Every trucking company and fleet manager in the industry needs to comply with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This is a nationwide database that tracks violations of DOT drug and alcohol testing programs. Owners and operators are required to designate a C/TPA, such as NW Testing, to manage their Clearinghouse requirements.
For transportation companies, compliance with Clearinghouse requirements protects your business, your drivers, and those they share the road with. Employers must check the database before hiring new employees and annually for existing employees. They must also report any violations or refusals to test. Failure to do so can cause significant penalties and even lead to your operations being shut down.
How Clearinghouse Services Streamline Compliance
One of the greatest difficulties in dealing with Clearinghouse compliance is ensuring that all testing follows the proper procedures and protocols. Working with a knowledgeable DOT testing provider removes this difficulty.
At NW Testing, we have the type of deep knowledge of DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements to ensure your company remains compliant. Our comprehensive DOT testing services include:
- Pre-employment screenings that meet federal requirements for new hires
- Random testing programs that satisfy DOT mandates and help maintain ongoing compliance
- Post-accident testing when required by DOT regulations
- Return-to-duty testing for employees completing the violation resolution process
We test for all five drug categories mandated by the DOT:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates (opium and codeine derivatives)
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
All testing is conducted using DOT-approved collection procedures and follows a strict chain of custody protocol to provide accurate, legally defensible results.
How We Help Prevent Penalties
The penalties for failing to comply with DOT testing procedures can be extensive. Busy fleet managers can easily overlook one of the requirements, resulting in:
- Fines up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance with Clearinghouse requirements
- Out-of-service orders that can shut down operations immediately
- License suspension or revocation affecting your ability to operate
- Increased insurance costs and potential liability issues
These consequences can have a profound impact on your business reputation and bottom line, making proactive compliance a wise decision.
Our services help you avoid these potentially business-destroying consequences by ensuring that your testing programs meet every federal requirement. Below are some of the ways we help you stay compliant with the various DOT testing mandates:
- Keeping up to date with DOT regulations
- Helping you understand what's required for your specific business
- Following all necessary protocols to meet DOT standards
- Providing guidance on test timing requirements
How We Simplify Record-Keeping
Following the proper testing procedures is only useful if you can prove you've done so. Compliance with DOT regulations requires careful record-keeping. Working with a professional testing provider who has experience with DOT testing ensures that the testing portion of your compliance program is properly documented. Our comprehensive testing documentation includes:
- Detailed test results with proper chain of custody documentation
- DOT-compliant testing procedures that follow all federal protocols
- Proper result reporting that meets documentation requirements for your files
- Audit-ready documentation that will stand up to regulatory scrutiny
Contact Us at NW Testing Drug Screens & Physicals to Learn More About Our Drug & Alcohol Testing Services
Staying compliant with DOT testing requirements doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right testing partner, the hard work is done for you. NW Testing Drug Screens and Physicals provides complete DOT drug and alcohol testing services that help transportation companies of all sizes meet federal requirements.
Our team of DOT experts is deeply knowledgeable about what the law requires and can help you navigate what those requirements are. To support your compliance efforts, we offer walk-in appointments for drug screening, random testing program management, and DOT consortium services.
Contact us today to learn more about how our DOT testing services can fit into your compliance program.
Image Source: Light Stock / Shutterstock
Ready to order a test?
Fill out the corresponding form to request a test today.
