Randomized pool of drug and alcohol tests or consortium
- Autopsy, reasonable suspicion, follow-up and return to work
- Addiction specialist
National Drug Screening offers all of the above for one low price. We are the industry leader in DOT compliant drug and alcohol testing. Not only do our customers appreciate our excellent customer service, we also have some of the lowest plan prices in the country. Our program includes free assistance with your new entrance exam or security audit. buy yourselfDOT compliant drug and alcohol packagingToday's owner operator.
How will you know if you need to comply with FMCSA regulations?
According to the FMCSA, anyone driving a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license or CDL must comply with the FMCSA drug testing regulations. This includes all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds. This also includes any vehicle marked as Transporting Hazardous Materials and any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers.
Some state laws also require CDLs to allow the legal operation of other types of vehicles, such as limousines, taxis, and buses designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers. These drivers are exempt from DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
Any employee who operates or is expected to operate (even occasionally) a vehicle that requires a CDL is defined as a DOT drug and alcohol test driver. This includes dispatchers, supervisors, mechanics, utility drivers, and anyone who operates a CMV, even though their position is still eligible.
The FMCSA DOT testing program must include human service drivers or owners of vehicles that have a US DOT carrier number. Even if the carrier is not on the payroll, they are still responsible for compliance with safety rules.
What if I have questions?
At National Drug Screening, our services include free ongoing advice for small transport and bus companies. Our Drug Screening Compliance Officers will advise you on FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Common FMCSA compliance errors
When it comes to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing compliance, we see many types of mistakes made by small trucking and bus companies. Some of the most common questions are:
- 1. Use your local medical clinic for drug testing. These facilities know how to take a sample for drug testing, but know nothing about compliance and regulatory obligations.
- 2. Random tests were not performed or were performed incorrectly. Smaller companies must join the Random Testing Consortium to ensure compliance with random testing. Make sure the company that chooses the random test is aware of these regulations, many are not.
- 3. No drug testing procedures. Small transport and bus companies often have no drug testing programs at all, which can lead to fines and eventual suspension of the right to work.
- 4. Failure to conduct pre-employment testing - This is a repeated offense. At National Drug Screening, we can provide immediate service to get your pre-employment tests done quickly and at the most competitive rates in the country.
- 5. Use of drivers who test positive for drugs in DOT-required tests. This is a common serious offense which will result in fines and possible disqualification from work. In the event of a positive test result or refusal of the test, the employee or candidate must be removed from the sensitive area and referred to an addiction specialist.
Why choose Sinopharm screening tests?
At National Drug Screening, we provide DOT FMCSA compliant services to small trucking and bus companies throughout the United States. Our process is fast, simple and very affordable. Our plan includes:
- Step-by-step instructions and all necessary documentation - all in one great compatibility guide.
- Where applicable - Statement of Policy on Controlled Substance Use and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace - Your Customized DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
- If necessary, provide educational materials to all affected employees
- Depending on the needs - training materials for supervisors and access to additional training for supervisors on site or online
- If necessary - Information on assistance programs for employees, rehabilitation and treatment programs.
- If needed - Contact a Substance Abuse Specialist (SAP) for DOT violations
- Where applicable, copies of DOT 49 CFR Part 40 and FMCSA 49 CFR Part 382
- As Required - Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing Program for those whose duties require them to drive a CMV.
- Random testing illustrates the need for random testing.
- Description of the necessary record keeping.
- As Required - Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing Program for those whose duties require them to drive a CMV.
If you receive a notification from the DOT or the FMCSA that your drug and alcohol testing program is being audited, call National Drug Screening immediately.
Consequences of non-compliance:
The FMCSA conducts administrative evaluations of section 382 and 40 violations and may issue enforcement orders to achieve satisfactory compliance. There is also a right to seek criminal sanctions in U.S. District Courts in certain circumstances.
Call todayProviding specialist compliance services at the most competitive rates in the country. National Drug Screening is a comprehensive program that helps you through the process by making it simple, easy and turnkey.
