If you require DOT drug testing in El Paso and want more information, Border Trucking Compliance can help. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080 to learn more!

What is a DOT Drug Test? 

As the name indicates, a DOT drug test is a drug test administered by the Department of Transportation – an integral branch of the US government. DOT drug testing was first initiated in the early 1990s when it was discovered that there was an obvious need for more stringent drug testing among transportation professionals. The goal is to determine whether or not employees in transportation are abusing drugs or alcohol. 

Who Has to Get a DOT Drug Test? 

DOT drug testing, while administered by the government, is for more than just government employees. Anyone considered a “safety-sensitive” employee would have to take a DOT drug test at some point in their career, if not several points. Safety-sensitive employees include anyone whose job puts both them and the general public at risk should they make a mistake. 

Here are some of the most popular jobs that are considered “safety-sensitive.” 

• Working as a pilot or part of a flight crew 
• Truckers 
• Train drivers, operators, and personnel 
• Boat operators 
• Bus drivers 
• Working with a pipeline or with hazardous materials 
• The U.S. Coast Guard 
• Federal Transit Administration employees 

Contact us to find out more about how DOT drug testing works with prescription drugs and medications. 

What Kind of Drugs Show Up During DOT Drug Testing? 

DOT drug testing is a fairly comprehensive test that checks for many drugs in your system, including the following. 

• Alcohol 
• Marijuana 
• Cocaine 
• Opioids 
• Amphetamines 
• Phencyclidine 
• Many more 

A DOT drug test will catch all illegal drugs and even some legal ones. Essentially, if you’re taking a substance that impairs your judgment in any way, the DOT drug test will catch it. 

What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test? 

The Department of Transportation will inform your employer if you fail your DOT drug test. They will then be forced to remove you from your job posting. In addition to losing your job, there may be additional consequences for failing a DOT drug test. 

• Losing your license 
• Losing your certification 
• Fines 

These additional punishments will depend on both the DOT and your employer. 

Can Anyone Get Drug Tested? 

According to the DOT guidelines, nobody is exempt from a random drug test. However, in addition to random DOT drug testing, there are a few additional scenarios where drug tests are likely. 

• You’re returning to work after time off 
• You were just involved in an accident 
• You have a follow-up drug test 
• You have done something to arouse suspicion from the DOT 

Who to Contact for All Your DOT Drug Testing and Compliance Needs

If you need a DOT drug test administered or want to ensure you’re fully prepared for an upcoming test, contact us at Border Trucking Compliance in El Paso. We will work with you and your team to ensure you’re DOT drug testing compliant and ready for one at any moment. Contact us online or call (915) 838-1080  to set up an appointment and learn more about the DOT drug testing process. 

Here’s what you need to know about DOT testing and why it’s so important. 

If your trucking company needs help staying in compliance with regulations, call Border Trucking Compliance for guidance. 

What is DOT Testing? 

The Department of Transportation was created in 1966. This government entity was established by Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The mission of the Department of Transportation is to develop policies that relate to the country’s transportation system. Their main responsibilities include developing safety regulations and overseeing federal transportation projects. The DOT updates compliance standards every so often as situations and circumstances change in the industry

Each state also has its department of transportation. These entities are at the center of the planning, design, and construction of state projects. State DOTs are responsible for allocating federal resources from grants and other Federal-aid programs. 

Both of these entities work together to determine various kinds of regulations and requirements.  Based on recommendations and regulations of both of these departments, private trucking companies implement DOT testing. Many companies can also implement additional testing if they so choose. 

Why Does DOT Require Testing? 

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed by Congress. The Act was a result of several transportation accidents. Authorities recognized that having drug and alcohol-free employees in the transportation sector was vital. This law required the various DOT agencies and state agencies to submit testing. This included workers in the aviation and trucking industries as well as school bus drivers, van, or limousine drivers. 

Workers across these industries are required to test: 

• Federal Aviation Administration: Flight crews, attendants, dispatchers, and security coordinators. 
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Workers with a commercial drivers license who operate commercial vehicles, or vehicles that hold more than 16 passengers.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Crew members in the U.S. coast guard. 
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: Operators and maintenance workers.
• Federal Railroad Administration: Train workers, train dispatches, etc. 
• Federal Transit Administration: Workers involved in vehicle operations, control, mechanics, and security. 

What Should You Expect From DOT Drug Testing?

DOT requires that drivers with a CDL get tested when starting new employment and then once a year. Here’s what you should know about what to expect from these drug tests. 

