A new study conducted by professors at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway has determined that almost 300,000 currently employed truck drivers would fail a drug test if they had to undergo a hair follicle test instead of a urine test. The study was funded by The Trucking Alliance, a group which counts many large carriers and American Trucking Association companies amongst its members.
Professors Doug Voss and Joe Cangelosi authored the report. Voss is a professor of logistics and supply chain management, Cangelosi is a professor of marketing.
Current federal regulations require trucking companies to administer drug tests to new hires and to randomly test at least 50% of their drivers over the course of a year. Urine analysis is the only method that is currently accepted.
The Trucking Alliance, ATA, and many large carriers have long advocated for hair testing to be recognized by the federal government as an acceptable alternative to urine testing. Many of the companies advocating for the change already conduct hair testing, but have lobbied for the change so that they do not also have to pay for urine testing. Average costs for urine drug tests and processing are anywhere from $30-$60.
It does not appear that Voss and Cangelosi gathered any new data for this study, but rather relied on two previous studies. The first was another study commissioned by The Trucking Alliance. It took pass/fail rates of drivers applying to The Trucking Alliance carriers and found that 8.5% of applicants either failed or refused a hair test. This is significantly higher than the 0.6% of applicants who failed or refused a urine test.
Crucially, the Voss/Cangelosi study finds that the failure rate of 151,662 applicants to large carriers are to be considered “representative” of the failure rates of all commercial truck drivers currently working in the country. As any trucker knows though, it’s a serious stretch to say that an applicant to a megacarrier is the same as a veteran trucker.
Despite that, the study’s authors say that there is “a high degree of similarity between The Trucking Alliance sample and the national driver pool.”
The second study that Voss and Cangelosi analyzed was conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which sought to determine whether hair testing could produce racially biased results
“Utilizing independently provided urine and hair pre-employment drug screen data, University of Central Arkansas researchers were unable to find disparate impacts of hair testing among the ethnic groups,” reads the study. “Given these findings, we find no disparate impact among ethnic groups by testing method.”
According to the BLS study that Voss and Cangelosi used for their data however, a black applicant was more than twice as likely as an Asian applicant to fail a hair test. Critics of hair testing point out that due to differences in the porousness of hair, drug tests produce more positives amongst certain racial groups than other. In fact, the ACLU has repeatedly lobbied for hair testing not to be used because “it is widely known” that hair testing has a racial bias, and can return a positive result for drug use even when a person “was merely exposed to, but never actually ingested” a drug.
“Most of us share the road with motor carriers on a daily basis,” write Voss and Cangelosi in their conclusion. “We all hope that commercial truck drivers are well-trained, well-rested, and drug and alcohol free as they pilot 80,000 pound vehicles traveling within a few feet of our vehicle.”
The conclusions drawn in this most recent study seem in our opinion to read less like an academic paper, and more like what someone might possibly write if they were being paid to arrive at a pre-determined conclusion. Which is not a claim that is being made.
“They’re fantastic companies,” Voss said of The Trucking Alliance carriers according to TalkBusiness. “And they want to do things the right way.”
Source: truckinginfo, talkbusiness, ilitchbusiness
How about we Drug test evryone who has a license and not only CMV drivers then we will really see who the Drug users are!!!
I agree. They share the same road we do and operate vehicles that can still kill somebody..
Their not Commercial Drivers who make a living driver You Are
No Commercial drivers under the influence period
Uniform Drug & Alcohol policy for all Commercial Drivers
Until it’s your relative or family member killed by a DUI truck driver you want exceptions
You want to drink or get high
Don’t drive a truck for a living
Non-commercial drivers don’t deserve an exemption from safety or legal compliance. Everybody makes their way in the world, somehow, and if it’s wrong for one to do so, high; it’s wrong for them all.
Pizza delivery guy isnt drug tested and guess what he uses to make money
Why are you ignoring doordash, Grubhub,Postmates?
They riding a bicycle?
