A DOT physical is an all-encompassing medical check mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver. This assessment is crucial to verify that professional drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to operate large vehicles safely on public roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, passing this exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate (also known as a DOT medical card), required to keep a valid CDL license in accordance with FMCSA regulations. If another DOT agency regulates you and you need help finding out which DOT physical you require, please call 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.
The FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, requires all employers under 49 CFR 382.305 to sustain a compliant random testing program. This applies to organizations like owner-operators who must join a consortium with at least two covered individuals. In the state of Houston, TX, this ensures transportation safety and regulatory compliance.
USCG: United States Coast Guard
As part of the US Department of Homeland Security, marine employers in Houston, TX and elsewhere are required, under 46 CFR Part 16.230, to conduct random drug testing for their safety-sensitive crewmembers. The program consists of:
FAA: Oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration
Companies under the jurisdiction of 14 CFR Part 120 are mandated to involve all individuals in safety-sensitive roles within their drug and alcohol testing programs. Houston, TX is committed to enforcing these aviation standards diligently.
Railroads operating in compliance with the FRA are mandated to create and follow an approved random testing plan, as specified under 49 CFR 219.601-219.609. This requirement includes rail operations within Houston, TX, ensuring the safety of both freight and passenger train movements.
| Employee Category | Drugs | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Service | 25% | 10% |
| Maintenance of Way / Roadway Workers | 25% | 10% |
| Mechanical | 50% | 25% |
Employers governed by 49 CFR Part 655 are obligated to utilize scientifically valid selection methods for testing. This ensures a higher level of safety and compliance, notably impacting public transportation systems in locations such as Houston, TX.
Operators, particularly those in Houston, TX, 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 is a DOT Consortium (C/TPA) and who needs it?
A consortium C/TPA functions as a service agent managing all or a portion of an employer's drug and alcohol testing program, including the formation of random testing pools and tasks aligning with compliance under 49 CFR part 40.
Are random testing percentages always the same or do they change?
DOT random testing percentages can vary yearly as they are influenced by the positivity rate. Nonetheless, all DOT random testing expenses in our consortium are all-inclusive, regardless of the rate.
What happens when I am selected for a random test?
ADT will inform either the company's DER or the Owner Operator by email or phone, giving details of the closest test location and related instructions. Upon receiving notification, the chosen employee must proceed to the testing site immediately.
What drugs are tested on a DOT drug test?
A DOT drug test includes a DOT 5-panel urine test and a DOT breath alcohol test. It's crucial that all tests occur using a Federal CCF and Federal Alcohol Testing Form.
Can you help during a DOT audit or inspection?
Yes, ADT is capable of organizing essential documentation like pre-employment tests, proof of inclusion in the random pool, supervisor training certificates, DOT policy frameworks, and MIS reports.
How often can I update my employee pool?
Employee roster updates can be confirmed on a quarterly basis. Employers are permitted to add or remove employees covered at any moment in advance of selection dates.
Enter your zip code to find nearby test centers
