Owner-operators of commercial vehicles need to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's requirements for drug testing. This is another way to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads and make certain owner-operators are conducting smart, sound business practices. Since an owner-operator is a self-employed person, there are no bosses or supervisors handling the drug testing protocol, and this can cause some confusion over how and where to get tested. To help clear up these issues, below are three details commercial vehicle owner-operators should know about drug testing.

3 Aspects Commercial Vehicle Owner-Operators Should Know About Drug Testing

1. Find Out If You're Required to Get Tested

Not every owner-operator will need to submit to drug testing. The DOT and FMCSA guidelines state that you must be tested if you meet both of the following conditions:

• If you operate a truck or bus with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs. or more; with the capacity to hold at least 16 passengers, including yourself; or that transports hazardous substances and carries the necessary placards stating that purpose.
• You need a CDL license to carry out the functions of your job.

If you meet both of these conditions, you are required by the DOT and FMCSA to be drug tested.

2. You Must Contract With a DOT Consortium

A DOT consortium takes the place of an employer who orders random drug testing. As an owner-operator, it is essential that you contract with one of these facilities so you can be randomly drug-tested by a neutral, third-party provider, thereby fulfilling your duties to the DOT/FMCSA. The consortium will handle all aspects of testing, including taking you off the road after a violation and working to get you back on the road after the requisite amount of time and penalties have been fulfilled.

3. Be Prepared to Get Tested at Any Time

The DOT and FMCSA have strict rules in place about drug testing frequency, and, basically, you can be subjected to such testing at any time. In addition to random test situations, you will also need to provide a negative result during the pre-hiring process, after accidents, and when reasonable suspicion is present. Further, a driver who has had a positive test will be checked again after they have been cleared to return to duty and have resumed their on-road work.

Understanding the above points will guarantee you stay safe, healthy, and honor the legal guidelines set by the DOT and FMCSA. When you need to contract with a DOT consortium, trust the professionals at the US Compliance Consortium in Phoenix, Arizona. For more than 20 years, they have been providing drug testing to clients throughout the state. Call (602) 765-2200 or visit their website to schedule a DOT test today.