- Company
OUR COMPANY
We are a team of DOT Compliance and Licensing Professionals helping trucking and transportation companies remain safe, compliant, and profitable.
Who is CNS?
CNS or Compliance Navigation Specialists is DOT Compliance company that assists trucking and transportation companies remain DOT Compliant. We are part of a network of companies, CNS Companies, specializing in services related to the transportation, manufacturing, construction, service, education and medical industries.
- DOT Compliance Programs
- PSM DOT Essentials Program
- PSM Motor Carrier Program
- PSM Non-CDL Program
- PSM Safety Director Program
- PSM Short-Haul/Construction Program
DOT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS
What program is right for your company?
Not all companies are built and operated the same, which is why you need a program customized to your commercial trucking company. These 5 programs fit the most common companies in the transportation industry and all the DOT Compliance and Licensing needs that come with them.
PSM MOTOR CARRIER PROGRAM
A full-scale DOT Compliance Program managing a long haul carrier’s safety, compliance, licensing and more.
Learn more >>>PSM DOT ESSENTIALS PROGRAM
A DOT Compliance Program that keeps motor carriers compliant with the 6 Basic DOT Regulations required of all carriers.
Learn more >>>PSM SHORT-HAUL/CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
Our Short-Haul/Construction Program is a full-scale program designed for private carriers that do not haul for-hire.
Learn more >>>PSM SAFETY DIRECTOR PROGRAM
Our most comprehensive DOT Compliance Program, operating as your company’s off-site Safety Director or assisting your current safety personnel.
Learn more >>>PSM NON-CDL PROGRAM
Our Non-CDL Program is a full-scale program managing safety, compliance, licensing and more for moving companies, couriers, landscapers, or any company subject to DOT regulations and does not employ CDL drivers.
Learn more >>>What program is right for your company?
- DOT Compliance
DOT COMPLIANCE SERVICES
Our DOT Audit Services cover a number of different types of DOT Audits that new and existing carriers will be subject to.
Our DOT Driver Services help trucking companies and carriers to stay compliant as they grow and hire more drivers.
Our DOT Vehicle Services focus on ensuring your vehicles are compliant with DOT Regulations, which is just as important as your drivers.
Our DOT Services for Special Carriers focus on companies outside of the typical motor carrier, like HAZMAT, Passenger and Bus Carriers.
Our Family of Companies
CNS is part of a group of companies that offer other necessary services for the trucking and transportation industry, such as Commercial Trucking Insurance, CDL Training, Online Training Course, and even Healthcare.
- DOT Licensing
DOT LICENSING SERVICES
Our DOT Licensing Services will cover you whether you are an existing company or just starting a trucking company. Our DOT Licensing Specialists can help you get up and running and in days with your DOT number, MC Authority, EIN, UCR, IFTA, 2290 HVUT, Fuel Taxes and can even set you up to get your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with CNS Driver Training Center.
Our DOT Licensing Specialists will help you with every aspect of starting a trucking company. All you need to do is choose a name for your trucking company.
You will need to ensure your DOT Number, MC Authority, Vehicle Registration, etc. is all set up properly when you start your trucking business.
Our Licensing Specialists can help with all aspects of filing and renewing licenses, fuel taxes, etc.
Our Family of Companies
CNS is part of a group of companies that offer other necessary services for the trucking and transportation industry, such as Commercial Trucking Insurance, CDL Training, Online Training Course, and even Healthcare.
- Resources
LATEST NEWS
Eleven Out-of-Service Criteria Changes Coming to Truckers April 1, 2024
If your lights aren’t on at night, but they work, that’s no longer an OOS violation, though it’s still a violation of state laws to
March 21, 2024
Who is CNS?
CNS or Compliance Navigation Specialists is DOT Compliance company that assists trucking and transportation companies remain DOT Compliant. We are part of a network of companies, CNS Companies, specializing in services related to the transportation, manufacturing, construction, service, education and medical industries.
- CNS Companies
CNS COMPANIES
Who is CNS Companies?
CNS Companies is a network of companies specializing in services related to the transportation, manufacturing, construction, service, education and medical industries. Our DOT Compliance division is handled by Compliance Navigation Specialists, CNS Insurance handles Commercial Truck Insurance, CDL training is managed by the CNS Driver Training Center and healthcare is managed by CNS Occupational Medicine.
Trucking News >>>
Worried about a DOT Audit? Address violations now before the Feds do!
