Partnered with
Proud Member Of:
DRUG AND ALCOHOL CONSORTIUM
What is a CONSORTIUM?
A consortium or TPA (Third Party Administrator), manages all or part of an employers DOT drug and alcohol program. Often, a consortium/TPA will also manage the company's testing record required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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Random testing within the DOT applies to anyone who holds a CDL license. It is also referred to as random pool testing. A consortium groups all drivers into one pool and for random DOT drug test selection.
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A consortium also has the ability establish to maintain your driver information in the FMCSA Clearinghouse platform.
Random drug and alcohol testing through a consortium is required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and the DOT (Department of Transportation). Any driver who holds a CDL license and is randomly selected by their consortium must complete testing.
What is the Clearinghouse?
The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.
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Consortium/TPAs manage the testing records of each driver under the consortium through the Clearinghouse.
Drivers have access their records once they have been registered for the Clearinghouse.
Company and driver enrollment in the Clearinghouse is an available service.
Why Do You Need Consortium Protection?
A designated consortium / TPA is required by the DOT and the FMCSA to conduct the random drug and alcohol testing as well as manage the reporting in the Clearinghouse if designated to do so. Companies that are not part of a consortium or have a designated TPA faces a fine of $10,000 or more for non-compliance.
Penalties beyond fees include - suspended / revoked authority, vehicles placed out of service, driver disqualification, failed new and more.