Pre Employment Drug Testing

The estimated cost of drug abuse in the United States—including illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco—is more than $740 billion a year and growing, according to data reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).  Pre-employment drug testing is not only required by the Department of Transportation, it’s also an effective way to keep your company safe by discouraging regular drug users from applying and catching drug-related problems before they become dangerous or financially damaging.

Does DOT Require Pre-Employment Drug Testing?

Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulation Part 382, Section 382.301(a) states: “Prior to the first time a driver performs safety-sensitive functions for an employer, the driver shall undergo testing for controlled substances […].” Hiring a driver who has failed to pass a pre-employment drug screening is a violation of DOT Regulations and may result in fines, suspensions, or an indefinite termination of company activity.

Who Must Take a Pre-Employment Drug Test?

Prospective transportation company employees (including self-employed owner operators) are required to undergo pre-employment drug testing if:

• The driver is new to the transportation industry
• More than 30 days has passed since the driver participated in a drug and alcohol testing program
• The driver has been enrolled in a program less than 12 months and has not tested within the past six months

DOT-Required 5 Panel Drug Tests

Though employers may elect to conduct a more comprehensive 10-panel drug test, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a 5-panel pre-employment drug test.

Pre-Employment Drug Test Collection Process

DOT pre-employment drug tests are conducted using urine specimens only, and job applicants must report to one of Taylor Made Testing Service’s 10,000+ drug testing facilities to ensure tests are accurate and DOT compliant. Once a sample has been collected and analyzed, our licensed Medical Review Officer will review the results and interview the applicant if necessary. Pre-employment drug test applicants are required to:

• Possess Legal Photo Identification at the Time of Testing
• Bring All Necessary Paperwork to the Testing Facility
• Empty All Pockets & Remove Jackets or Excess Clothing
• Provide Testing Facility with Approximately 45 ml of urine

Need Pre-Employment Drug Testing?

Taylor Made Testing Service makes DOT-required pre- employment drug testing easy by providing applicants with all necessary forms, access to over 10,000 facilities nationwide, and professional Medical Review to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. For more information on our pre-employment services, contact us at (980) 237-4441.