follow the procom program to pass audits with ease
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Simplified
As a trusted leader in drug and alcohol testing administration, we specialize in providing comprehensive services that meet the stringent requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Our extensive network and expertise ensure that your organization remains compliant while promoting a safe and productive workplace. Discover how PROCOM can support your DOT testing needs with reliable solutions tailored to your specific requirements you share with us.
Let PROCOM Show You The Basics
Learn About How DOT Drug Testing Works
Federal laws for DOT testing take precedence and overwrite local testing laws. A DOT testing program can be uniform across all 50 states and U.S. protectorates, compared to Non-DOT testing, which varies by state and additional jurisdictions.
DOT Drug Test
- Strict compliance with federal regulations
- Standard 5-Panel testing for everyone
- Required SAMHSA-certified lab administration
- You have to test for cannabis and alcohol
- Completed strictly through urine collection
- A positive test leads to immediate removal from safety-sensitive functions
vs.
Non-DOT Drug Test
- Governed more by applicable state laws
- Any type or combination of tests is allowed
- SAMHSA is recommended but not required
- You can test for any type of substances
- You choose how you collect samples
- You decide the consequences for test failure
Respect Your Business and DOT Compliance
Have a More Optional Approach to Mandatory Drug Testing and DOT Regulations
Because DOT drug testing and compliance is mandatory, you can’t ignore it, but you can stress less about it with a partner like PROCOM. Don’t stress when new regulations emerge. We’ll let you know by staying informed as active members of the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (formally the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association).
Procom partners with hundreds of companies regulated by each of the DOT Divisions'
The Department of Transportation regulates an enormous number of workers across the United States. PROCOM specializes in providing expertise to companies that are affected by DOT regulations:
Timely Test results for DOT Employers
Take Advantage of the Advantages of Having a DOT Consortium
Partnering with PROCOM as your consortium/third-party administrator (TPA) helps to keep DOT compliance simple and comprehensive enough to be consistent with mandated requirements from the DOT and the FMCSA. You’ll get total drug and alcohol compliance so you can focus on keeping your employees safe at work. There are so many benefits and perks you’ll enjoy for DOT drug and alcohol testing success:
- Random DOT drug and alcohol testing consortium.
- A network of over 12,000 drug testing facilities nationwide.
- 24/7 post-accident and emergency onsite collections.
- Pre-employment drug testing for all new hires.
- Drug test results reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).
- Most DOT drug screening results available in just one business day.
Ensuring Safety Across America’s Transportation Industries
Partner with the PROCOM Experts in DOT Drug Tests
Comprehensive Services
PROCOM manages some of the nation’s largest carrier fleets with a full suite of services created specifically for them. Our roles can vary from strategic planner to directly notifying drivers about testing obligations while they’re on the road. Thousands of DOT-regulated companies trust us to provide consortium and TPA services for them, even in rural areas. How do we keep up with such a list? With our over 12,000 collection sites across the US, including the most rural of areas, we make solutions accessible to everyone.
In-Depth Industry Experience
PROCOM is well versed in FMCSA, FAA, USCG, FRA, PHMSA, and FTA rules to ensure everything will be done by the book. This means that all testing, reporting, and files will be completed in compliance with DOT requirements. For the FTA we can help assess the distribution of dates and times of testing needs. We can ensure for FMCSA that the cumbersome post-accident process is adhered to, including after hours, regardless of where your driver is located. Online test scheduling and ‘electronic CCF’ are available in most areas, so drivers don’t worry about losing forms.
Invested in Our Clients Needs
We like to stay in touch with our client’s needs and difficulties. We have invested in becoming active members of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association (CMCA) to offer support for the organization but to also keep an open ear to the advancing industry of motor carrier laws, needs, and updates. PROCOM has helped thousands of clients through DOT audits, so we can educate you on the processes and what to expect. We will keep backup records of all DOT-related testing that will be accessible should your records be missing stats, tests, etc.
