The state of Missouri is a key transportation hub for the Midwest and even the entire country. With routes across the state, trucking companies can transport goods to customers in any direction. According to data from the Missouri Trucking Association, one out of every 17 jobs in the state is in the transportation industry.
If you are one of these workers in the transportation industry in Missouri, you must follow strict federal regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), especially regarding drug testing. It’s crucial to choose a reliable company that can conduct drug testing in line with the DOT’s requirements.
At Fleet Drug Testing, we provide drug testing that adheres to the DOT’s rules. Our services cover important jobs at locations throughout Missouri, from Columbia to St. Louis to Kansas City.
Whether you’re driving on Interstate 35 or 64, our experienced team ensures accurate test results and full compliance with the DOT’s regulations throughout Missouri. If you want to know more or get started, contact us today. We’re here to keep you on the road safely.
How Does the DOT Drug Testing Program Work in Missouri?
The DOT drug testing program is a set of government rules that apply to workers in safety-sensitive jobs, like truck drivers, pilots, and train engineers in Texas. These jobs directly impact the safety of others. To get a license in Missouri or anywhere else in the country, following this program is necessary.
In terms of procedure, the DOT drug testing program works like this:
- Employers inform employees about the testing details, including when and where it will happen.
- A trained collector at the testing site takes a urine sample from the employee, making sure it’s properly labeled and sealed to prevent tampering.
- The sample is divided into two containers: the primary and split specimens. The primary one is sent to a certified laboratory for testing, while the split specimen is kept at the collection site in case of any issues.
- The primary specimen undergoes analysis at a certified lab using a test called immunoassay. If it’s positive, a more precise test called gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) confirms the result.
- A Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews the results and contacts the employee if there’s a positive result. The MRO checks if the employee is taking any prescription medications that could explain the result. If there’s a valid medical reason, the result is reported as negative.
- The MRO reports the results to the employer. If it’s positive, the employee is taken off safety-sensitive duties immediately, and the employer may need to report the positive result to the DOT.
- Employees with positive results must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and follow a program of follow-up testing. They must test negative on a return-to-duty test before resuming their safety-sensitive duties.
Testing Intervals
Specifically, the DOT drug testing program tests safety-sensitive employees at the following intervals of their employment:
- Pre-employment testing ensures that prospective employees pass a drug and alcohol test before they are hired.
- Random testing involves the random selection of employees for drug and alcohol testing. At least half of the employees must undergo drug testing, and 10% must undergo alcohol testing within a year.
- Reasonable suspicion testing is conducted when there is a valid reason to suspect that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, prompting the need for testing.
- Post-accident testing is carried out after work-related accidents resulting in death, serious injury, or property damage. Employees involved in the accident must be tested for drugs and alcohol.
- Return-to-duty testing mandates that employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol must complete substance abuse treatment and pass a test before they can resume their safety-sensitive job.
- Follow-up testing is conducted on employees who previously tested positive and returned to work. It involves regular testing to monitor their ongoing compliance with drug and alcohol policies.
The DOT drug testing checks for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP using urine or saliva samples. Certified facilities in Missouri handle these tests.
Who Does the DOT’s Drug Testing Program Apply To in Missouri?
Being the primary federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transportation system, the Department of Transportation (DOT) carries a significant obligation towards people in Missouri utilizing various forms of travel. To ensure safety, the DOT focuses on regulating specific “safety-sensitive” employees. These individuals are in roles that can affect the safe operation of commercial vehicles or the safety of passengers and others on the road, track, or air.
Examples of safety-sensitive employees encompass a range of roles, such as:
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Pilots
- Air traffic controllers
- Ship captains and crew
- Engineers
- Conductors
- Railroad workers
The ultimate objective of these requirements is to ensure that safety-sensitive employees, particularly drivers, and those operating vehicles, do not perform their duties while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To this end, the DOT exercises strict control over the testing process, making it vital for individuals involved to comprehend the intricacies of the procedures.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply with the DOT Drug Testing Program?
Not following DOT rules can harm your business, whether you manage trucks or drive your own vehicle. Not obeying the rules goes beyond driving while intoxicated; it also involves using a lab not approved by the DOT, which may make test results unreliable.
These rules are in place to keep everyone safe. If you don’t follow them, there can be serious consequences, such as:
- Non-compliance may lead to fines, contract losses, legal actions, and increased DOT scrutiny, making it challenging to obtain future permits or licenses.
- Employees who fail drug tests or violate DOT regulations may face suspension or termination, lose commercial driving privileges, and encounter difficulties securing transportation industry jobs in the future.
Stay Compliant With Fleet Drug Testing
At Fleet Drug Testing, we understand that finding a drug testing location that meets all DOT regulations can be challenging. That’s where our team comes in to assist you. Our testing programs eliminate the guesswork and provide access to certified labs all over Missouri, making the process much smoother. This not only helps you comply with DOT regulations but also keeps your business running smoothly.
Contact us today to enroll now.
