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Changes in state drug laws can make DOT audits problematic

DOT audits are a source of stress for every company that falls under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. However, you can minimize the hassle that comes with DOT audits by maintaining accurate records and annually updating your policies and procedures handbooks.

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium (WDTC), a Certified Third-Party Administrator (C-TPA), can provide guidance on the types of records and policies you may need for DOT audits. Accidents and other safety issues are the most likely subjects to trigger DOT audits. The auditor will let you know what types of documentation or information they need for the process.

Changes to your state’s drug laws may create confusion among drivers and put your company at risk for DOT audits. This makes it all the more imperative that your documentation stipulates for employees that they must adhere to DOT drug and alcohol regulations regardless of what your state may or may not consider legal.

DOT audits require you to pull together requested information

After completing your year-end DOT Clearinghouse annual queries, start the year off right by taking proactive steps to organize and update your written policies for potential DOT audits. These best-practice actions keep you in compliance regardless of whether or not you will be facing DOT audits.

While auditors can request virtually any information pertaining to your business, DOT audits typically fall into these general categories:

• Accidents
• Driver qualification files
• General financial records
• Hazardous materials handling
• Operational components
• Vehicle requirements

DOT audits take place to confirm that a company is complying with FMCSA regulations, and that management is properly maintaining required safety features. Thankfully, you will almost always receive advance notice of DOT audits, starting with a phone call or a letter requesting some initial information. Having that information handy is the surest way to take the stress out of the situation.

About Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium is an accredited, Certified Third Party Administrator (C-TPA), and specializes in DOT consortium management and Clearinghouse compliance; 100% electronic from your desktop portal; a variety of drug testing methods, including urine, hair and fingernails; post-accident testing; pre-employment drug tests; criminal background checks; supervisor training programs to keep employees compliant with DOT regulations; pre-employment DOT physicals; and paternity DNA testing.

Headquartered in Green Bay, WDTC also has offices in Oshkosh and Appleton, Wisconsin. Call 920-393-4168 or visit https://widrugtesting.com for more information.