Learn more about DOT drug testing companies and shipping
Trucking plays a vital role in the US economy. It helps in the transport of raw materials and goods throughout the country. Nearly 60% of commercial cargo is trucked in the United States, which is a large proportion. With so many trucks on the country's roads, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has implemented safety regulations for alcohol and drug testing of drivers. FMCSA is an agency of the US DOT (Department of Transportation)
Running a trucking business comes with some challenges and requires the owner to constantly comply with safety rules and regulations. If your company's commercial vehicles require drivers to hold a CDL (professional driver's license), you are subject to the FMCSA drug testing regulations.
This includes every vehicle:
- Total vehicle weight over 26,001 pounds
- Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials
- Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver
Drug testing rules for transportation companies
Under regulations established by the FMCSA, CDL drivers must pass a round of pre-employment drug screening before performing any safety-relevant functions. It is the standard mandatory 5 panel DOT drug test and tests for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC metabolites), opioids (including heroin) and phencyclidine (PCP).
After an initial pre-employment vetting, employers must take the tests in the following circumstances:
after the accident
Drug testing may be required after an accident, per FMCSA crash standards. The FMCSA requires employers to test as soon as possible after an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a driver on public roads:
- Who has a safety-relevant function if the incident involves casualties (fatalities)
- Who receives a ticket under state or local law within 32 hours of the accident for a misdemeanor accident if the accident involved:
- All injured people who need medical attention should move away from the scene of the accident
- The vehicle must be towed away from the accident site
random test
CDL drivers are randomly tested throughout the year. Random tests introduce an element of surprise and act as a deterrent. Employers who engage as the sole CDL (operator-owner) driver in their company should register as consortium members for the random testing program of two or more randomly pooled employees.
Triggers should be randomly selected based on scientifically valid methods such as random number tables or computer software. Employers can hire a service agent such as NationalDrug Screening to set up randomization techniques. Employers must ensure that drivers who are notified of random drug testing arrive promptly at the testing site.
In early 2016, the FMCSA reduced the proportion of random drug tests from 50 percent of the average number of driving seats to 25 percent. This decrease is due to the fact that data collected from the Motor Vehicle Management Information System (MCMIS) showed that the positive rate of random drug tests in 2011, 2012 and 2013 was below the 1% threshold. If, according to data in MCMIS, the positive rate is equal to or greater than 1%.
In early 2020, the annual FMCSA random sampling rate for drug testing increased to 50%. The annual growth rate of alcohol remains at 10%.
reasonable doubt
Employers should properly train CDL supervisors to alert them when they suspect driver behavior problems or notice symptoms of impaired driving. When there is reasonable suspicion, employers should order drug and alcohol tests as soon as possible.
return to service
When a driver returns to a safety-critical job after testing positive, they are required to take a drug and alcohol test to return to work to ensure they return to work clean and safe. At this point, the driver will go through the process of returning to work with a DOT Qualified Addictions Specialist (SAP).
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If the driver tests positive for drugs or refuses to be tested. Before he can return to work, he must undergo an appropriate assessment, education and treatment process with a DOT Qualified Addiction Specialist (SAP) and pass drug testing before returning to work.
Drivers who previously tested positive and went through the process of returning to work with a substance abuse specialist (SAP) and received a negative return to work test now must undergo further drug and alcohol testing. This test is specified by SAP.
Urine and hair follicle analysis
Urine analysis and hair follicle analysis are two commonly used forms of drug testing. Currently, the DOT drug test is performed only in the urine. Urine drug testing is a federally approved method used by transportation companies and enforced by the FMCSA. However, a growing number of trucking companies (mostly big names like J.B. Hunt and Schneider) are accepting non-DOT bubble testing as part of their pre-employment screening. Transportation companies are free to adopt their own more stringent non-DOT testing policies, but the results of these tests must not be shared with anyone outside of Human Resources.
The hair follicle test can detect traces of the drug after only 90 days, so this is an argument for transport companies to ensure road safety.
On the other hand, many motorists unions are united in their determination not to allow bubble testing as part of the FMCSA testing process. What they mean is that bubble testing is inaccurate and ready for prime time.
Ask an expert for advice
If you are a trucking company owner or CDL driver manager, please joincontact usLearn more about drug testing compliance and regulations.
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FAQs
What does Fmcsa mean on a drug test? ›
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with the Department of Transportation (DOT), requires that persons subject to the commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements and their employers follow alcohol and drug testing rules.