• Before employment. If you are about to start driving with a new company, you will be required to submit a drug test. 
• Throughout the year. Truck carriers or companies will usually be required to test their staff randomly once a year. Random drug tests are an important part of the DOT regulations. 
• Following an accident. If an accident occurs, truck companies are required to perform a drug test as well. DOT requirements might enforce an automatic drug test if a driver gets into an accident or has trouble on the road. It depends on the situation. Many companies, however, will have the driver submit a drug test automatically for insurance purposes. 
• Follow-up testing. When a driver returns to duty after time off, they will be required to submit follow-up testing, often allied return-to-duty testing. If a driver previously tested positive and is attempting to return to work, the procedures will be a little different.

What Does the DOT Drug Test Look For? 

The drug test administered by DOT requirements is a 5-panel urine test. This 5-panel test is the absolute minimum required to be compliant with DOT standards but companies can include additional testing. The common test looks for traces of: 

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA)
• Opioids
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Heroin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone 
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

What Happens if You Fail a DOT Drug Test? 

When a driver fails a DOT drug test, the Department of Transportation requires companies to remove the employee from performing any job considered a DOT safety-sensitive job. 

Some prescription drugs cause a false positive. If a driver tests positive and they consider it is due to prescription drugs, they will likely have to test again and then show proof of their prescriptions. 

Why Are These Tests So Important? 

The U.S. Department of Transportation and other state DOTs consider driver testing a top priority. Drug testing is essential to maintain safety for the driver and other motorists on the road. By aiming to eliminate the use of debilitating substances in commercial drivers, DOT aims to minimize accidents. While the U.S. Department of Transportation has its own requirements for drug testing, private companies can implement additional testing as well. 

Learn More About DOT Testing Requirements 

At Border Trucking Compliance, we specialize in helping trucking companies ensure their compliance with federal and state regulations. We provide comprehensive compliance services to ensure that companies don’t run into legal trouble by failing to follow directives on drug testing and other requirements. 

Want to learn more about how we help trucking companies? Call Border Trucking Compliance today. 

The TxDot Story Begins in the Capitol Building with a Few Roads 

The Department has deep roots in the state’s history and development. The state’s growth and powerful economy require that an effective road and highway system keep things moving. With a population of 29 million people, mobility and ease of access are necessary. 

The earliest version of the Texas Department of Transportation emerged in 1917, known as the Texas Highway Department.  Early responsibilities of the Texas Highway Department were to register drivers and oversee the construction of roads and highways.

 In October of 1918, something important happened that would not only define the direction the state would go but set the groundwork for an expansive and ever-growing powerhouse state. 

The First Official Highway Project in the Lone Star State

The thousands of miles that interconnect the state today had to begin somewhere, and they began between Falfurrias and Encino. Today, Falfurrias is a town of about 5,000 people and Encino has a whopping population of 60 people. Yes, it was these two small Texas towns that about 100 years ago marked the beginning of a thousand miles interstate system. 

The early concern for TxDot was making connections between farms and ranches to the markets and other locals. That mission remains relatively the same, only it’s gotten a little more complicated. TxDot is still concerned about making connections, but today its mission is navigating the continuous expansion, increased population, and the very busy highways that exist within it. 

TxDot’s Role in the State Highways and Transportation of Goods 

The agency’s role in the upkeep and function of Texas roads extends far beyond paving a few highway miles. In cooperation with other local and regional entities, TxDot is responsible for:

• Planning and designing the states transportation system
• Building, operating and maintaining that transportation system
• It conducts transportation research to improve quality and save lives
• Bridge construction
• Maintenance of roadways, bridges, and airports 
• Ferry systems
• Vehicle titles and registration
• Traffic safety
• Regulation and oversight of the trucking industry 

4 Fascinating Facts About Texas Highways and Roads 

As if the fact that Texas has the most highway miles of any state in the Union (yes including California) wasn’t enough. Here are a couple of fun Texas highway facts: 

#1 Texas has the highest speed limit in the country. In a 41-mile stretch of Highway 130 from Austin to Seguin motorists can enjoy the highest speed limit in all of the United States. This piece of highway allows 85 miles per hour and opened in 2012. It opened up an easy access gateway between Austin and San Antonio, calming areas of heavy traffic between the two cities and congestion in Interstate 35. 

#2  Texas has 55,000 bridges that carry vehicular traffic. There’s a lot of ground to cover in the Lone Star State. Sometimes that requires a bridge. Out of the 55,000 bridges that see traffic, 36,000 are on the state system. 

#3 TxDot has 80,455 centerline miles under its jurisdiction. Centerline miles refer to miles traveled in one direction, independent of how many lanes there are in a roadway. Out of these, there are 40,846 farm-to-market roads, 16,380 state highways, and 3,459 interstate highways.  

