Straight truck question

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Billiejoe, Apr 1, 2015.

  1. Billiejoe

    Billiejoe Bobtail Member

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    So I am looking to go to school here in a few weeks and get my class A. I used to smoke weed for a disease I have. I have quit for 6 months now and don't plan on doing it as long as I have my class A. Though the medicine I am on instead of it is not good and can cause cancer and surgerys and such ten or twenty years down the line. So my question is is it possible to drive a straight truck and not get drug testing other than pre employment? I would even look into purchasing a truck if that made it any easier. I know it would be a lot more involved but I don't mind the work. Now I want to also say before I get hounded I DO NOT and DID NOT smoke during the day. Only at night to help inflimation for my disease. So during the day I am 100% not under the influence of anything so I would be able to safely drive it so please don't comment get another line of work cause that is not why I posted this asking for every ones opinion. I also have adhd so driving is the only thing that I can enjoy/stand doing for a job day in and day out. I love driving and have a perfect record so ideal I could find something that I can drive make decent money and use this at night to help my disease. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please don't hound me to much lol
     
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  3. ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    If you are driving a truck in interstate commerce you are subject to the rules that govern it. Does not matter if it is Class A or B. So you will be subject to random drug testing. If you are an owner OP, you still have to have a drug testing plan in effect. Most that are running on their own authority pay a company that does allot of other owner OPs. And they pull randoms out of that pool.
     
  4. Mike2633

    Mike2633 Road Train Member

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    Well straight trucks that require a CDL to operate are under the same guidelines as an A truck. If you have a CDL B the driving rules as far as HOS, Drug Testing and everything else are exactly the same. Heck the only major difference in the pre trip inspection is the fifth wheel and the trailer air break supply that's it.
     
  5. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    TO answer your question, yes, but you have to drive a truck that does not require a CDL, meaning under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating and no haz-mat. Now, just because you are not subject to a DOT drug test operating a truck that does not require a CDL doesn't mean the company can't give you a non-DOT drug test, most reputable companies will. Further, just because you do not have to drug test a non-CDL driver, it is still illegal to operate any vehicle under the influence, so if you have an accident of get caught by DOT, yes under CDL trucks still have to go thru roadside inspections and weigh stations, you will be in big trouble, committing a felony in most states. Honestly, if you have to try to circumvent the drug testing rules, whatever the reason, you need to find a different line of work.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Google "courier service jobs", many of those don't require CDL. Also check uber.com
     
  7. marineman227

    marineman227 Dock Waterer

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    If you're driving non cdl truck it would be up to them and their insurance company. If you have a legal prescription and your driving in a state that recognizes it then it shouldn't be treated any different than any other prescription. The FMCSA is the one that dictates it's illegal for class A drivers despite the local laws but that wouldn't apply to you in that scenario.
     
  8. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Yeah, a CMV is defined as a commercial use vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more... so, basically, you run an F350 for UPS, you have liabilities just like their CDL drivers to, and if you're found hot after an accident, you'll have ambulance chaser lawyers up in your orifice trying to squeeze every penny out of you, all the same. Even running a pilot car, you have to carry as much liability as the truck its escorting.
    Weed or a driving career... pick one.
     
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Sorry but there is something missing here.

    If you are taking drugs to control a disease that causes serious side effects then considering driving for a living shouldn't be on the table at all. Taking cannabis as a substitute reinforces this. One accident, you have to deal with a drug test because of your CDL and if you have any illegal drugs or legal drugs that can impair your judgement (by their definition not yours), you will lose your license and may end up in prison.
     
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