How do you fight a failed DOT drug test? ›Be evaluated by a DOT-certified substance abuse professional (SAP). Complete the recommended course of treatment or education, at your own cost. Pass a follow-up drug and alcohol test, and submit to random testing for at least the next 12 months, up to 60 months.
What is the most common drug test for truck drivers? ›The most common drug test administered to truck drivers is the 5 panel drug test. This urine test checks for THC, Opiates, PCP, Cocaine, & Amphetamines.
What happens if you test positive for a DOT drug test? ›a) As an employer who receives a verified positive drug test result, you must immediately remove the employee involved from performing safety-sensitive functions. You must take this action upon receiving the initial report of the verified positive test result.
What is the difference between a regular drug test and a DOT drug test? ›DOT tests almost always use urine specimens, while non-DOT drug tests may use urine, saliva, or hair based on the state's regulations. DOT testing uses a document called the Federal Drug Testing Control and Custody Form (CCF). In non-DOT testing, each state, employer, or drug testing company can develop its forms.
What is the difference between regular and DOT drug test? ›A DOT drug (or alcohol) test is a test done under DOT authority on a DOT-regulated employee, meaning that person is a safety-sensitive employee. Conversely, a non-DOT drug or alcohol test is typically done under an employer's authority.
What happens if you fail Fmcsa drug test? ›The driver must immediately be removed from performing safety-sensitive functions (i.e., driving CMVs) until successful completion of the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional.
What happens if you fail a DOT urine test? ›What happens if I fail my DOT drug test? If you fail your DOT regulated drug test, DOT regulations require your employer to immediately remove you from performing any DOT safety-sensitive job. There may be other consequences, too, like losing your certification or license.
Is it hard to get a job after failing a DOT drug test? ›If you fail or refuse a pre-employment DOT drug test, it will hinder your ability to get a safety-sensitive job. You will have to complete the DOT Return to Duty (RTD) process with a qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before applying for work.
How many truck drivers have failed drug test? ›Over 40,000 commercially licensed truck drivers failed federally mandated drug screens for marijuana in 2022, and many did not reapply to return to work, according to statistics compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, a branch of the US Department of Transportation.
What drug test shows the most? ›
Urine drug testing (UDT): This is the most common drug test. It requires a sample of your urine (pee). Urine drug tests are most commonly used to detect alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine and marijuana (THC).
What is the most common drug test type? ›The urine test is the most common form of drug and alcohol testing. It may be conducted as part of pre-employment screening, randomly, or post-accident by employers, especially for employees in certain occupations. Currently, urinalysis is the only testing method approved for federally-mandated testing.
What drugs will make you fail a DOT drug test? ›- Marijuana.
- Cocaine.
- Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives.
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines.
- Phencyclidine – PCP.
A final drug test result reported by the MRO is a final valid result, there is no false positive. In some cases, your employer might terminate your employment; companies have a zero tolerance policy for testing positive on a drug test.
Is it better to refuse a DOT drug test? ›Refusal to Test Becomes a Violation in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. If you refuse a DOT drug test, the employer is required by DOT regulations to enter that as a violation into the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This violation would prompt you to have to complete the RTD process to return to safety-sensitive work.
How many panels is a DOT drug test? ›The DOT testing at HHS-certified laboratories is a 5-panel drug test regimen.
Does DOT drug test use urine or blood? ›The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test, but you will be required to submit a urine sample. This is used to screen your kidneys for potential medical conditions.
How far back does a 10 panel urine test go? ›| Substance | Detection time frame |
|---|---|
| Cocaine | 2-4 days |
| Marijuana | 2-5 days for occasional users, and up to 10 days for daily users |
| Opiates | 2-3 days |
| Phencyclidine (PCP) | Up to 30 days for chronic users |
What Tests are Used for DOT Testing? The DOT uses urine collection and testing exclusively for drug testing. Alcohol may be tested for using breath and saliva. All three testing methods used by the DOT are non-intrusive.
What is the difference between a regulated and non regulated drug screen? ›Regulated drug testing is a type of test that is regulated by the DOT. This test is for workers like drivers, pilots, or train conductors. The DOT governs the drug testing done on these types of workers. Other industries may still require drug tests for pre-employment, but these are considered non-DOT or Non-Regulated.
What drugs does labcorp urine test for? ›
- Amphetamine.
- Methamphetamine.
