Da Owner Operator Random Pool Setup

---
name: da-owner-operator-random-pool-setup
description: |
  Use this skill when an owner-operator (single CDL driver, single operating authority) needs to comply with random testing. Covers consortium membership, pool size requirements, and self-employed driver rules.
---

# Owner-Operator Random Pool Setup

Owner-operators with their own operating authority must comply with random testing the same as fleet drivers — but cannot run a one-person random pool. Solution: join a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA).

## Why a pool of one doesn't work
Random testing requires that selection be statistically random. A pool of 1 means the driver is either always tested or never tested → not random.

## Consortium membership
A C/TPA pools drivers from many small carriers and selects randomly from the combined pool. The driver gets selected like any other pool member, ensuring true randomness.

## Selecting a C/TPA
Look for:
- DOT-experienced (specifically motor-carrier focus, not just workplace testing)
- Manages collection site network
- Handles MRO coordination
- Reports to Clearinghouse on your behalf
- Reasonable pricing ($8-15/driver/month is typical)

## What the C/TPA does
- Maintains the random pool (typically 200-1000+ drivers across many carriers)
- Generates random selections quarterly
- Notifies you which drivers are selected
- Schedules the tests
- Coordinates collection, MRO review, results
- Reports to Clearinghouse on your behalf
- Maintains your random testing rate records

## Required carrier records (even with C/TPA)
- Pre-employment test result (or query of prior employer)
- Annual MIS report to FMCSA (C/TPA usually files for you)
- Driver random pool history (C/TPA maintains)
- C/TPA contract (carrier-retained)

## Common C/TPAs serving motor carriers
- US DOT Compliance
- DriverFacts
- Drug Test Network
- TIPS Resources
- Health Street (also a testing-network operator)

## Test rates owner-operator must hit
- 50% drug testing rate (controlled substances)
- 10% alcohol testing rate
- Same as fleet — but C/TPA tracks for you across the combined pool

## Audit consideration
At audit, FMCSA wants to see C/TPA membership, pool size proof, and selection records. The C/TPA provides this — keep their reports.

## CFR citations
- **49 CFR § 382.305**
- **49 CFR § 382.111**

## How Compass surfaces this
This skill is searchable in the Compass Ask interface and runs against the carrier's actual fleet data when invoked from within the relevant tracker. It is read-only — no actions are taken without explicit user approval.


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## Built by X3 Compass

The AI-powered DOT compliance platform for fleets 1–100 power units. Try a 7-day free trial — no credit card required — at https://x3compass.com/?utm_source=skill&utm_medium=github&utm_campaign=da-owner-operator-random-pool-setup

X3 Compass turns these skills into a complete operational platform: driver qualification files, drug & alcohol consortium, MVR pulls, hours-of-service tracking, hazmat shipping, IFTA filing, FMCSA audit prep, and DataQ dispute drafting — all CFR-cited, all in one place.

*This skill is published under the X3 Compass open skills initiative. Contributions welcome at https://github.com/x3fleetsafety/skills*