Guides and answers

• Background checks and FCRA basics

  The basic steps employers follow under the Fair Credit Reporting Act when using background checks.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Breath alcohol testing explained

  How a DOT breath alcohol test works, what the numbers mean, and how it differs from a drug test.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• How to choose a random testing consortium

  What owner-operators and small fleets should look for in a drug and alcohol testing consortium.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• The FMCSA Clearinghouse for owner-operators

  What the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is, why owner-operators have two roles in it, and the queries you need to run.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• DOT vs. non-DOT drug testing

  The real differences between DOT and non-DOT drug tests, and how to know which one your employer needs.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Driver qualification file checklist

  What goes in a DOT driver qualification file, what expires, and how to keep files audit-ready.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• What drug testing costs in Louisiana

  Typical prices for drug tests, alcohol tests, consortium fees and compliance help, and what changes the price.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Hair testing and DOT, what we know

  Where hair testing stands for DOT-regulated jobs, and how employers use hair tests today.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• How random drug testing works

  How random selection works for DOT drivers, what happens when your name is picked, and how owner-operators stay compliant.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• DOT medical card basics

  Who needs a DOT medical card, how long it lasts, and what to bring to your DOT physical.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• MVRs explained

  What a motor vehicle record shows, when carriers must pull one, and how to read it.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• New authority compliance checklist

  The compliance steps new motor carriers should set up in their first months, in a simple order.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Oral fluid testing explained

  What an oral fluid (saliva) drug test is, how it compares to urine, and where it stands for DOT.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Post-accident testing basics

  When DOT rules require a drug and alcohol test after a crash, and how fast the tests must happen.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Pre-employment drug testing basics

  What employers and new hires should know about pre-employment drug tests, DOT and non-DOT.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Preparing for a new entrant audit

  What new carriers should have ready for the FMCSA new entrant safety audit, and common reasons carriers fail.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Reasonable suspicion testing basics

  How reasonable suspicion testing works for DOT drivers, including supervisor training and documentation.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• Return-to-duty overview

  The steps a DOT driver follows to get back to work after a drug or alcohol violation.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• What is a DOT drug test, and who needs one?

  A plain-language guide to DOT drug tests, who has to take them, and how they differ from other workplace tests.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

• What to bring to a drug test

  A short checklist so your drug test goes quickly, plus a few things to avoid before you come in.

  Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026

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