Medications

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by tomhorn, Aug 12, 2007.

  1. tomhorn

    tomhorn Light Load Member

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    If its the FAA list, then I'm good. I hold a second class medical certificate. I can drop the Ambien no problem.
     
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  3. Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    tom, its not the FAA list, it's based on the FAA list. The DOT doesn't have a drug list, its up to company that hires you.

    Mark
     
  4. tomhorn

    tomhorn Light Load Member

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    It just seems like if they will allow me to fly an airplane for hire, they'd allow me to drive for hire. Unfortunately there are no good jobs flying right now. I suppose I could be a flight instructor for $7/hr (when there's work) or go up to alaska and fly bush, but that is severely dangerous work.

    Anyway, that list is the most extensive and rediculously restrictive one I've ever seen and the only thing I am prescribed that is on it is Ambien, which I can go without, but just have the strange dreams induced by the Prograf. Anyway it's Schnieder's list and from what I've seen, there's no way I'm working for them. The only way I'm working for anyone is to get the experience and contacts necessary to become an independent O/O. I'm fortunate in that I don't need any company to lease or finance me.
     
  5. VULCAN1999

    VULCAN1999 World's #1 Grandpa

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    Tom, when I started this journey a couple months ago I was taking Ambien and found out that basically no company will allow it. I quit taking it 8 weeks ago and had trouble at first sleeping but that has since gone away. I do take some Melatonin over the counter maybe once a week to help get to sleep, your body naturally produces it.
    Good luck
     
  6. Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    Tom, trucking is a whole new animal compared to flying. I spent 8.5 years in the Air Force as an F-15 pilot (87-96) only to be diagnosed with diabetes (type II). The trucking industry is drive by the insurance companies, they make the calls on your driving records and medical history. That list is from SNI, but I would bet a lot of money that it is valid for all the other also.

    Mark
     
  7. tomhorn

    tomhorn Light Load Member

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    Aug 9, 2007
    Jacksonville, FL
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    Mark, thanks fr the input, but bear in mind you flew for the military. I never did and believe me that commercia aviation is also driven by insurance. However, that said, I never flew for an airline or executive charter firm. As an undergraduate I flew for a skydiving club and airfreight. Then during my professional career I delivered some airplanes for manufacturers and dealers (mostly amphibs) and took off a couple of summers when I was young to fly fishing and hunting groups into remote lakes in Alaska and NWT. These last operations aren't usualy insured at all, since nobody will write them.:biggrin_25512:
     
  8. mwb

    mwb Bobtail Member

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    It is my understanding that if the DOT does NOT prohibit a particular doctor prescribed medication for a particular doctor diagnosed disease and an employer DOES, then that employer could have major problems under the American's with Disabilities Act. The whole point of this law is to protect employees from discrimination due to their disease. If DOT regulations do not prohibit that doctor prescribed medication, neither employers or their insurance underwriters has a right to prohibit it. That would constitute a blatant act of discrimination from which we are all protected under ADA.



     
  9. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    This back and forth argument has been going on for some time now. The FMCSR states that if a doctor prescribes the medication and is fully aware of what you do then it's legal. However, a company can impose any restriction when it comes to safety. Discrimination because of the disease would be a hard one to prove. I'm not a lawyer but throughout the years I have never seen anyone sue a company with this law and I have seen companies not hire because of certain medications.
     
  10. mwb

    mwb Bobtail Member

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    Check out the EEOC lawsuit against Old Dominion. Even alcoholics are protected by ADA.
     
  11. mwb

    mwb Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2012
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    Trucking companies are subservient to the ADA laws and if the prescribed medication is not specifically prohibited by DOT they can not prohit it on their own, otherwise, they could prohibit drivers from eating bacon because its not healthy and might lead to a heart attack while driving. I would suggest to any driver, that as long as DOT has not said you can't do something and still be a professional driver, neither can an employer. I would also suggest that any driver who feels as though they have been discriminated against by a trucking company should consult with legal counsel.
     
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