DOT Consortium Drug & Alcohol Testing Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides structured DOT consortium management and drug and alcohol testing support designed to help regulated employers meet federal requirements, reduce administrative burden, and remain audit-ready.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium Overview

Under DOT regulations, random drug and alcohol testing must be conducted in accordance with 49 CFR Part 40 and the applicable modal administration rules. Participation in a DOT consortium allows eligible employers and owner-operators to meet random testing requirements through a shared, scientifically valid random pool.

NMS Screening & Compliance administers DOT-compliant consortium programs supporting the following agencies:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) (drug testing under 46 CFR Part 16).

Program requirements vary by agency and safety-sensitive function. NMS ensures consortium participation is configured correctly for each regulatory authority.

Consortium Enrollment and Program Administration

NMS Screening & Compliance offers flexible 1-, 2-, and 3-year consortium memberships, with multi-year pricing options available.

Consortium services include:

• Scientifically valid random selections conducted throughout the year
• Notification of selections via secure communication methods
• Coordination with approved collection sites nationwide
• Random pool documentation and compliance tracking
• Access to required Management Information System (MIS) reporting, where applicable

Additional compliance services are available to support regulated employers, including DOT drug testing coordination, DOT physical exam support, MVR reporting, and FMCSA Clearinghouse assistance.

DOT Random Testing Rates by Agency

FMCSA Random Testing

Employers regulated under 49 CFR §382.305 must implement random drug and alcohol testing programs for drivers performing safety-sensitive functions, including CDL drivers.

• 50% for controlled substances (DOT 5-panel urine).
• 10% for alcohol (breath alcohol testing).

FAA Random Testing

Employers regulated under 14 CFR Part 120 must conduct random testing for employees performing safety-sensitive aviation functions.

• 50% for controlled substances (DOT 5-panel urine).
• 10% for alcohol (breath alcohol testing).

FRA Random Testing

Employers regulated under 49 CFR Part 219 must conduct random drug and alcohol testing for employees performing covered service, including maintenance-of-way employees.

• 25% for controlled substances.
• 10% for alcohol.

FTA Random Testing

Employers receiving Federal Transit Administration funding must implement random drug and alcohol testing programs in accordance with 49 CFR Part 655 and 49 CFR Part 40.

• 50% for drugs.
• 10% for alcohol.

PHMSA Random Testing

Pipeline operators regulated under 49 CFR Part 199 must maintain compliant random drug and alcohol testing programs for employees performing covered functions.

• 50% for drugs.
• 10% for alcohol.

USCG Random Testing

Marine employers regulated under 46 CFR Part 16 must maintain a random drug testing program for covered crewmembers.

• 50% minimum annual random drug testing rate.
• Random alcohol testing is not required under USCG regulations.
• Alcohol testing is required only for Serious Marine Incidents (SMIs) under 46 CFR Part 4.

Comprehensive DOT Compliance Support

NMS Screening & Compliance offers a centralized compliance solution designed to support DOT-regulated employers, including:

• Pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing (as applicable).
• DOT-compliant random pool and consortium administration.
• Coordination with Medical Review Officers (MROs) and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).
• Assistance with written drug and alcohol policy development.
• Reasonable suspicion training for supervisors.
• FMCSA Clearinghouse registration and query support.

DOT Audit Support

If your organization is subject to a DOT audit or inspection, NMS Screening & Compliance assists by helping ensure required compliance elements are in place, including:

• Documentation of pre-employment drug testing.
• Active participation in a compliant random testing pool.
• Verification of required supervisor training.
• Availability of DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing policies.

DOT Physical Exam Support (FMCSA)

For FMCSA-regulated drivers, NMS Screening & Compliance provides nationwide access to DOT physical exams through a network of FMCSA National Registry–listed medical examiners, supporting ongoing medical certification compliance.

NMS OnBoard™: Centralized DOT Consortium Management

NMS Screening & Compliance supports DOT consortium programs through NMS OnBoard™, a secure, cloud-based, mobile-enabled platform that centralizes consortium administration, random selection tracking, and documentation management. NMS OnBoard™ provides employers with visibility into consortium membership status, random selections, testing notifications, and completion activity across DOT-regulated agencies. The platform supports consistent workflows, secure record retention, and integration with Medical Review Officer (MRO) services, laboratory reporting, and MIS data, helping employers maintain clear oversight and audit readiness within DOT consortium programs.

Why Choose NMS Screening & Compliance?

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep experience across all DOT agencies.
• Structured Consortium Management: Scientifically valid, audit-ready programs.
• Nationwide Coverage: Consistent services across multiple states and locations.
• Comprehensive Services: Drug testing, consortium management, and compliance support under one provider.
• Expert Guidance: Practical support for compliance administration and audits.
• Flexible Options: Programs designed for owner-operators, small fleets, and large employers.