Little different then 80 thousand pounds moron!
Well said!
The problem is these idiots are to stupid to do anything!
And Both Houses of Congress!
Exactly
Weeell driver, there ain’t no super cash in THAT kinda thing don’t ya know. Heard Knight Transportation brother or cousin of the Swift Company was testing drivers via urine & hair 20 yrs ago & are pushing for it.
You’re a “professional” driver how bout you act like it? They test professional athletes, do you see them crying about it?
I would have no problem with the test, but what’s the solution if they get a false positive. Taking a sample from your hair could also contain second hand smoke from someone else even if you don’t do anything. I mean, is it going to be weeks before you get a result and just let you go without an option for retesting? If you were pulled over and failed a breathalyzer, you have the right to be taking to a hospital and have your blood tested. So what’s the solution without ruining peoples lives that are innocent?
If they are clean they shouldn’t be against it , but as we know most of the drivers are subject to alot of questionable behavior when on layovers for 34 hrs break or home time thinking they won’t get caught , I’m all for hair testing personally
Just playing devil’s advocate here…but why arent doctors, nurses, lawyers, lab technicians and others…etc…held responsible for what they DO on their weekends off ? ! ? ! ?
In my 60’s now, I’ve always had a buzz-cut, having been a military brat.
I was refused even taking a physical, by a major carrier, because my crew-cut was too short for a follicle test.
The only drugs in my system being for high blood pressure.
Same here. Short hair and i body shave. They couldn’t test me.
They’ll yank a hair outta yer nose
I have retired after 35 years of driving and being my company’s poster child for drug tests because they didn’t like me now I’m retired and I can go get the legal weed and everything else when I drove I had to live the life of a monk even at home on leave
They need enough hairs to fill a straw. Do you really think they will get a sample that big out of someone’s nose? Lol
So you’re a pill popper? Got it lol
The price we pay. I love to drink mead, but local regional driver on call a lot and unless off entire weekend, I don’t touch.
I don’t want to be driving with drug users. So test me all you want.
This isn’t going to happen, to many rich rucking companies won’t allow.
Hell you want be driving at all because of this survey. Its to bring in self driving trucks
They could have gotten the hair from your underarms, someone was just lazy. I’m bald and when I had the hair test done they took it from my armpits.
I’m bald and I’ve had hair scraped from my arm. They can get the hair from any part of your body. But beware if you go in for a folicle test and your entire body is shaved be prepared to show a viable medical condition as to why your body is completely bald or it will go down as a refusal.
Could have taken a sample from your arm pit.
Because they use them just to get through med school!
“ BLACK applicant was more than twice as likely as an Asian applicant to fail a hair test. Critics of hair testing point out that due to differences in the porousness of hair, drug tests produce more positives amongst certain racial groups than other.”…………
Missed this part huh? People fail to realize how this hurts black people. This is what black people have to go through. They made sure to note that we’d be affected the most by this. Failing a drug test simply because we are black. How can you support this. This part not sticking out to you shows the difference in how you go about your life and how a black persons has to go about life.
I am a black truck driver I am agree with the testing, regardless of race. We are all professional drivers and should maintain that level. Be legal at all times saves lives of you and others on the roads. Test test get the bad one off the roads
If you read more detail you’d see that hair follicle testing is so accurate that it will give a false positive for someone even exposed to a drug without using it. So, basically, if you have a CDL, don’t be hanging around with pot-heads! Lol
Get real!
So how do you differentiate between the recreational use of marijuana which is legal in many states and the use of alcohol. I have to say in my 55 years I’ve seen alcohol do far more damage then marijuana. Neither should ever be used one behind the wheel but current testing for THC doesn’t differentiate whether it was 2 hours ago or 2 days ago even though the effect if it was two days ago are clearly out of your system
Really? What you do on home time shouldn’t matter. When you get back under the wheel then it does. You can stay drunk all the time your off, but you smoke a joint? That’s just stupid.