WHAT'S YOUR DOT SAFETY RATING? Get a DOT Company Snapshot now!
- Company
OUR COMPANY
We are a team of DOT Compliance and Licensing Professionals helping trucking and transportation companies remain safe, compliant, and profitable.
Who is CNS?
CNS or Compliance Navigation Specialists is DOT Compliance company that assists trucking and transportation companies remain DOT Compliant. We are part of a network of companies, CNS Companies, specializing in services related to the transportation, manufacturing, construction, service, education and medical industries.
- DOT Compliance Programs
- PSM DOT Essentials Program
- PSM Motor Carrier Program
- PSM Non-CDL Program
- PSM Safety Director Program
- PSM Short-Haul/Construction Program
DOT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS
What program is right for your company?
Not all companies are built and operated the same, which is why you need a program customized to your commercial trucking company. These 5 programs fit the most common companies in the transportation industry and all the DOT Compliance and Licensing needs that come with them.
PSM MOTOR CARRIER PROGRAM
A full-scale DOT Compliance Program managing a long haul carrier’s safety, compliance, licensing and more.
Learn more >>>PSM DOT ESSENTIALS PROGRAM
A DOT Compliance Program that keeps motor carriers compliant with the 6 Basic DOT Regulations required of all carriers.
Learn more >>>PSM SHORT-HAUL/CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
Our Short-Haul/Construction Program is a full-scale program designed for private carriers that do not haul for-hire.
Learn more >>>PSM SAFETY DIRECTOR PROGRAM
Our most comprehensive DOT Compliance Program, operating as your company’s off-site Safety Director or assisting your current safety personnel.
Learn more >>>PSM NON-CDL PROGRAM
Our Non-CDL Program is a full-scale program managing safety, compliance, licensing and more for moving companies, couriers, landscapers, or any company subject to DOT regulations and does not employ CDL drivers.
Learn more >>>What program is right for your company?
- DOT Compliance
DOT COMPLIANCE SERVICES
Our DOT Audit Services cover a number of different types of DOT Audits that new and existing carriers will be subject to.
Our DOT Driver Services help trucking companies and carriers to stay compliant as they grow and hire more drivers.
Our DOT Vehicle Services focus on ensuring your vehicles are compliant with DOT Regulations, which is just as important as your drivers.
Our DOT Services for Special Carriers focus on companies outside of the typical motor carrier, like HAZMAT, Passenger and Bus Carriers.
Our Family of Companies
CNS is part of a group of companies that offer other necessary services for the trucking and transportation industry, such as Commercial Trucking Insurance, CDL Training, Online Training Course, and even Healthcare.
- DOT Licensing
DOT LICENSING SERVICES
Our DOT Licensing Services will cover you whether you are an existing company or just starting a trucking company. Our DOT Licensing Specialists can help you get up and running and in days with your DOT number, MC Authority, EIN, UCR, IFTA, 2290 HVUT, Fuel Taxes and can even set you up to get your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with CNS Driver Training Center.
Our DOT Licensing Specialists will help you with every aspect of starting a trucking company. All you need to do is choose a name for your trucking company.
You will need to ensure your DOT Number, MC Authority, Vehicle Registration, etc. is all set up properly when you start your trucking business.
Our Licensing Specialists can help with all aspects of filing and renewing licenses, fuel taxes, etc.
Our Family of Companies
CNS is part of a group of companies that offer other necessary services for the trucking and transportation industry, such as Commercial Trucking Insurance, CDL Training, Online Training Course, and even Healthcare.
- Resources
LATEST NEWS
Eleven Out-of-Service Criteria Changes Coming to Truckers April 1, 2024
If your lights aren’t on at night, but they work, that’s no longer an OOS violation, though it’s still a violation of state laws to
March 21, 2024
Who is CNS?
CNS or Compliance Navigation Specialists is DOT Compliance company that assists trucking and transportation companies remain DOT Compliant. We are part of a network of companies, CNS Companies, specializing in services related to the transportation, manufacturing, construction, service, education and medical industries.
- CNS Companies
CNS COMPANIES
Who is CNS Companies?
CNS Companies is a network of companies specializing in services related to the transportation, manufacturing, construction, service, education and medical industries. Our DOT Compliance division is handled by Compliance Navigation Specialists, CNS Insurance handles Commercial Truck Insurance, CDL training is managed by the CNS Driver Training Center and healthcare is managed by CNS Occupational Medicine.