Professional
Knowledgeable
Local
Approachable
See What PROCOM Clients Are Saying
Five-Star Reviews That Say It Better Than Ever Could
You Can Always Ask Us Anything
Answers to Some of the Most Common Questions About DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing
What do DOT drug tests test for?
All DOT-regulated tests use the same panel of 5 drug classes, they are:
- Marijuana metabolites/THC
- Cocaine metabolites
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA)
- Opioids (including codeine, heroin (6-AM), morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
It’s important to know that all DOT-regulated drug and alcohol tests require urine samples. After careful collection, the samples are run through an accredited laboratory and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer.
When did DOT drug screening start?
In 1991, the U.S. Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act when they recognized the need for a drug and alcohol-free transportation industry. The act required DOT agencies to implement drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive employees to maintain the safety of the traveling public and workers.
The DOT’s drug screening rules and procedures are listed within Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40, commonly known as “Part 40.” Link Here. These rules are published by an office within the DOT: the Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC), which updates them periodically as procedures and drug panels adapt over time.
DOT agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard write industry-specific regulations that explain who is subject to testing, when, and in what situations. Industry employers are accountable for implementing the regulations that apply to their business.
Who is required to get DOT drug tests?
Anyone designated in DOT regulations as a “safety-sensitive” employee is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. A safety-sensitive employee is someone who holds a job that can impact both their own safety and the safety of the public.
These are some of the DOT departments with safety-sensitive positions:
- Federal Aviation Administration: Flight crews, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, ground security coordinators, etc.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), vehicles that carry 16 passengers or more (including the driver), or vehicles that transport hazardous materials and are required to display a DOT placard.
- U.S. Coast Guard: Crew members operating a commercial vessel.
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: Operations, maintenance, and emergency response workers (Includes dispatch operators)
- Federal Railroad Administration: Hours of Service Act personnel, mechanics, engine and train workers, signal service workers, train dispatchers, or Maintenance of Way (MOW) workers who perform any activities on or near a railroad roadbed or track.
- Federal Transit Administration: Vehicle operators, controllers, mechanics, and armed security
Here is a link to transportation.gov, which has a simple set of questions to determine if you are a DOT-covered entity.
When are safety-sensitive employees required to get DOT drug tests?
DOT drug tests are required in the following situations:
- Pre-Employment: A new hire must have a negative drug test result verified before beginning any safety-sensitive job responsibilities.
- Reasonable Suspicion/Cause: If one or more trained supervisors reasonably believe/suspect that the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty. This must be based on observations concerning appearance, behavior, speech, smell, etc.
- Post-Accident Testing: This is required if a DOT-regulated employee is involved in an accident meeting certain DOT criteria. An alcohol test must occur within 8 hours of the accident, and a drug test within 32 hours.
- Random Testing: Random tests must use a truly random selection process – each employee must have an equal chance to be selected and must proceed to be tested immediately after being notified. These are completed quarterly.
- Return-to-Duty Testing: Required after a violation of drug and alcohol rules and after consulting with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). You must have a negative result before returning to any DOT job function. These tests must be conducted under direct observation.
- Follow-Up Testing: This takes place after a negative return-to-duty test. A SAP manages the follow-up testing for up to 5 years, determining how many times an employee is tested and for what substance(s). These are completed in addition to other DOT-required testing and must be conducted under direct observation.
What happens in the event of a positive DOT drug and alcohol test?
If an employee fails a DOT-regulated drug test, DOT regulations require the employer to immediately remove the employee from performing any DOT safety-sensitive job. If the employer has a ‘Zero Tolerance’ drug and alcohol policy, they will need to terminate employment.
If the employer has a ‘rehabilitation’ drug and alcohol policy, they may allow the employee to complete the return-to-work process while staying employed with the company in a non-safety-sensitive role. The employee cannot return to any DOT safety-sensitive function until they complete the return-to-work process.
