Drug testing plays a vital role in ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and compliance with regulations. Two common categories of drug testing are DOT (Department of Transportation) and non-DOT drug testing. While both serve the purpose of identifying drug use, it is essential to understand their key differences. In this article, we will delve into [...]
Drug testing is an important practice for many organizations, particularly for those in the transportation industry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific regulations regarding drug testing, which are designed to ensure the safety of both employees and the public. However, the issue of donor consent can be a complex one. What is DOT [...]
In today's compliance-driven landscape, employers operating within the transportation industry must be keenly aware of their obligations under 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382. These regulations, established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), outline strict requirements for drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive employees. Failure to adhere to [...]
When a CDL Fails a Drug Test, He Is Prohibited From Doing More Than You Think Simply put, when a CDL driver fails a drug test, he must be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions (i.e., driving CMVs) until successful completion of the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional, and a negative [...]
In a DOT drug testing program, the end of each quarter is a hectic time. This is because most of our DOT clients are regulated by the FMCSA. The FMCSA requires that each individual selected for random testing be tested in the period in which s/he is selected. At InOut Labs, we perform DOT [...]
The days when truck drivers would drive for 48 hours around the country on coffee and amphetamines should be long gone. This dangerous behavior is not only a bad choice, but also illegal. Since 1991 commercial driver license (CDL) holders have been subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing. If you are wondering whether [...]
For owner-operators, it’s critical for your business to stay in compliance with government regulations. Here’s an Owner Operator DOT compliance checklist to help you stay on top of the most common compliance requirements. 1) Drug and Alcohol Testing Owner-operators are required to participate in a Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol testing program. A [...]
As an Owner Operator, when you take on employees, your DOT FMCSA requirements change. 1) Written Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy Owner Operators do not really need to have a written substance abuse policy. Employers do. FMCSA regulation Part 382 specifically requires that employers have a written policy that is distributed to each driver. 362.601 [...]
The opioid epidemic presents serious challenges for employers. And most employers don't test for many commonly abused opioids. In 2018, the federal government added what is called "expanded opiates" to the DOT drug test panel. The expanded panel now includes many commonly prescribed pain killers and the result has been an increase in safety concern [...]
Suppose you send a driver out with a shipment to a customer, and in the meantime, their DOT drug test results return positive. According to the FMCSA, the employer is legally obliged to remove the driver from their safety-sensitive duties immediately. That means immediately. Meaning NOW. However, with your shipment already on the way, and if you [...]
