A consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) is a service agent that manages all or part of an employer's DOT drug and alcohol testing program. Typical services include:

• Running random pools and selections, including consortium pools for owner-operators
• Arranging collections and working with laboratories and MROs
• Keeping testing records and preparing annual MIS reports
• Acting as the employer's designated C/TPA in the FMCSA Clearinghouse

Using a C/TPA does not transfer the employer's responsibility for compliance (49 CFR 40.15). Service agent duties are described in 49 CFR Part 40, Subpart Q.

Read the guide: Owner-operators and consortiums · What is a C/TPA?