Wake up!! Why do you think they are doing the survey! They trying to bring in a safer method . Self driving trucks. The survey was probably done by those that want to do away with truck drivers for aelf driving trucks and this is the method taken to get rid of y’all
Correctamundo!
Driver, that’s absolutely 100% CORRECT. They also keep lowering the blood pressure numbers to rid drivers who have higher readings. Used to be 160/90 for ever n ever, then in the last 10 yrs it went lower n lower. Now it’s 138/89. And can’t use any licensed doctor who can do the same thing. Blood, eyes, urine. NOW the docs have to in a National Registry to even do it. They want US OUT, & ROBOT TRUCKS IN.
What drivers do on their home time aint no one’s business
I haven’t any problem as long as it stands for EVERY DRIVER LICENSE HOLDER and NOT just a CDL 🇺🇸
Fair enough
👍🇺🇸
That’s a good thing.
Yeah I’m definitely not worried about that cuz I wouldn’t not be one of the 300 you talk about
Yeah I’m definitely not worried about that I would not definitely be one of the 300 you’re talking about
If your using drugs you shouldn’t be driving. Less drivers equal better rates
I agree that people using drugs or alcohol have no business on the road with the rest of us.
I believe urine tests and on the road spot checks are enough of a deterrent at this point in time.
Rigorous drug and alcohol testing BEFORE you are issued a CDL would be a good thing.
Do what? So how you feel about something should dictate what others do? Have you ever drank a before? You’re an idiot. Drug test is for possibly being under the influence. Not what you did 90 days or 6 months ago. Get a life. Put on your safety vest and mask so you will all snug and safe
I totally agree. That’s the downside to hair testing.
Great point Lloyd Smith ! Two totally different scenarios !
Thank you
👍
I agree.
That’s right is you drink beer, alcohol, caffeine you shouldn’t be driving
But it’s ok to drink at the bar while taking a 10 hour break?
Look on trucker path, review after ask if the truck stops sell beer.
I’d rather have a driver smoking weed than drinking any day of the week.
I’ve never had a weed hangover, but I have woken up still drunk.
Fewer drivers means more tired drivers.
I have been in the presence of State Troopers who stated that they would rather meet up with a driver who had “taken a pill” to stay alert, than a sleepy driver. Of course, that was a long time ago. My driving career was from 1979 to 2010. I had neither tickets or accidents on my MVR, even driving triple-digit trucks in the old days, pre-CDL. The biggest problems then, were dispatchers and brokers who wanted the load, from one coast to the other, “yesterday”, no matter when you got loaded. I think we and the 4-wheeler drivers we shared the road with, were safer then, than now. The HOS rules are horrible now and unrealistic.
Yes Driver the pre E-log day’s were a lot better….now with the gov needing a bigger nose we are now heading for only memories of the old SAFER day’s of trucking, the day’s they seem to have Never known
Actually you aren’t looking at the outlying issues. Autonomous Trucks, bigger payloads on trains, and no shortage of H1B visas from
impoverished countries. They always find a way to keep rates stable or even stagnant!
Bingo
Exactamundo!
If you’re EATING on your time off, you’re eating food for drivers & shouldn’t be driving because drivers won’t have enough to survive. YES EXTREME PUN intended. 😎
If true. That would be a huge driver shortage. Be careful what you wish for.
Supply & demand.
Like i said in 2 other posts The survey is a reason to bring in self driving trucks And get rid of teuck drivers.
It’s not good if it’s racially biased and people can sometimes test positive if they simply get exposed to smoke by air; but if they fix those two issues, I’m all for it!!
Sack them ! don’t need idiots behind the wheel.
The ATA is like Bill Gates. Less drivers and the Mega Fleets have control over rates and wages. Mega Fleets already grossly under pay their drivers and this allows them to under cut the rates. How about regulating Driving Schools both independent and the ones offered by the Mega Fleets. They both put out a very, very poor and dangerous product.
