DOT Drug Testing
My Driver Tested Positive and Requested a Split Specimen Retest. Now What?
TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYER COMPLIANCE SERIESYou’ve received a verified positive result from your MRO. Before you could take next steps, your driver contacted the MRO and requested that the split specimen — Bottle B — be sent to a second laboratory for retesting. Now you’re waiting, and you’re not sure what happens next, what you’re required to…
Read MoreDrug Test Detection Window Basics for Transportation Employers
DOT drug testing only works when drivers show up to collect — and the narrow detection windows for most controlled substances make timing everything. Understanding Detection Windows A detection window is the period of time after drug use during which a test can produce a positive result. Detection windows vary by substance, by specimen type…
Read MoreMy Driver Got Into an Accident—When Do I Need a DOT Post-Accident Test?
When you get the call that one of your drivers has been in an accident, the immediate questions flood in: Is everyone okay? What’s the damage? And for DOT compliance purposes: Do I need to drug and alcohol test? Post-accident testing requirements are clear—but time-sensitive. Here’s exactly when you need to test. The Two-Part Test…
Read MoreMy Driver Keeps Getting Selected for Random Testing—What Do I Tell Them?
You’ve probably heard it before: “Why am I always getting tested? This can’t be random!” It’s one of the most common complaints from drivers, and it can be frustrating for everyone involved. Your driver feels singled out, and you’re stuck trying to explain why they seem to get picked more often than others. Here’s what…
Read MoreMy Driver Tested Positive on a Pre-Employment Drug Test—What Do I Do?
You’ve got a candidate who seemed perfect for the job. The interview went well, the driving record looked good, and you were ready to bring them on board. Then the pre-employment drug test comes back positive. Now what? The Simple Answer Don’t hire them for a safety-sensitive position. That’s it. A positive pre-employment drug test…
Read MoreIs Your TPA Making DOT Compliance Harder Than It Needs to Be?
If you’re a trucking company owner or safety manager, you know that maintaining DOT compliance isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your operation. But here’s a question: is your Third Party Administrator (TPA) actually making your life easier, or are you spending more time managing your TPA than they’re spending managing your compliance? If you’ve found…
Read MoreWhen Do I Have to Remove a Driver from My DOT Driver List?
If you manage a DOT drug and alcohol testing program, you’ve probably asked this question: When exactly am I required to remove a driver from my random testing pool? It’s a common point of confusion, but the answer is straightforward once you understand the rules. The Bottom Line You must remove a driver from your…
Read MoreWhat is DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing?
A DOT drug test is a drug test that is administered under the authority of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Those who work jobs as a “safety-sensitive” employee – basically, anyone whose position includes tasks that could put the safety of workers or passengers at risk if not performed correctly – are subject to DOT…
Read MoreDrug Testing and Prescription Drugs in Family Court
How do we determine if a positive drug test is the result of a valid prescription for drugs or illicit use? The Department of Transportation describes the role of the Medial Review officer as such: A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a person who is a licensed physician and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results…
Read MoreWhat Happens If You Fail a DOT Drug Test?
We get this question from both employers and drivers: What happens if you fail a DOT drug test? What if it happens to your best driver? Failure of, or refusal to take a DOT drug test means immediate removal from all safety sensitive duties. In order to continue driving, the employee must go through the…
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