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Guardian Testing Solutions

What is a Consortium?

A consortium is a third-party administrator (TPA) that manages random drug and alcohol testing for DOT-regulated companies and owner-operators. The consortium pools together multiple employers to meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance requirements for random drug and alcohol testing.

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A consortium ensures that all covered employees are included in a random testing pool and that employers remain compliant with DOT/FMCSA regulations.

 

Who is Required to Participate in a Consortium?

According to FMCSA & DOT regulations (49 CFR Part 40 & 49 CFR Part 382), the following individuals and businesses must participate in a DOT-compliant drug & alcohol testing program, either through an in-house program or a consortium:

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✔ Owner-Operators – Any individual with their own DOT number and operating authority is required to enroll in a consortium since they cannot manage their own random testing program.
✔ Employers with DOT-Regulated Employees – Businesses that employ safety-sensitive drivers must include them in a random drug and alcohol testing pool.
✔ CDL Drivers Operating Commercial Vehicles – Any driver who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more

  • Transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver)

  • Transports hazardous materials requiring a placard

 

If your company falls under these categories, participation in a DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program or consortium is mandatory.

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Penalties for Not Participating in a DOT/FMCSA Consortium

Failure to comply with FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements can result in serious penalties, including:

  • Immediate Out-of-Service Order – Drivers and companies that are not enrolled in a testing program may be shut down until they meet compliance.

  • Fines up to $10,000 Per Violation – FMCSA imposes severe fines for non-compliance.

  • Loss of DOT Operating Authority – Failure to comply can result in a revoked DOT number or ineligibility for future contracts

  • Higher Risk of Audits & Investigations – Companies flagged for non-compliance are more likely to face FMCSA audits and safety reviews.

  • Denial of Employment for Drivers – Employers are required to verify that drivers are in a compliant drug and alcohol testing program before hiring them.

 

Owner-operators must be enrolled in a consortium before operating a commercial vehicle. Not being part of a consortium means they cannot legally drive under DOT regulations.

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How a Consortium Works

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A DOT-compliant consortium like Guardian Testing Solutions manages all aspects of drug and alcohol testing, including:

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✔ Random Testing Selection & Compliance Management – We ensure your drivers are randomly tested as per FMCSA's required testing rates.
✔ Pre-Employment Testing – Required before any driver begins operating under DOT authority.
✔ Post-Accident Testing – Ensures compliance when an accident meets FMCSA criteria.
✔ Return-to-Duty & Follow-Up Testing – Required for drivers returning after a positive test result.
✔ 24/7 Testing Availability – For post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing.
✔ Secure Recordkeeping & Audit Support – We provide documentation & compliance reports for FMCSA audits.

 

Guardian Testing Solutions simplifies DOT drug & alcohol compliance, ensuring you meet all FMCSA requirements without the hassle.

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Enroll in a FMCSA-Compliant Consortium Today!

✔ DOT & FMCSA Approved
✔ Fast & Easy Enrollment
✔ Nationwide Testing Locations
✔ Affordable & Reliable Compliance Management

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