- Ecstasy.
- Marijuana metabolite.
- Cocaine.
- Opiates (codeine, morphine, hydrocodone/hydromorphone)
- Oxycodone/oxymorphone.
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
How long do DOT drug test results take? The results of negative DOT drug tests are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. Results of positive DOT drug tests typically take between three and five days to reach the employers.
How long does a failed DOT drug test take? ›Negative drug screen results are generally available 24 – 48 hours after the specimens are received at the laboratory. Non‐negative results typically take 3‐5 business days from the time the specimen arrives at the laboratory.
How long does Delta 8 stay in your system? ›Because their structures are similar, delta-8 is expected to stay in the body for the same amount of time as delta-9 THC. For occasional users, this could be as little as 2 to 5 days. For regular users, it could be up to 15 days.
How much pee does a DOT drug test take? ›You must check to ensure that the specimen contains at least 45 mL of urine. If it does not, you must follow “shy bladder” procedures (see §40.193(b)).
How do I dispute a positive drug test? ›Simply ask if you can take another test. Many will have no problems accommodating your request. It helps to present evidence as to why you tested positive the first time. As already mentioned, a letter from a doctor or pharmacist regarding a prescription medication will help.
How do I know if I passed my drug test? ›How do you know if you passed a pre-employment drug test? If the drug test results are returned as negative that means no evidence of the substance was detected in the specimen. If the test shows a positive result, that generally means evidence of the substance was detected.
Who is exempt from the Fmcsa Clearinghouse? ›Drivers who perform only FTA-regulated safety-sensitive functions are exempt from Part 382, including the Clearinghouse requirements, as are their employers. These drivers and employers are subject only to the alcohol and/or controlled substances testing requirements of Part 655.
How much does a DOT SAP program cost? ›On average, the SAP evaluation process can cost between $400 to $500. Drug tests average between $30 to $60 dollars each. The minimum SAP and follow-up testing program can cost an employer or the driver, depending on the company policy of who pays for the program, to be at least $700 for the first year.
Does DOT accept hair follicle test? ›Large fleets have long used hair testing for pre-employment, catching 5 to 10 times more drug users than industry standard urine testing. However, currently these positive results cannot be released to the drivers record per DOT regulations or included in the CDL Clearinghouse database as they are non-DOT drug tests.
What percentage of truck drivers are on drugs? ›
Limited research indicates that substance misuse may be a problem for some truck drivers. In an analysis of self-reported studies, truck drivers reported using alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana, and cocaine. One recent analysis of data found that 27.6% of truck-driving respondents consumed drugs.
What is the failure rate of drug testing? ›Why does 90% of clinical drug development fail? Only 1 out of 10 drug candidates successfully passes clinical trial testing and regulatory approval.
How common is it to fail a drug test? ›How Often Do People Fail Drug Tests? In 2019, the percentage of US drug test failures reached 4.5%—the highest rate in 16 years. Drug-testing experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has likely accelerated some substance abuse and is contributing to the current failed drug test rates.
What is the most common false positive drug test? ›Amphetamine (more on this below) and methamphetamine are the most commonly reported false positive.
What is the easiest drug test to past? ›Hair testing.
Drug-testing hair is a simple and noninvasive way to detect drug use over a greater length of time, most effective when testing for regular use of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and opiates. These drugs can become undetectable in urine after three to four days.
Delta-8 will show up on a drug test because delta-9 might be found in delta-8 products. While there's a legal loophole around delta-8 usage, it won't help you pass a drug test. So if you are about to get tested, make sure to lay off the delta-8 for up to 90 days.
What happens if you don't have enough urine for a drug test? ›If you fail to provide a sufficient amount of urine when directed, and it has been determined, through a required medical evaluation, that there was no adequate medical explanation for the failure, it may be considered a refusal to test. When you report for testing, you must make an attempt to provide a specimen.
What drugs show up in urine drug test? ›These tests indicate if one or more prescription or illegal drugs are present in urine. These tests detect the presence of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepine, barbiturates, methadone, tricyclic antidepressants, ecstasy, and oxycodone.
What are 3 tests that are used to detect drugs? ›- Blood Test. While blood testing is more invasive than breath tests and urine tests, it's the most effective at detecting specific alcohol concentration levels. ...
- Breath Test. ...
