The Gulf South Motor Carrier Consortium (formerly South Alabama Motor Carrier Consortium) was originally established for local operators but due to multiple request we have expanded outside of the local area for operators to have an easy way to be in compliance with drug and alcohol testing regulations
Consortium's & The Regulations
Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 382) mandate that independent owner/operators and companies with small fleets of trucks (50 and under) may join a consortium (association) of like companies in order to meet the drug and alcohol testing requirements. Below are the regulations covering this program.
1. All persons holding a valid CDL and operating a commercial motor vehicle with a GVW of 26,001 pounds or more must be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol-testing program.
2. All drivers must have a negative pre-employment drug test on file before beginning safety sensitive duties.
3. All companies must have a written substance abuse testing policy. Employees of the company should read the policy and sign a consent agreeing to meet the terms of the policy in order to remain in employment with the company.
4. All drivers should receive the equivalent of one hour's training in substance abuse.
5. All driver supervisors must receive one hour of training in drug abuse and an additional hour of training in alcohol abuse.
6. 50 % of the consortium membership (2022 Rate) must be randomly tested each year for drugs.
7. 10% of the consortium membership must be tested yearly for alcohol.
8. Detailed M.I.S. reports must be maintained and submitted to the D.O.T. on request. Failure to submit the requested reports may result in a fine for noncompliance.
9. Drivers testing positive for substance abuse may be terminated from the company (if your company policy so states) or referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (S.A.P.) for evaluation.
10. All positive test results must be reviewed by an M.R.O. (Medical Review Officer) for accuracy, integrity of the specimen, etc. before being reported to the company. Drivers testing positive will be contacted by the M.R.O. to determine whether there is a legitimate reason for a positive test result (such as prescription medications etc.).
11. Assistance with FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 382) mandate that independent owner/operators and companies with small fleets of trucks (50 and under) may join a consortium (association) of like companies in order to meet the drug and alcohol testing requirements. Below are the regulations covering this program.
1. All persons holding a valid CDL and operating a commercial motor vehicle with a GVW of 26,001 pounds or more must be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol-testing program.
2. All drivers must have a negative pre-employment drug test on file before beginning safety sensitive duties.
3. All companies must have a written substance abuse testing policy. Employees of the company should read the policy and sign a consent agreeing to meet the terms of the policy in order to remain in employment with the company.
4. All drivers should receive the equivalent of one hour's training in substance abuse.
5. All driver supervisors must receive one hour of training in drug abuse and an additional hour of training in alcohol abuse.
6. 50 % of the consortium membership (2022 Rate) must be randomly tested each year for drugs.
7. 10% of the consortium membership must be tested yearly for alcohol.
8. Detailed M.I.S. reports must be maintained and submitted to the D.O.T. on request. Failure to submit the requested reports may result in a fine for noncompliance.
9. Drivers testing positive for substance abuse may be terminated from the company (if your company policy so states) or referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (S.A.P.) for evaluation.
10. All positive test results must be reviewed by an M.R.O. (Medical Review Officer) for accuracy, integrity of the specimen, etc. before being reported to the company. Drivers testing positive will be contacted by the M.R.O. to determine whether there is a legitimate reason for a positive test result (such as prescription medications etc.).
11. Assistance with FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
What exactly is a consortium and why do I care?
Consortium/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs) manage all, or part, of an employer's DOT drug and alcohol testing program, sometimes including maintaining required testing records. They perform tasks as agreed to by the employer to assist in implementing the drug and alcohol testing program and to help keep the employer compliant with the DOT/FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing rules and regulations.
A consortium will often manage the DOT random testing programs of several employers, including those of owner-operators who are not permitted to manage random testing themselves. Consortium's that manage owner-operator programs play a very unique service agent role. While part 40.355(K) prohibits service agents from serving as "designated employer representatives" (DER), the consortium is authorized to perform a number of employer functions in cases of owner-operators, and single driver employers.
Why should I join a Consortium?
- An owner-operator, who is not leased to a motor carrier, must belong to a consortium for random testing purposes-
Consortium/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs) manage all, or part, of an employer's DOT drug and alcohol testing program, sometimes including maintaining required testing records. They perform tasks as agreed to by the employer to assist in implementing the drug and alcohol testing program and to help keep the employer compliant with the DOT/FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing rules and regulations.
A consortium will often manage the DOT random testing programs of several employers, including those of owner-operators who are not permitted to manage random testing themselves. Consortium's that manage owner-operator programs play a very unique service agent role. While part 40.355(K) prohibits service agents from serving as "designated employer representatives" (DER), the consortium is authorized to perform a number of employer functions in cases of owner-operators, and single driver employers.
Why should I join a Consortium?
- An owner-operator, who is not leased to a motor carrier, must belong to a consortium for random testing purposes-
- Many Employers have little experience with drug testing rules and regulations.
- Many small employers do not have the resources to devote significant staff time to the coordination of their testing program.
- To have peace of mind of knowing that assistance with complex regulations and compliance issues are just a phone call away (24 hours per day for post accident situations)
- A way to control their costs by paying one flat fee, per driver, per year; no matter home many times they are tested.
- Consortium handles random picks, preventing favoritism accusations.
- Annual reports (MIS) or other customized reports prepared for the employer when needed.