Trucking Consortium of America
Testing is required for all who drive a vehicle that:
  • Has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds.
  • Has more Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more inclusive of a towed unit with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds
  • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
  • Is of any size and is used to transport hazardous materials that require a DOT placard. As a general rule, it is necessary to enroll in a program if you are required to have a commercial driver's license (CDL), to operate your vehicle.
I'm a small company, why do i have to join a consortium?

Joining a Consortium is for your benefit. When you have less than 10 drivers, you are put into a large pool with other small companies and the 50% Random selection is done from the whole pool. If you had to meet the Testing requirements just using your company , you would be testing much more frequently.

Our Drug Program maintains and implements requirements of:

  • Company Policy
  • DOT Compliance
  • Individual Contract Requirements
  • monthly Random Selections
  • Quarterly Statistic Reports
  • Annual Calendar Summary Reports.

Nationwide Collection Sites are available at a moments notice with the use of our convenient Site-Locator.

Not all Consortiums/Drug Program Managers (DPM) are the same!

If you found us on the internet, you probably saw lots of other companies that provide similar services. However, trying to determine what everyone offers and charges is almost as hard as keeping up with all the regulations!

Things to ask a potential DPM

How long have they been in business?

It takes years to understand the complex nature of drug testing and learn all the regulations. TCA has been doing this for over 15 years and has the respect of all the main compliance agencies in the country - DOT, TDLR, DISA, NCMS, HASAP/NASAP, PTC, First Advantage, TADTS, etc.

Have any of their customers ever failed an audit?

It is the DPM's responsibility to educate their customer and make sure they are meeting the requirements. TCA has never had any of their customers fail!

What if you're in the middle of an audit right now?

Many other companies will not let you join if you're in the middle of an audit. TCA will jump in immediately and provide your certificate as soon as you join. We are well-respected by the compliance companies - once they see you're working with us they know you're in good hands.

What happens when you call your Consortium from the road at 3am on a Sunday because you were in an accident?

At TCA, a knowledgeable member will answer your call 24/7, 365 days a year.

What if you're in Timbuktu and get called for a Random?

It's not feasible or cost-effective for you to have to drive miles away at the drop of a hat. TCA has locations nationwide and they are searchable on our website 24/7 by zip code and area. We work with all the major labs – Quest, CRL, LabOne, OneSource, Kroll/Alere and more!

How do they let you know when an employee is pulled for a random? How long does it take to get your results?

TCA uses a completely confidential random computer program. You will always get a personal call, but your account status can also be accessed 24/7 on our website with a secure identity code.

What if my company has trucks that drive all over the country, but we also work at one of the Pipeline Companies?

A lot of the Consortiums that cater to trucking companies are well-versed in FMCSA, but not in the other DOT agencies. Since Testing and Compliance is all that we do, we work with customers in every DOT agency– FTA, PHMSA, USCG, FAA, and FRA. We also have the knowledge to guide you in what to do when you have to meet multiple agency requirements.

Pricing questions to ask a potential DPM

Does their "free" testing include services from a Medical Review Officer (MRO)?

It is the MRO's responsibility to ensure the integrity of the drug test result. Per DOT requirements, a MRO MUST review the results. Many companies will provide the test, but charge extra for an MRO. TCA includes MRO and Toxicology Specialist's services in every test – DOT and Non-DOT at no extra charge.

Does the "free" testing include a Split Specimen?

All DOT tests require a split specimen, and many companies will provide the test, but charge a high fee for the split specimen. A split specimen protects you and acts as a 'backup" that can be used for a second opinion. TCA does not charge extra for a split specimen.

Does their program include a Pre-Employment Test?

DOT requires that all employees who have never been tested before, or have not been tested within two-years take a test. Most companies provide Randoms as part of their service, but charge more for a Pre-Employment test, and make you pay up front. If you are a new company, or haven't been in a Consortium, you can count on almost all of your employees needing a Pre-Employment test, and (at most) only half of your employees will need a random-even less if you have under 10 drivers. TCA charges the same for all tests, and bills for each test as it's needed - we don't promise free randoms as a great value when you may not even get pulled.

Does their program include a Post-Accident or Reasonable Suspicion Test?

Most companies charge a higher rate or "include" a certain number as part of their program, but again you may or may not even need them. TCA charges one low annual rate and bills for each test as it's needed so you are not getting fake savings.

What happens when you have to add or remove drivers to your account during the year?

Most companies charge a per driver fee, and a service charge to add or remove drivers so you'll always have to pay more money. TCA charges one annual rate for your whole company . You can add and remove drivers any time with no additional cost!

Price Comparison Chart

  • Includes the Annual fee
  • Includes Pre-Employments
    		•
  • Includes Required Randoms with MRO Review
  • Includes Split Collection
    		•
  • Includes Required Affilates Membership Per-Person
  • Includes Annual Fee Per-Person
    		•
  • Includes Pre-Employments
  • Includes Required Randoms
    		•

    +Split Specimen Fees May Be Additional

  • Includes Yearly Per-Driver Fee
  • Includes Pre-Employments
    		•
  • Includes Required Randoms
  • Includes MRO Review
    		•

    +Split Specimen Fees May Be Additional

  • Includes Annual Per-Person Fee
  • Includes OOIDA Membership Fee
  • Includes Pre-Employments
  • Includes up to 4 Random Tests Per-Year
  • Includes MRO Services
    		•

    +Split Specimen Fees May Be Additional

    What TCA includes

    Our Drug Program maintains and implements requirements of Company Policy, DOT Compliance, Individual Contract Requirements, monthly Random Selections, Quarterly Statistic Reports and Annual Calendar Summary Reports. Nationwide Collection Sites available at a moments notice with just a phone call. And Post Accident kits are available.

    Our ANNUAL consortium fee includes the following:

    Click to View

    ■ TCA is a SAMSHA certified lab with over 15 years of expertise in testing and compliance requirements.

    ■ 24/7 Online collection site locator and set-up.

    ■ Nation-wide Collection Sites Access.

    ■ 24/7 Online access to your account (STAT VIEW) via our website using your secure unique log-in.

    ■ Free review and revision of your existing Drug Policy & Program.

    ■ New Policy Writing.

    ■ Complete Program Administration – we provide all reporting, quality control, materials, record keeping, and summaries.

    ■ Confidential, Non-biased, Computer-Generated Random Program.

    ■ Medical Review Officer and Toxicology Specialists services for DOT and NON-DOT Tests.

    ■ DOT & NON-DOT Reports per your needs (ex: Selection notification, Quarterly Statistics, Annual Calendar year Summary, etc).

    ■ NCMS Reports (Employee Updates, Test Activity Summary, etc).

    ■ Downloadable Documents from our website (Compliance Manual, Handbook, Brochures, Employee Handouts and Payroll Stuffers).

    ■ Discounted rate for Supervisor Awareness Training. DOT requires Supervisory Reasonable Suspicion Training under CFR Section 382.603 for any safety-sensitivity employee in a Supervisory Role.

    ■ Discounted Rates on Health & Diagnostic Lab tests for employees – such as Physicals and Pulmonary Tests.

    ■ Access to Synthetic Drug Testing when needed, and special pricing when DOT required it in late 2012.

    ■ Referral to Certified Substance Abuse Programs (SAP) , Employee Assistance Program (EAP), & Rehab Programs.

    ■ Submission and Documentation of required "Blind Specimen" samples.

    ■ Certificate of participation to display or present for an Audit.

    ■ DOT Audit Assistance.

    ■ Federal Test Forms, Kits, Compliance Manual and Employee ID Cards.


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