Worried about a DOT Audit? Address violations now before the Feds do!
WHAT'S YOUR DOT SAFETY RATING?
Get a DOT Company Snapshot now!
What is the return-to-duty and follow-up DOT SAP process?
After a driver receives a failed drug test result, they must begin the return-to-duty process in order to get back on the road, and then continue a follow-up testing process for the next 12+ months.
It is more evident today for employers and drivers to understand this SAP process. In the first two months, the new DOT Clearinghouse has calculated over 11,000 drivers found with a positive drug test result. These employees are now walking through the SAP and return-to-duty process before they can begin safety-sensitive functions.
This process begins with an evaluation of a substance abuse professional, as required in the federal regulations in 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart O.
Find a DOT SAP:
SAPlist.com is the #1 source for finding a Substance Abuse Professional
What is a DOT SAP?
The Substance Abuse Professional, or “SAP”, according to the DOT, is “a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.”
The SAP makes the important decisions on whether or not an employee is ready to drive a truck, school bus, oil tanker, train, airplane, subway car, or other regulated vehicles and how long the follow-up testing end education program should take.
How much does a DOT SAP program cost?
There are several different ways to evaluate the cost of the SAP process. There is the initial SAP examination fee, the education program, the DOT return-to-duty drug test, and the 6+ follow-up testing program.
Unfortunately, the length of the follow-up testing program can be 12 months to 5 years, depending on the SAPs recommendation. So it is hard to estimate a total cost.
On average, the SAP evaluation process can cost between $400 to $500. Drug tests average between $30 to $60 dollars each. The minimum SAP and follow-up testing program can cost an employer or the driver, depending on the company policy of who pays for the program, to be at least $700 for the first year.
How long is the DOT SAP program?
Each SAP program is customized for the person going through it, which can cause a wide range of time when estimating the length of a SAP program. However, this process can be split into two major sections: the time to return-to-duty, and the time to finish the follow-up testing program.
First, there is the SAP evaluation and return-to-duty process so a driver can get back to safety-sensitive functions. This process includes finding a qualified DOT SAP, the SAP evaluation, the SAP talking to a physician if the driver is convinced that a prescription could have caused a false-positive drug test, the length of time to finish an education treatment program, the second SAP evaluation after completing the program, and passing a return-to-duty drug test. This whole process can take weeks to months to finish.
Second, there is the follow-up testing program. According to the regulations, the SAP is required to recommend a minimum of 6 unannounced observed drug tests in the first 12 months after returning to duty. However, the SAP can recommend a program of follow-up drug tests for as long as 5 years. A repeated failed or refused test could require the process to be started all over.
What is the DOT return-to-duty process?
Before an employee can return to duty for safety-sensitive functions, they must complete the return-to-duty process. Once a positive test result is found, the following steps are required:
- Immediately remove the employee from safety-sensitive
- Find a qualified DOT SAP and complete an initial SAP evaluation
- Finish a SAP recommended education or treatment program
- When finished, complete a second SAP evaluation
- If the SAP report is good, complete a return-to-duty observed drug test
Once the DER receives the negative result, the employee can begin safety-sensitive functions again.
However, after the second SAP evaluation, a follow-up testing schedule is given to the DER. The follow-up testing schedule is a minimum of 6 unannounced observed drug tests within the first 12 months of returning to safety-sensitive work and can last up to 60 months, or five years, depending on the SAP recommendation.
Questions about DOT Compliance, Licensing, Audits, Programs, etc.?
Our DOT Specialists are here to help!
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Related news
Monthly Newsletter
March 28, 2024
Watch the most recent episode for a Quick Trucking News Update
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Compliance
Eleven Out-of-Service Criteria Changes Coming to Truckers April 1, 2024
If your lights aren’t on at night, but they work, that’s no longer an OOS violation, though it’s still a violation of state laws to
Compliance
Update: California Judge on AB5 Rules Against Trucking Industry
California’s AB5 legal battles, that cover an estimated 70,000 owner-operators, lose another chance to block the rule. The AB5 law makes it more difficult for
Compliance
CVSA 2024 International Roadcheck May 14-16 Focused on drug and alcohol possession, tractor protection systems
While checking for the presence of alcohol or controlled substances during an inspection, inspectors will: Observe the driver for signs of alcohol or controlled substance;
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