For Employers & DERs

DOT SAP Services for DOT-Regulated Employers

SAPvaluate provides DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluations, referral list compliance, and full Return-to-Duty case management — so you can get your employees back on the road, fast.

Get Started Today Call (877) 926-1678
DOT Qualified & Clearinghouse Approved
Average Completion Under 1 Week
Licensed & Insured in All 50 States

Start the SAP Referral Process

  • Employee has a confirmed DOT drug or alcohol violation
  • You are required to provide a SAP referral list at no cost
  • SAPvaluate provides same-day appointments in most cases
  • Virtual evaluations available nationwide
  • Average program completion under one week
Refer an Employee Now

No charge to the employer for the referral list. All-inclusive pricing for employees.

Nationwide SAP Network. SAPvaluate connects DOT-regulated employers and employees with qualified Substance Abuse Professionals in all 50 states. Our evaluations are accepted by FMCSA, FAA, FTA, PHMSA, and the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Contact Our Team

49 CFR Part 40 Compliance: As a DOT-regulated employer, you are required to provide each employee who violates a drug or alcohol regulation with a list of qualified SAPs at no charge. SAPvaluate is your compliant SAP referral resource.

Why It Matters

Substance Abuse in the Workplace Is a Safety and Compliance Issue

Federal regulations require DOT-regulated employers to act when an employee violates a drug or alcohol policy. Failing to do so puts your company, your employees, and the public at risk.

70%
of substance abusers are currently employed
1 in 4
workers ages 18–34 used drugs in the past year
49 CFR
Part 40 mandates SAP referrals for every DOT violation

Your Legal Obligation as a DOT-Regulated Employer

Under 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart O, every DOT-regulated employer is required to provide each employee who violates a drug or alcohol regulation with a list of SAPs who are readily available and acceptable to the employer — including names, addresses, and phone numbers. You cannot charge the employee any fee for this list.

SAPvaluate acts as your service agent, handling the sourcing, credentialing, and referral of qualified SAPs so you never have to scramble to find one on your own.

49 CFR Part 40 Subpart O: “As an employer, you must provide to each employee who violates a DOT drug and alcohol regulation a listing of SAPs readily available to the employee and acceptable to you, with names, addresses and telephone numbers. You cannot charge the employee any fee for compiling or providing this list.”

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

Allowing a safety-sensitive employee to continue working after a DOT drug or alcohol violation — without completing the SAP process — exposes your company to serious regulatory, financial, and legal consequences.

Beyond compliance, substance abuse in the workplace increases accident risk, raises insurance costs, lowers productivity, and affects team morale. Getting your employee connected with a SAP quickly is the right move for your business, your team, and the employee themselves.

SAPvaluate makes that connection fast — typically within the same business day.

What We Offer

Employer SAP Services from SAPvaluate

Everything your company needs to stay compliant, support your employees, and get your workforce back on the road — all in one place.

DOT SAP Evaluations

Thorough evaluations (virtual or in-person) accepted by all DOT agencies and the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

SAP Referral List Compliance

Ready-to-use, compliant SAP referral list as required by 49 CFR Part 40. Stay audit-ready.

Case Management & Compliance Monitoring

Clinical specialists monitor each employee's progress through the RTD process.

Follow-Up Testing Recommendations

SAP-issued follow-up testing recommendations in accordance with DOT guidelines — fully documented and defensible.

Reasonable Suspicion Training

Virtual supervisory training covering drug and alcohol recognition. Meets all DOT requirements.

DER Consultation & Support

Direct consultation for your Designated Employer Representative on SAP questions and clearinghouse issues.

Clearinghouse Reporting

SAPs file all required compliance reports directly with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Secure Documentation & Record Keeping

Secure electronic filing of all case records for a minimum of five years, as required by federal guidelines.

Fast Turnaround — Same-Day Appointments

Same-day appointments and average program completion under one week — the fastest in the industry.

The Process

How the SAP Return-to-Duty Process Works

Here’s what happens from the moment your employee is referred to SAPvaluate through to their return to safety-sensitive duties.

1

Employer Refers Employee to SAPvaluate

You provide your employee with our contact information as required by 49 CFR Part 40. We respond within 15 minutes on average.

2

Initial SAP Evaluation (Virtual or In-Person)

The employee meets with a DOT-qualified SAP via secure video call or in person. The SAP assesses the employee and determines the appropriate level of education or treatment.

3

Personalized Education or Treatment Plan

The SAP creates a customized plan that meets DOT requirements. SAPvaluate coordinates the referral and monitors the employee’s progress.

4

Follow-Up Evaluation

Once the employee completes their education or treatment, the SAP conducts a follow-up evaluation to confirm readiness to return to safety-sensitive duties.

5

Clearinghouse Update & Employer Notification

The SAP files the compliance report with the FMCSA Clearinghouse, changing the employee’s status to “retest eligible.” Your DER is notified directly.

