DOT Drug Testing for Moving Companies
Short answer: a mover's drivers are under DOT drug and alcohol testing when the truck needs a CDL, which for a straight truck means a rating or loaded weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater. Drivers of smaller box trucks aren't under Part 382 even though the company has a USDOT number. Movers with both kinds of trucks run the program for the CDL drivers only. Here is how to sort it out.
Updated October 19, 2026 · Checked against the federal regulations
The CDL line for movers
Part 382 covers drivers who must hold a CDL (382.103). For a straight truck, that is a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater (Group B, 383.5). For a truck pulling a trailer, it is a combination of 26,001 pounds or more where the trailer is rated or weighs over 10,000 pounds (Group A).
Check the rating on the door-jamb label and the loaded weight. The CDL line uses whichever is greater (49 CFR 383.5). A box truck rated 25,999 pounds still needs a CDL driver if it weighs 26,001 pounds or more loaded.
Why the USDOT number isn't the test
Interstate movers need a USDOT number and follow FMCSA's safety rules once a truck is rated or weighs 10,001 pounds or more (390.5). That covers driver qualification files, medical cards and hours of service, but drug and alcohol testing only starts at the CDL line. Most moving companies end up with two groups: CDL drivers in the DOT program and everyone else under the company's own policy.
What the program includes
- A negative pre-employment drug test before a new driver first drives (382.301).
- A random pool at the 2026 rates: 50% for drugs and 10% for alcohol (382.305).
- Post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing, and supervisor training for reasonable suspicion (382.303, 382.307, 382.603).
- Clearinghouse queries before a driver first drives and once a year after that (382.701).
- A written policy given to every driver, and records kept for the required periods (382.601, 382.401).
How Pact handles a moving company
Pact runs the program for CDL drivers: the random pool, Clearinghouse queries, driver files and the audit binder, at $25 a driver a month ($99 minimum), or $19 a month for an owner-operator. First month free, no setup fee, month to month. Drivers who don't need a CDL can still be drug tested under your own company policy with a $40 lab test.
Common questions
Do moving truck drivers need a CDL?
Only when the truck is rated or weighing 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, or tows a trailer that brings the combination over that with a trailer rated over 10,000 pounds.
Do movers without CDL drivers need DOT drug testing?
No. Part 382 applies to CDL drivers. Many movers still test their crews under a company policy.
Can helpers and packers be DOT tested?
No. DOT testing is only for covered drivers. Helpers can be tested under a separate company (non-DOT) policy.
What's the random rate for moving company CDL drivers?
50% for drugs and 10% for alcohol in 2026, the same as all Part 382 employers.
Sources
- 49 CFR 383.5: Definitions (CMV for CDL purposes)
- 49 CFR 382.103: Applicability
- 49 CFR 390.5: Definitions (CMV for safety rules)
- 49 CFR 382.305: Random testing