DOT Agencies
As a result of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, six DOT Agencies established drug and alcohol testing regulations that would encourage safer transportation for buses, trucks, planes, and many other large vehicles. It’s important to understand each agency and its influence on this changing regulatory landscape.
Agency List
The list below covers the main DOT-testing agencies along with the safety-sensitive duties related to each field mentioned in the table above:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Regulates the trucking industry in the United States, aiming to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The employees who must perform DOT testing are those who possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the nation and over its surrounding international waters, including air traffic management, the certification of personnel and aircraft, and the protection of American assets during the launch or reentry of commercial space vehicles. Individuals who must undergo DOT testing are flight crew members, flight attendants, flight instructors; air traffic controllers at facilities not operated by the FAA or under contract to the U.S. military; aircraft dispatchers; aircraft maintenance, or preventative maintenance personnel; ground security coordinators and aviation screeners.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations, administers railroad assistance programs, conducts research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policies, provides for the rehabilitation of Northeast Corridor rail passenger service, and consolidates government support of rail transportation activities. Individuals who perform duties subject to the Hours of Service laws; such as, locomotive engineers, trainmen, conductors, switchmen, locomotive hostlers/helpers, utility employees, signalmen, operators, and train dispatchers.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Provides financial and tech assistance to local public transportation systems. Operators of revenue service vehicles, CDL-holding operators of non-revenue service vehicles, vehicle controllers, revenue service vehicle mechanics, firearm-carrying security personnel must be DOT-tested according to the regulations.
Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
Is responsible for developing and enforcing regulations for the safe, reliable, and environmentally-sound operation of the U.S.’ 2.6-million-mile pipeline transportation. Individuals who perform operations, maintenance, or emergency response function on a pipeline or LNG facility regulated under part 192, 193, or 195 must perform DOT testing regularly.
U.S. Coast Guard Department of Homeland Security (USCG)
Is the coastal defense, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement branch of the Armed Forces. Crewmembers operating a commercial vessel must undertake DOT-tests regularly.
If you need a reliable drug testing partner, Test Smartly Labs can help.
Information On This Topic
Understanding Drug Testing Types, Methods and Specimen Collection
Examining the wide assortment of drug testing options available and exploring the potential pros and cons of each method
There are several reasons or circumstances that can lead to the necessity of a drug test.
Why do businesses need Random Drug Tests
Do you remember the last time you applied for a new job? Or perhaps you are a hiring manager at the business who has accepted many applications and interviewed potential hires. One common part of the hiring process is the pre-employment drug test. No matter what side of the process you are on, this drug test is designed to ensure that the company ends up with the best employees possible who will be able to perform their duties safely and successfully.
Prescription Drug Abuse Signs, Symptoms and Statistics
Prescription drug abuse implies taking prescription medication was not given to you by the doctor, or taking your prescription medication in a manner that differs from the instructions. While taking prescription medication is not perceived as equivalent to taking illegal street drugs, the consequences can be equally harsh
For more information about each of these agencies, please feel free to visit their websites:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin (FMCSA)
Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
United States Coast Guard (USCG), Now With the Dept. of Homeland Security
Be prepared for your drug test!
- Bring your Government Issued Picture ID
- Bring Drug Test Paperwork or Authorization
- Complete TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure
- Pay for your test on site
- Make sure you are hydrated if you are performing a Urine Test
- Expect to have your nail polish removed if getting a Nail Drug Test
- We do not need your prescription information but a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may contact you after collection to verify your medications.
- For urine testing, plan on arriving 3 hours before we close (1 hr minimum) to provide a cushion of time for a shy bladder situation.
- For hair testing, be sure to dry your hair completely before arriving.
- For nail testing, be sure to clean your nails with soap and water before arriving. Also, artificial nails and polish must be removed.
What Are Your Hours?
- All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am - 5pm
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
- No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
- No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
- Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
- Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
Our Popular Products
DOT (Dept of Transportation) Drug Test Panel
Price: $69 / Online Prepay Price: $67 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
DOT US Coast Guard (USCG) Drug Test Panel
Price: $89 / Online Prepay Price: $87 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
DOT (Dept of Transportation) Breath Alcohol Test
Price: $45 / Online Prepay Price: $39 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
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