DOT Drug Testing Services to Keep Your Business Compliant
If your business operates in a safety-sensitive industry regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), compliance isn’t optional—it’s critical. At Patriot Safety and Services, we provide comprehensive DOT drug testing solutions that help you meet federal regulations, reduce liability, and maintain a safe working environment.
We proudly serve employers across the transportation, aviation, pipeline, and railroad industries with fully compliant and expertly managed drug testing programs.
What Is DOT Drug Testing?
DOT drug testing refers to federally mandated testing for employees in safety-sensitive roles, such as commercial truck drivers, pilots, railroad workers, and pipeline operators. The testing is regulated by the DOT and governed by 49 CFR Part 40, which outlines how drug and alcohol testing must be conducted.
DOT drug testing is designed to detect the use of illegal substances and ensure that employees are fit to perform duties where impairment could lead to serious safety hazards.
Who Is Required to Take a DOT Drug Test?
DOT drug testing applies to employees under the following federal agencies:
- FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) – Truck and bus drivers
- FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) – Flight crews and ground service personnel
- PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) – Pipeline operators
- FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) – Train operators and signal workers
- FTA (Federal Transit Administration) – Transit employees
- USCG (United States Coast Guard) – Maritime workers
If you operate in any of these sectors, it is your responsibility to implement a compliant drug testing program.
When Is DOT Drug Testing Required?
We help you stay on track by providing testing for all required scenarios:
- Pre-Employment Drug Testing: Before an employee performs any DOT-covered safety-sensitive duties, they must undergo a drug test and receive a negative result.
- Random Drug Testing: Employees are randomly selected throughout the year for unannounced drug and alcohol testing.
- Post-Accident Testing: Testing must be performed after specific accidents or incidents to determine whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.
- Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Supervisors who have been trained to identify signs of drug or alcohol use may require a test based on observed behavior.
- Return-to-Duty Testing: After a violation, an employee must complete a return-to-duty process which includes drug testing and a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation.
- Follow-Up Testing: Ongoing testing is required for employees returning from a violation to ensure continued compliance.
Our DOT Drug Testing Process
We make compliance simple. Our streamlined process ensures quick, professional, and federally compliant drug testing:
- Program Setup: We help you register your company and enroll employees in a DOT-compliant testing consortium if needed.
- Specimen Collection: All samples are collected by certified technicians in accordance with DOT guidelines.
- Lab Testing: Samples are tested at a SAMHSA-certified laboratory to ensure accuracy and integrity.
- Medical Review Officer (MRO): A licensed MRO reviews the results and confirms any positive findings.
- Record Keeping: We handle documentation and reporting to help you stay compliant during audits or inspections.
Why Choose Patriot Safety and Services for DOT Drug Testing?
We understand that DOT compliance is complex and time-sensitive. That’s why we offer:
✅ Nationwide Testing Network: Access to hundreds of testing locations across the U.S.
✅ Certified Labs & Collectors: All tests are processed through SAMHSA-certified labs with strict chain-of-custody protocols.
✅ 24/7 Availability: On-site or mobile testing available for post-accident or emergency situations.
✅ Audit-Ready Recordkeeping: Detailed documentation to support audits and compliance reviews.
✅ Fast Turnaround Times: Rapid results so you can make informed decisions quickly.
✅ DOT Consortium Services: For small businesses or owner-operators, we offer DOT consortium enrollment and management.
Benefits of a DOT-Compliant Testing Program
Implementing a robust DOT drug testing program with us means:
✅ Safer roads and worksites
✅ Reduced risk of regulatory fines
✅ Higher employee accountability
✅ Streamlined operations with professional support
✅ Peace of mind knowing you’re 100% compliant
Industries We Serve
- Commercial Trucking & Freight Companies
- Bus & Transit Operators
- Airlines and Aviation Service Providers
- Railroads and Railroad Contractors
- Oil & Gas and Pipeline Companies
- Marine and Port Services
Whether you’re a large fleet operator or a single-driver business, we can tailor a program that fits your needs.
FAQs About DOT Drug Testing
Q1: What substances are tested in a DOT drug test?
DOT tests screen for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP using a 5-panel urine test.
Q2: How often are random tests required?
Each agency sets annual random testing rates. For FMCSA, it’s 50% of drivers for drugs and 10% for alcohol annually.
Q3: What happens if an employee tests positive?
The employee must be removed from safety-sensitive duties and go through the return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
Q4: Can I manage DOT compliance in-house?
Yes, but many companies prefer working with a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) like us to handle testing, paperwork, and consortium enrollment.
Get DOT Drug Testing You Can Trust
Don’t risk non-compliance or safety failures. At Patriot Safety and Services, we make DOT drug testing simple, fast, and 100% compliant.
📧 Contact us online to get a quote or join our DOT consortium.