Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about DOT consortium membership, random testing, training, SAP services, and home testing kits. Don't see your question? Call us.
Am I required to join a DOT drug testing consortium?
If you hold a CDL and operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined by 49 CFR Part 382 — as an owner operator or an employer with drivers — you must be enrolled in a DOT-compliant random drug and alcohol testing program. Employers with fewer than 50 drivers typically join a consortium to share the cost of mandated testing. Owner operator program · Employer program
How often will I be selected for a random drug test?
Under a random program you may be tested once, not at all, or several times in a calendar year — selections are computer-generated each quarter. Your LWD enrollment fee covers all random test fees for the calendar year; there is no additional charge when you are selected.
What does the LWD enrollment fee include?
The enrollment kit with an overview of DOT regulations, your written drug testing policy, chain of custody forms, an Enrollment Certificate and wallet-size consortium ID, random pool maintenance, quarterly computer-generated selections, SAMHSA-certified laboratory testing, a Medical Review Officer (MRO), SAP referral, and the semi-annual/annual statistical reports required by CHP/BIT inspectors and DOT auditors. See enrollment →
Is DOT supervisor training really mandatory?
Yes. 49 CFR §382.603 requires every person designated to supervise drivers to receive at least 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and an additional 60 minutes on controlled substance use. LWD offers the course online or at a 3-hour seminar held every 3rd Thursday in Irwindale, CA ($129 per participant). Training details →
What happens after a positive DOT drug test?
A verified positive requires immediate removal from safety-sensitive duty. You must be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete the recommended education or treatment, and pass a return-to-duty test before resuming safety-sensitive work. LWD provides full SAP case management, treatment referrals, and follow-up assessment. SAP services →
Can I use a home testing kit instead of a DOT test?
No. DOT-mandated tests must be performed at an approved collection site using a federal Custody and Control Form. Home kits like the RediCup are for personal, non-DOT screening only — their positive results are presumptive and should be confirmed by laboratory testing (GC/MS) before any action is taken. Testing kits →
Do I need a Custody and Control Form before visiting a collection site?
Yes. You must obtain a CCF from LWD before arriving at any collection center — call (626) 813-1086 or request one online. LWD mails the authorized form to you at no charge. Then use our collection site locator to find a site near you.
How long do drugs stay detectable in a urine test?
Detection windows vary by substance and frequency of use. Marijuana can be detected for days to weeks after use, while cocaine, amphetamine, and opiate markers typically clear within 2–4 days. On-site screening devices show results in about 5 minutes, and DOT laboratory confirmation testing applies the cut-off levels defined in 49 CFR Part 40.
Where is LWD located and do you serve my area?
Our main office and collection site is at 15705 Arrow Highway, Suite 6B, Irwindale, CA 91706 — but we service the entire U.S., including California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York, with 2,000+ collection sites and mobile on-site collections. Location →
Does LWD recommend anything besides testing services?
Around the Irwindale office, sure. We keep a recommended links page with the trucking tools and compliance resources we actually use — plus a few personal favorites, like the replica watches site the team keeps bookmarking.
Still have questions?
Speak with an LWD representative — we're here to help.