DOT Drug Testing.... Baffling

My understanding is that the "DOT-5" is more geared towards abused and unlawful drug use as opposed to prescription use. That's why they have a Medical Rep contact you if there's a positive prior to reporting the test as a "positive".

 

it is only my opinion, but i do not think truck drivers are the hazard, it's the 4 wheelers either using cell phones, texting, driving under the influence, or using illegal drugs that are the hazard.

 

Almost ALL narc RX drugs unless synthetic are opiates/opiate derivative.

 

I think the FMCSA sets a minimum testing standard.........but just as companies ae going beyond the standards for the DOT medical exam, with sleep studies, BMI, Etc.......I would assume many of the better companies, with higher standards, are looking for other drugs in your system as well. If you closely read the paperwork you sign in orientation, they often extend many of the industry standards, especially the companies that hire students, with no commecial driving exp. I would say that they can only report a failed DOT test, if you test for the substances listed..........but that does not mean they will hire you if they find something else in your system they deem not acceptable.

 

There is a list of prohibited drugs. If you take a DOT drug screen you should list any prescriptions that you take. Some carriers will require you to come off some before they will hire you. And the last thing we need are MORE government regulations. What we have works just fine. There are still those who take or abuse drugs and drive impaired even though there are laws against it. They are eventually caught. The major drug groups are tested and have been refined over the years. There are still those who will have a little MJ over the weekend just before going to orientation and doing a drug test on Monday.

 

If you have taken any drugs prior to being tested you need to list them when you take your drug screen. If you have been taking illegal drugs prior to going to orientation, you may want to rethink your career decision. There is zero tolerance in this business for illegal drug use.