A Consortium/TPA helps employers who fall under a DOT regulated agency manage and implement their drug and alcohol policy. Any person operating a CMV requiring a CDL in intrastate or interstate commerce is required to participate in a DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program. Employers hire C/TPAs to keep them safe and in regulatory compliance. In addition, Owner-operators must register with a consortium and participate in the Consortium’s random testing pool.  Random testing is required for all safety-sensitive employees because it prevents accidents and save lives. Every DOT Agency and the USCG have regulations in place that require certain employers to implement a random testing program. Random testing is one of the best tools to help deter drug and alcohol use in the workplace. For safety-sensitive workers under DOT regulation, this is important to maintain a safe, drug-free environment for the general public, as well as employees.  Our consortium program will keep you or your company compliant with all DOT and FMCSA rules and guidelines under 49 CFR Part 40, regarding pre-employment drug testing, random drug testing, drug and alcohol training, developing a Drug Free Workplace program, DOT reporting, and more.

Employers are mandated by DOT to report any and all drug or alcohol test failures and refusal to test incidents. In fact, the FMCSA Clearinghouse has made it easier for employers to have access to all of this information. Having access to this information, prevents drivers from attempting to hide failed drug tests. Failed drug tests do not end up on a public record and will not be included in a background check. However, they do require return-to-duty-testing. This testing is required after drug and alcohol rules have been violated. You cannot return to a DOT Department of transportation job unless you undergo a series of test which are conducted through unannounced testing of at least six times in the first 12 months and done under direct observation. The driver may also be subject to follow-up testing during the 48 months of safety-sensitive duty following the first 12-month period. Follow-up testing is managed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

A driver’s refusal to take a DOT drug and alcohol test generally results in the same consequences as a failed test, the exception being the pre-employment test. You can refuse the pre-employment test but the company can not hire you for a safety sensitive position such as driving. It is vital that both the employer and driver understand the circumstances surrounding a refusal. More info can be found at the FMCSA’s website: Employee Handbook. Although a failed drug won’t end your driving career it does starts a Return to Duty process that must be taken serious and successfully completed in order for the driver to get back on the road. Contact us for all your DOT Clearinghouse needs or enroll in our CONSORTIUM | Sagacity Solutions.