A random program is a machine with four moving parts: a pool that contains the right people and only the right people, selections that are scientifically random, unannounced, and spread reasonably throughout the calendar year, notifications that send the selected employee to collection immediately, and records that prove all of it happened (49 CFR 382.305). This guide walks each part, what the federal rates mean, and where programs typically break down: stale pool rosters, non-covered staff pooled with covered drivers, clustered selections, and gaps in the paper trail.
The short version
- Keep the pool roster current: departures and new hires change it every month, and only covered employees belong in the DOT pool (49 CFR 382.305(j))
- Selections must be unannounced and spread reasonably throughout the calendar year (49 CFR 382.305(k))
- Once notified, the employee proceeds to the collection site immediately (49 CFR 382.305(l))
- Random alcohol tests happen only just before, during, or just after safety-sensitive work (49 CFR 382.305(m))
- Keep every selection list and every completed collection on file for the periods 49 CFR 382.401 sets