Quick Answer
DOT drug testing is federally required testing for safety-sensitive transportation employees. It follows the DOT's procedures in 49 CFR Part 40 and the rules of the employer's DOT agency, such as FMCSA for commercial motor carriers. Employers order each DOT test through the SaffHire portal, the employee is tested at a Labcorp facility, and results come back through the portal.
Who Needs DOT Drug Testing
DOT testing applies to employees who perform safety-sensitive functions regulated by a DOT agency. The best-known group is commercial motor vehicle drivers who need a commercial driver's license (CDL) and fall under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Other DOT agencies cover aviation, rail, transit, pipeline and maritime workers. Your DOT agency's rules decide which employees are covered.
DOT Test Types
- Pre-employment: a covered employee must have a verified negative drug test result before first performing safety-sensitive functions.
- Random: covered employees are selected at random and tested unannounced throughout the year. The employer (or its consortium or third-party administrator) manages the random pool and selections, then orders each selected employee's test through the SaffHire portal. See random drug testing.
- Post-accident: required after certain accidents as defined by the DOT agency's rules.
- Reasonable suspicion: required when a trained supervisor observes specific signs of possible drug or alcohol use.
- Return-to-duty and follow-up: required after a violation, following the return-to-duty process. The employer orders these tests through the SaffHire portal when they are due.
How DOT Testing Differs from Non-DOT Testing
DOT-required tests must follow the federal procedures in 49 CFR Part 40, including the collection process, laboratory testing and Medical Review Officer review. The DOT panel and cutoffs are set by federal rule, and employers cannot add their own drugs to a DOT test. Point-of-collection instant tests are not used for DOT-required drug tests. Employers can still run separate non-DOT testing under their own policy for roles that are not DOT-covered.
Other DOT Screening for Drivers
Driver hiring usually combines drug and alcohol testing with other checks. SaffHire's DOT-related packages for drivers and transportation professionals include MVR checks, drug and alcohol testing, and criminal history searches. MVRs usually return in minutes; state fees may apply. Motor carriers also have their own FMCSA obligations, such as Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse queries, that the carrier is responsible for.
How Ordering Works
- Order the test for the employee or candidate in the SaffHire portal.
- The employee or candidate goes to a Labcorp facility for collection.
- Results are delivered to you through the SaffHire portal.
Why Employers Choose SaffHire
SaffHire is a Veteran-Owned company headquartered in Frisco, TX and serving employers nationwide. Packages are customized to each client's needs, the portal is available 24/7, and there are no setup fees and no minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer DOT-compliant screening for transportation companies?
Yes. We offer DOT-related background screening packages for drivers and transportation professionals, including MVR checks, drug and alcohol testing, and criminal history searches.
Can a DOT pre-employment drug test be an instant test?
No. DOT-required drug tests follow the federal procedures in 49 CFR Part 40 with laboratory testing and Medical Review Officer review. Instant result options are for non-DOT testing under an employer's own policy.
Can we use one program for DOT and non-DOT employees?
You can work with SaffHire for both, but DOT-covered employees must be tested under DOT rules and non-DOT employees under your company policy. Keep the two programs separate.
Where does DOT testing take place?
At Labcorp facilities. You order the test through the SaffHire portal, and results are delivered through the portal.