|
A DOT consortium has the ability to help you significantly when it to comes to drug testing and handling all of the administrative components that go with it. Depending upon your industry, this may be a requirement – and finding a third-party administrator you can rely on is of the upmost importance. They Work to Keep You Compliant A DOT consortium is your chance to remain compliant without doing all of the work. Depending upon whether you are eligible for managing your random drug testing program on your own or not, you may need the third-party in order to remain compliant. You can benefit from what they have to offer as a single-driver employer or an owner-operator. Either way, you need to know what they can and cannot do to ensure you remain in accordance with the rules and regulations of the DOT/FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing. They Handle as Much as You Want Them to Handle The drug and alcohol testing program you have in place can be comprehensive. When you work with a DOT consortium, they handle all or part of the program. You choose what works for you based upon your level of experience as well as the time you have to dedicate to dealing with the various components. Not all consortiums are created equal. This means you have to look at what third-party administrators can do and what kind of experience they have within the services that are offered. If they are able to manage the whole program, it may be beneficial to allow them to do so. It allows you time to concentrate on other aspects of your business. Plus, you can rely on their expertise so you’re in compliance with the DOT throughout the year. You Can Be Held Responsible One thing that many owner-operators don’t realize is that you can be held responsible for what a third-party fails to do. Whether they don’t conduct a test properly or fail to complete paperwork in a timely fashion, it is ultimately your responsibility. Civil penalty actions are then something you may have to deal with for your non-compliance. While there are ways for you to report violations, the easiest solution is to avoid falling into this predicament in the first place. This means the best thing for you to do is choose the DOT consortium you work with carefully. It will take a little extra time to do the research, but you will be able to learn about the reputation of the third-party administrator and what they can do to help you. Many consortiums work with several employers, so it’s helpful to talk to other owner-operators to find out who they recommend. Using a DOT consortium is a great tool for you to use to ensure you’re DOT compliant – but only if you choose the right consortium. Take the time to do your research and ask questions. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the help where you need it the most. It will allow you to have a quality drug testing program in place.
Related Articles -
dot, consortium,
|
