Trucking and regulatory
drug and alcohol testing (D&A testing)
Drug and alcohol testing is the federal program that tests safety-sensitive transportation workers. For commercial truck drivers who must hold a CDL, FMCSA rules in 49 CFR Part 382 set who is tested and when. The DOT-wide rule in 49 CFR Part 40 sets how each test is done.
Why it matters
A portable storage company that runs its own CDL trucks usually falls under these rules. It must set up a testing program, use approved collection sites and keep records. Testing happens in several situations, such as before a driver starts safety-sensitive work, at random, and after some accidents. A common mistake is to treat a small fleet as exempt. Size does not remove the duty for CDL drivers. Companies often hire a third-party administrator to manage random pools and paperwork. Operators should read the FMCSA overview or ask a qualified compliance adviser about their own fleet.
Read: Safety and compliance for container delivery: DOT, FMCSA, CDL and OSHA
Definition source: fmcsa.dot.gov
Related terms
CDL
A CDL is a commercial driver's license, required to drive certain commercial motor vehicles. A driver must pass knowledge and skills tests. States issue CDLs. FMCSA sets the federal standards and does not issue them. Some vehicles also need extra endorsements.
FMCSA
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It writes and enforces safety rules for commercial motor vehicles and carriers, and it handles registration for interstate carriers. Its rules are in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
DOT number
A DOT number is an identifier assigned to a company that operates commercial vehicles. Most people mean the USDOT number issued by FMCSA. It tracks a carrier's safety record from audits, inspections and crash reports. Rules differ by state for in-state carriers.
DOT medical card
A DOT medical card is the common name for the Medical Examiner's Certificate. A certified medical examiner issues it to a commercial driver who passes the federal physical. FMCSA requires it for drivers of vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating that operate in interstate commerce.
hours of service (HOS)
Hours of service are FMCSA rules on how long commercial drivers may be on duty and how much rest they need. They set limits on driving time and rest periods to help keep drivers awake and alert. The rules are in 49 CFR part 395.
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