The larger groups created by consortiums ensure appropriate testing rates

Employers and owner-operators who participate in a consortium can take the guesswork out of DOT random drug testing rules by virtue of the larger group size and expertise of a certified third-party administrator (C-TPA).

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium (WDTC) is an accredited C-TPA that works with employers to be complaint with employer-based testing as it relates to DOT random drug testing rules. Employers are ultimately responsible for ensuring they are in compliance, regardless of any third parties they utilize to administer parts of the program.

DOT random drug testing rules state that employers who join a consortium such as WDTC meet the required percentage of randomly tested drivers as long as their C-TPA is testing at the appropriate rates. This holds true even if the number of the employer’s drivers actually tested falls below the threshold that would exist if they were not part of the consortium.

Registration is open for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a new database established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is open for registration prior to its operational opening date of January 6, 2020.

Authorized users are required to request access to the Clearinghouse from FMCSA by registering this fall at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/. The Clearinghouse database will provide FMCSA and employers the information they need to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads based on DOT drug and alcohol program violations.

The website includes information about query plans and frequently asked questions with regard to the Clearinghouse and truck driver drug testing information. Links to FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program resources such as DOT random drug testing rules also are available on the site.

Employers and drivers should not unsubscribe from emails pertaining to DOT random drug testing rules, DOT regulations or the Clearinghouse.

About Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium is an accredited, Certified Third Party Administrator (C-TPA), and specializes in consortium management; a variety of drug testing methods, including urine, hair and fingernails; post-accident testing; pre-employment drug tests; criminal background checks; supervisor training programs to keep employees compliant with DOT regulations; pre-employment DOT physicals; and paternity DNA testing. Headquartered in Green Bay, WDTC also has offices in Oshkosh, Appleton, Fond du Lac and Madison, Wisconsin. Call 888-784-8842 or visit www.widrugtesting.com for more information.

View original article on DOT random drug testing rules here.