Description
Drug and Alcohol Consortium
A Drug and Alcohol Consortium is a DOT-required random drug and alcohol testing program that helps motor carriers and owner-operators stay compliant with USDOT and FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations.
Owner-operators who operate qualifying commercial motor vehicles must be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing consortium to legally perform safety-sensitive duties.
Participating in a DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program helps maintain compliance, supports workplace safety, and reduces the risk of enforcement penalties.
Need to Know
Who is required to enroll?
- Operates a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Drives a passenger vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Operates any size vehicle used to transport hazardous materials that require placarding
Several Types of Tests Are Required
- Pre-employment testing
- Random testing
- Post-accident testing
- Reasonable suspicion testing
- Return-to-duty testing
- Follow-up testing
Affordable Consortium Services
- For only $299 per year, owner-operators and DERs can access a complete DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program.
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) services and USDOT drug tests are available for just $99 each.
- Our program is designed to deliver cost-effective compliance support and peace of mind for your business.
Why DOT Compliance Group?
- We Simplify Complex Federal Requirements
- We File Quickly and Accurately
- We Help Prevent Fines and DOT Number Deactivation
- We Provide Real Support — Not Automated Bots
- We Stay With You Beyond a Single Filing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new driver start driving before receiving the results of their pre-employment test?
No. Legally the driver cannot drive until you have queried the Clearinghouse showing the driver as “Not Prohibited” AND have a negative pre-employment drug test on file. Not following these laws can result in heavy fines and penalties.
What is the most common pre-employment drug test?
A urinalysis (urine) test. Typically, it is a 5-panel urine test given to employees in safety-sensitive positions, meaning their employer is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
If I live in a state that permits “recreational” marijuana use, will the MRO verify my DOT test as negative?
No. The U.S. Department of Transportation is very clear that state initiatives have no bearing on the U.S. DOT’s regulated drug testing program. Marijuana is a Schedule I Controlled Substance; therefore, it remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee.
Who needs to enroll in a drug and alcohol testing program?
If you drive a commercial motor vehicle or truck and trailer combination with a weight rating over 26,000 pounds, a vehicle that can carry 16 or more passengers, or a vehicle of any size used to transport HazMat that requires placarding, you are required to be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing program per USDOT’s regulation 49CFR Part 382.
