A DOT physical is a thorough medical assessment mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). This examination ensures that those driving large vehicles on public routes are fit physically, mentally, and emotionally. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing the exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate (Medical Examiners Certificate, also known as a DOT medical card), necessary for maintaining a valid CDL license according to FMCSA guidelines. If you're overseen by a different DOT agency and require help determining the specific DOT physical needed, contact us at 800-221-4291.
Owner Operators- DOT requires all owner-operators to enroll in a consortium so they are included in a compliant random testing pool because they cannot randomly test themselves.
Small Employers-Some smaller companies may not have enough drivers or safety-sensitive employees to maintain their own statistically valid random pool. Therefore, by joining a consortium, they are combined with other companies to form a large pool that meets DOT testing requirements.
Large Employers-Larger fleets may manage their own random pool but often use a consortium/TPA to outsource the process, reduce administrative burden, and ensure strict compliance.
How Our DOT Consortium Works
Step 1: Enroll: Select a 1, 2, or 3 year membership and receive your Certificate of Compliance by email. Quarterly Selections: We process our consortiums using a scientifically valid, computer-generated random draws each quarter.Immediate Notifications: If selected, your DER receives email & phone notice with selection instructions.
Testing & Results: Visit the assigned testing center. ADT will manage CCFs, lab processing, and reporting.
MIS Reporting: Year-end and on-demand MIS reports included.
Included With Membership
Percentages are set by each DOT agency and may change.
FMCSA: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
In accordance with 49 CFR 382.305, employers, and particularly owner-operators involved in motor carriage, must retain compliant random testing programs. A consortium pool of at least two covered employees is mandatory. While structuring these programs, operators in the Chattanooga, TN must ensure adherence to both federal and local mandates.
USCG - United States Coast Guard under the watch of homeland security in Chattanooga, TN, mandates marine employers per 46 CFR Part 16.230, to execute random drug testing for safety-sensitive crewmembers, reinforcing the commitment to maritime safety.
FAA: Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) mandates that railroads establish and implement a random testing plan, approved under the guidelines set forth in 49 CFR 219.601-219.609. This regulatory requirement ensures that safety standards are uniformly met across the industry, with particular adherence needed for railroad operations within the Chattanooga, TN, where rail transit plays a critical role in daily transportation.
| Employee Category | Drugs | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Service | 25% | 10% |
| Maintenance of Way / Roadway Workers | 25% | 10% |
| Mechanical | 50% | 25% |
Employers throughout Chattanooga, TN, governed by 49 CFR Part 655, are required to employ a scientifically valid method for the selection of individuals in random testing pools, ensuring impartiality and compliance.
Operators, particularly those in Chattanooga, TN, governed by Parts 192, 193, or 195 must conduct employee testing in line with 49 CFR Part 199. This requirement helps protect public safety by maintaining rigorous testing standards for hazardous material handlers.
Joining our DOT consortium is the fastest way to achieve immediate compliance. We provide the Certificate of Compliance, random selections, MIS reports and testing coordination.
ENROLL TODAYNeed more tests? Additional DOT drug tests can be added at a discount.
Enroll Today! (800) 221-4291Immediate compliance for DOT random testing. Perfect for owner-operators and employers of any size.
Failing to comply with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements can result in severe consequences for both employers and drivers, including:
What defines a DOT Consortium (C/TPA) and its necessity?
This refers to a service agent responsible for overseeing portions or the entirety of an employer's drug and alcohol testing program according to 49 CFR part 40, managing random testing pools and compliance duties.
Do random testing percentages remain constant or vary?
DOT random testing percentages may fluctuate based on positivity rates yearly, but within our consortium, all fees for such tests remain covered, regardless of rate changes.
What is the procedure when selected for a random test?
ADT will inform the Designated Employer Representative (DER) or Owner Operator with details of the nearest testing facility via email/phone. The employee needs to proceed to the test site immediately upon notification.
Which substances are evaluated in a DOT drug test?
A DOT drug test typically includes a DOT 5-panel urine screening alongside a DOT breath alcohol test, ensuring that tests are on a Federal CCF and Federal Alcohol Testing Form.
Is assistance available during a DOT audit or inspection?
Indeed, ADT offers aid in organizing essential documents, including pre-employment testing records, proof of random pool participation, supervisor training certificates, DOT policy development, and MIS reports.
Frequency for updating employee pools?
Employee rosters can be updated each quarter, but employers can add/remove covered employees anytime before the selection dates.
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