March 19, 2026
If you're a driver in a safety-sensitive role or an employer in the transportation industry, it's crucial to understand how Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) reports are handled, especially when it comes to follow-up testing plans.
Here’s the bottom line: SAPs are only allowed to send follow-up testing plans to employers—not recruiters. Even if a driver signs a release form, federal regulations (specifically 49 CFR §40.311 and §40.291) make it clear: recruiters are not considered employers, and therefore cannot receive this documentation.
What Drivers Should Avoid
Drivers should not ask SAPs to send their paperwork to multiple companies they’re applying to. This includes:
Only the actual employer can request these documents directly from the SAP. Asking SAPs to send them to recruiters or a “wish list” of companies is not only inefficient—it’s against DOT regulations.
Karishma is a Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) with a background in mental health and substance abuse counseling, holding credentials as an MS, LCDC, ICADC, CADC II, CSAC, CASAC II, LPC, and EMDR-trained therapist. Inspired by personal experiences with addiction and mental health challenges in her community, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and success.