- Hair Test. ...
- Saliva Test. ...
- Urine Test.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been shown to interact with UDS immunoassays. Both ibuprofen and naproxen have been documented to cause false-positive barbiturate4 and cannabinoid1-4 levels. In addition, ibuprofen can cause a false-positive PCP level.
Can I take Adderall with a CDL? ›
Use of any Schedule I drugs, amphetamines (such as Adderall), narcotics (drugs derived from poppy or coca), and any other habit-forming drug (i.e. drugs with a risk of addiction) disqualifies a truck driver.
How long will ibuprofen show up on a drug test? ›After ingestion of one single oral dose of 400 mg ibuprofen, the parent compound could be detected for 27 to 34 h, hydroxy ibuprofen for 34 to 40 h and carboxy ibuprofen for 5 to 6 d.
How do you clear a failed DOT drug test? ›The return-to-duty process will require you to: Be evaluated by a DOT-certified substance abuse professional (SAP). Complete the recommended course of treatment or education, at your own cost. Pass a follow-up drug and alcohol test, and submit to random testing for at least the next 12 months, up to 60 months.
What is the false positive rate for drug tests? ›In other words, even though there's only a 1% overall error rate – which seems pretty good – 50% of the positive tests are false positives. That doesn't sound like a very high probability for violating your client's probation or supervised release and putting him or her in prison.
What is the difference between a drug test and a DOT drug test? ›DOT tests almost always use urine specimens, while non-DOT drug tests may use urine, saliva, or hair based on the state's regulations. DOT testing uses a document called the Federal Drug Testing Control and Custody Form (CCF). In non-DOT testing, each state, employer, or drug testing company can develop its forms.
What is the difference between DOT and non-DOT urine drug test? ›A DOT drug (or alcohol) test is a test done under DOT authority on a DOT-regulated employee, meaning that person is a safety-sensitive employee. Conversely, a non-DOT drug or alcohol test is typically done under an employer's authority.
Is a DOT drug test different than a at home drug test? ›DOT drug testing is different from regular drug tests. For example, even though there are several ways to perform a drug test, the DOT only allows urine drug testing. They also require a very thorough testing process, so results usually take longer to process.
What drugs are detected on a DOT drug test? ›- Marijuana.
- Cocaine.
- Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives.
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines.
- Phencyclidine – PCP.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
What drugs are not tested for in DOT drug test? ›Therapy Solutions is certified to do both DOT and Non-DOT drug and alcohol testing. DOT testing can reveal the use of alcohol, opiates, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and methamphetamines. Non-DOT testing looks for the presence of barbiturates, methadone, quaaludes, benzodiazepines, and propoxyphene.
Does DOT use hair testing? ›
However, until DOT accepts hair tests, motor carriers cannot share hair test results with other carriers or with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. That means carriers that use hair tests must continue to conduct urinalysis tests to meet DOT requirements.
What is the difference between FMCSA and DOT? ›DOT stands for the Department of Transportation, while FMCSA refers to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Together, these organizations create and enforce rules that trucking companies must follow, ensuring the well-being of all road users.
Is FMCSA the same as DOT? ›What is a USDot Number? A USDOT number, also known as a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, is a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor carriers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operating authority.
What is FMCSA compliance? ›The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration holds motor carriers and drivers responsible for meeting safety standards and regulations. FMCSA has their own safety compliance and enforcement program called CSA, which stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability.
How soon will you know if you failed a drug test? ›Urine tests have some of the fastest turnaround times. Almost all negative results will be available to you 1-2 business days after the testing lab receives the specimen.
How far back does a urine test go? ›Drug testing specimen types
Illicit substances are detectable for only five to 10 days in urine; whereas, hair drug tests can detect drug or alcohol use for up to 90 days. Blood testing is very accurate, but costly and invasive. It does have a shorter detection period (minutes to hours), however.
If you are unable to provide a sufficient amount of urine for a drug test, the collector must begin the "shy bladder" procedures. This procedure requires that you remain at the collection site.
Will ibuprofen make me fail drug test? ›Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been shown to interact with UDS immunoassays. Both ibuprofen and naproxen have been documented to cause false-positive barbiturate4 and cannabinoid1-4 levels. In addition, ibuprofen can cause a false-positive PCP level.