6

Return-to-Duty Test & Follow-Up Testing Program

After passing the RTD test, the employee is cleared to return to safety-sensitive work. The SAP issues a follow-up testing schedule you are responsible for administering.

Who We Work With

We Work With All Types of DOT-Regulated Employers

From small owner-operators to large fleets and Fortune 500 companies — if you have safety-sensitive employees, we can help.

Motor Carriers & Trucking Companies
C/TPAs & Third-Party Administrators
HR & Risk Departments
MROs — Medical Review Officers
EAPs — Employee Assistance Programs
Occupational Health Groups
Aviation Operators (FAA)
Transit Agencies (FTA)
Pipeline Operators (PHMSA)
Federal, State & Local Agencies
Labor Unions
Insurance Companies
Your Responsibilities

What DOT Regulations Require of You as an Employer

Understanding your obligations under 49 CFR Part 40 is critical. Here are the four key requirements every DOT-regulated employer must meet.

01

Remove the Employee from Safety-Sensitive Duties Immediately

As soon as a violation is confirmed, the employee must be removed from any safety-sensitive function. They cannot return until they complete the full RTD process.

02

Provide a SAP Referral List at No Cost to the Employee

You must provide the employee with a list of qualified SAPs — including names, addresses, and phone numbers — at no charge.

03

Schedule the Return-to-Duty Drug Test

Once the SAP determines the employee is “retest eligible,” you are responsible for scheduling the return-to-duty test.

04

Administer the Follow-Up Testing Program

After the employee returns to duty, you must administer the follow-up testing schedule issued by the SAP — typically a minimum of six unannounced tests in the first 12 months.

What People Say

Trusted by Employers and Employees Nationwide

Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what people say about working with SAPvaluate.

★★★★★
“Quickest and most affordable SAP program out there. They do everything to get the restriction lifted as fast as possible and work directly with the DOT clearinghouse. Would recommend 10/10.”
Naomi Cohen
Verified Client
★★★★★
“Save yourself the time shopping around — I already did it for you. This company provides the best value by far. Straight up, no games, responsive, professional, and got the job done fast.”
Scott Shapiro
Verified Client
★★★★★
“I thought my CDL would be restricted for months but they actually got me unrestricted within a couple of days. Thank you for a great experience with your SAP evaluation.”
Dakota McKenzie
CDL Holder
Employer FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions we hear from employers, DERs, and HR professionals.

What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and why do I need one?
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a licensed clinician trained and tested according to DOT guidelines (49 CFR Part 40). When an employee in a safety-sensitive role fails or refuses a DOT drug or alcohol test, federal law requires them to be evaluated by a qualified SAP before they can return to duty. As the employer, you are required to provide the employee with a SAP referral list at no cost to them.
How quickly can SAPvaluate schedule a SAP evaluation?
We offer same-day appointments in most cases. Our average response time after initial contact is 15 minutes, and most employees complete their initial evaluation within 24–48 hours of reaching out. Our average total program completion time is under one week — the fastest in the industry.
Are SAPvaluate’s evaluations accepted by the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
Yes. All of our SAPs are DOT-qualified and their evaluations are accepted by all DOT agencies, including FMCSA, FAA, FTA, and PHMSA. Our SAPs file compliance reports directly with the FMCSA Clearinghouse and update the employee’s status upon completion of the RTD process.
What is the employer’s role in the Return-to-Duty process?
As the employer, your primary responsibilities are: (1) remove the employee from safety-sensitive duties immediately upon a confirmed violation; (2) provide the employee with a SAP referral list at no cost; (3) schedule the return-to-duty drug test once the SAP determines the employee is “retest eligible”; and (4) administer the follow-up testing program as directed by the SAP.
Can an employee complete the SAP evaluation virtually?
Yes. All of our SAP evaluations are conducted virtually via secure video call, making it easy for employees to complete the process regardless of their location.
What does the employer pay for SAP services?
Under 49 CFR Part 40, you cannot charge the employee for the SAP referral list itself. SAPvaluate’s all-inclusive program is $499 (or $124 in four interest-free installments), making it one of the most affordable options available. We never charge hidden fees.
Do you offer training for our supervisors and DERs?
Yes. We offer Reasonable Suspicion Supervisory Training for supervisors and DER Fundamentals training for Designated Employer Representatives. Both are conducted virtually and meet all DOT requirements.

Ready to Get Your Employee
Back on the Road?

Connect with a DOT-qualified SAP today. SAPvaluate handles the entire Return-to-Duty process — fast, affordable, and fully compliant with federal regulations.

Get Started Now Call (877) 926-1678
DOT Qualified in All 50 States
Clearinghouse & Employer Approved
No Hidden Fees
Average Completion Under 1 Week