Per FMCSA, 25% of Drivers Need to be Tested
In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) required 25% of its drivers to be drug tested to comply with regulations. Previously in 2016, the rate had dropped from 50% to 25%. While this reduction means employers will have fewer costs associated with drug testing, it is essential that employers still conduct "in-house" tests to be sure that their employees are remaining compliant.
Who is required to take random testing?
If you drive a commercial vehicle, you may be required by your employer and FMCSA to submit random testing for any year. This includes full-time, part-time, or intermittent drivers. If you drive a commercial vehicle in any capacity, you need to submit to random drug and alcohol testing whenever required.
If you are a freelance commercial driver, you will need to submit your information to a consortium, randomly selecting drivers throughout the year for testing. Testing can include both drugs and alcohol. This means that even if you drink legally while off duty, if your blood alcohol level is above .04 during a random drug test, there will be consequences. If you refuse a test, there will also be consequences, so it's essential to take the test even if you know you will fail it. If you fail a test, you will be removed from active work, and you will be required to enter a DOT-approved substance abuse treatment program before you return to active duty. Once you return to work, you will at least six random drug and alcohol tests over 12 months as required by the DOT.
How is FMCSA testing handled?
The testing of drivers needs to follow a specific set of guidelines. Only a certified agency can collect the urine sample, so not just anyone can conduct the test. Once the sample is tested to see if there are metabolites in it, it will be determined if it is over the "acceptable" level. Depending on the facility, things may or may not be on lockdown. If the facility is on lockdown, they take specific measures to prevent adulteration or changes to the sample. They may turn off the water and put blue dye in any standing water to avoid watering down the sample. Once they collect the sample, they will test the temperature to make sure it is acceptable and split into two collection cups. The cups will be sealed, and you will initial both. If you refuse to comply with any part of the collection or test, you will be marked as failing.
If you take any prescription medications that would result in a positive test, you need a letter from your doctor explaining that you can still safely perform your job duties while working.
DATCO Provides FMCSA Testing
DATCO provides DOT compliance and FMCSA drug and alcohol testing throughout the United States. We would love to help your company; contact DATCO at 800-95-DATCO (32826).