#4 Texas is top of its game in providing important crash information. Texas has implemented a Crash Records Information System. This system provides Texas drivers and the public immediate information on individual crash reports. Texas residents and the public at large can purchase redacted copies of these reports.

TxDot and the Trucking Industry

TxDot is also highly involved with the trucking industry in Texas, which is responsible for carrying goods across the state. Along with the Texas DMV, TxDot has in place compliance regulations to ensure the safety and proper training of drivers. 

Need to Stay in Compliance in the State of Texas 

Here at Border Trucking Compliance, we work closely with the trucking industry to ensure that they are in compliance with state and federal regulations. Depending on the kind of cargo you carry, the size of your fleet, you are dealing with varying regulations and specifications.  From DOT testing, permits,  or other title and registration issues, our team of experts can guide you through any trucking questions. 

Need to transport goods across state lines? Call us today and learn how we can help. 

Driving a commercial vehicle is a big responsibility. It is also a job with many physical demands. It not only involves heavy-duty and large vehicles but going across state lines and sometimes transporting delicate cargo. The trucking industry has come a long way in ensuring safety, training, and efficiency of driving. The federal and state governments created compliance standards to ensure that all trucking companies follow similar rules that help protect drivers, consumers, and other motorists. 

The Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for creating many of these regulations, and it is on the trucking companies to ensure that they are following these rules. A central component to compliance is the health and safety of the drivers. That often begins by ensuring drivers are physically apt to handle these large commercial vehicles. As your trucking compliance consultation company, we guide companies to achieving compliance and ensuring complete efficiency. 

Quick Review: What is Trucking Compliance? 

Trucking companies that transport goods across state lines and international borders need to comply with federal and state regulations. Like any other industry, the trucking industry is always changing and being affected by new understanding, technology, advancements, and awareness of new information and policies. For up-and-coming trucking companies, navigating the convoluted world of federal guidelines is tough. Using a third party to help you understand the regulations that apply to you and your particular business model, vehicles, etc., ensures that you stay within the law and maintain productivity in your operation. 

Staying within the law means several advantages for your company and operations including: 

• Saved time: When you are confident about your operations and are fully aware of all laws that apply to you, your company saves time. 
• Avoid fines: Non-compliance can mean hefty fines for your trucking company. When you understand regulations from the start, you avoid fines and can make better use of your resources. 
• Have peace of mind from honest assessments. When working with a trucking compliance company, you will get honest assessments about adjustments or changes your company might have to make. 

DOT Drug Tests: What You Need to Know 

Many professions and jobs require regular drug testing. This is the case with anyone that is interested in driving a commercial vehicle. The U.S. Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed in the early 90s, as Congress recognized the need to ensure a drug and alcohol-free work environment in certain professions. This bill passed after several transportation accidents that drew attention to the matter. DOT is involved in testing people in transportation such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, certain limo drivers, railroads, mass transit, and pipeline industries. 

The DOT drug test will check for: 

• Marijuana metabolites/THC
• Cocaine metabolites
• Amphetamines 
• Opioids
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

When it comes to alcohol, the tests look for .02 concentration and greater. 

In addition to DOT testing, the federal government does not prohibit or stop companies from instituting their own company drug policy and testing regimen. Employes can choose to test for other drugs. 

DOT Physicals: What You Need to Know

Driving commercial vehicles can be physically demanding. The misconception is that driving a truck does not constitute a very physical job. Yet, anyone that has taken a long road trip understands that the body takes a toll from being on the highway for so long. Driving a commercial vehicle doesn’t just entail driving either, it requires the ability to secure loads, make inspections, etc. This means that the Department of Transportation wants to ensure that all drivers on the road are able to perform the necessary tasks for the job. 

For a DOT physical, the examining physicians will: 

• Determine if a person is qualified to drive. This means if a medical condition is found, that condition will be assessed as to whether it will interfere with the main duties of the job. 
• There may be a temporary disqualification if a condition is found. 
• There might be a need for an exemption. DOT has determined certain conditions that disqualify drivers. These might include medical conditions such as hypertension, respiratory dysfunction, diabetes, vision impairment, epilepsy, and other mental disorders. If a driver has any of these conditions, they will have to apply for exemption and see if it is accepted. 

 Want to Ensure Full Compliance of Your Trucking Company? 

Don’t waste time and money on fines or non-compliance complaints. Don’t risk your employees or your company name. Ensure that your truck company is following the guidelines and regulations. This can be a hassle and involve sifting through a lot of information.  Border Trucking Compliance has been helping local trucking companies with compliance for many years. Working in the Southwest region, we know the difficulties of inter-state and international travel. 

Are you starting a trucking company or want to ensure you are in compliance with DOT regulations? Call us today for a trucking compliance consultation.