👍
The same mega carrier’s lobbying for the hair follicle test will be the same companies replacing their drivers at a alarming rate with automation in a few years. These companies have deep pockets and can afford the new self driving semi. They could care less about a body in a truck when they stand to make almost billions. They are already using current drivers now to work out the final qinks for final self driving semi ie the 2020 freightliner cascadia. It brakes itself,has land departure, keeps track of data for improvements, on board cameras it just a matter of time before automation takes over trucking like it did with the railroad. If it was truly about safety they would require a weekly piss test as opposed to randoms
REMEMBER when ELDs were IMPLEMENTED and the MEGA CARRIER’S whined for a year EXTENSION???
There will ALWAYS be a body in the truck stupid!!! EVEN when they drive themselves you will still
Have a driver IN THE TRUCK!!!!
Only up to stage 4 autonomy. Stop calling people stupid when you yourself are ignorant of the facts. Stage 5 autonomy which some companies are very close too requires 0 presents of a person in the vehicle. Though it isn’t talked about in the media there are multiple companies ready to roll out stage 5 autonomy.
No hair test because like stated above- you may be around smoking,but not doing it yourself. Note: drinking is the real problem. I m Joseph
Drinking is the real problems I watch drivers carrying out cases of beer to the sleeper and sitting in bars all the time. Drug testing is an invasion of privacy and should only be conducted if a driver has an accident.
Wrong
You give up your “privacy “ when you sign up for a CDL moron boy!
Do you? So is that a forfeiture of all privacy when you get your CDL? Do you have your CDL? Can I put a camera in your sleeper? You did say you give up all privacy right? Should your employer make you fill out a questionnaire after all hometime requiring you to disclose the events of your home time? Where do YOU draw the line? See i don’t need to call you or anyone else names. That would be an ignorant response.
Drug testing should be limited what a driver has done in the last 30 day.
All the government needs to be concerned is that the driver is clean when he is operating the motor vehicle
What he does on his private time is just exactly that if you can describe the word private and understand his private time is exactly that government needs to mind their own business just not what a guy did three months ago
There’s a hair test for alcoholism?
Not only hair test but industry needs to look at the physical condition of a driver .a driver should not weight more than 235 lb
I see everyday obies drivers who can hardly walk are accepted by carriers .these are serious danger in the road
Are you telling me that a guy built like The Rock shouldn’t be driving a truck? Surely he’s in better shape than most drivers out there, and I’m quite certain he weighs more than 235 lbs. Weight alone cant be the only factor.
Really? 235 lbs huh? My dad is 6’7 290 lean. You should come to our home and tell him he shouldn’t be able to drive a truck.
LOL!!!
You all. Know all politicians use drugs why can’t we get rid of them I think the truck driver has the right to smoke marijuana on his 32 hour if a person is allowed to drink he should be allowed to smoke weed along with the other politicians
Lol, think it’s a shortage now? Wait until this would go in to effect….they would be force to make self operating semis .
Now drug tests are being called racially biased…lmao
It’s really simple, if you want to pass it just don’t indulge or hang around people that do. I guess that’s too much to ask for some people though.
I went over to my ex wife’s apartment for some divorce-related crap, and her boyfriend sparked up a bong. I passed a piss test a few days later, but I would probably fail a hair test over that. Associating with a pothead once in 25 years, and now I’m out a career? I don’t think that’s reasonable.
I think a stupidity test should be administered, we truckers would have less idiot drivers on our highways!
Stupid and an invasion of privacy. We already get no privacy. I do not care one bit if a truck driver smokes or snorts or drinks on their layover. I only care if they do that while driving there’s a huge difference.
Or they can smoke crack or meth and it would be out of their system with in a day and pass a drug test and then they can be driving the road there’s nothing bad about marijuana not like alcohol crack or meth it just stays in your system longer drug tests are a waste of time and money
I am a non drug using lady trucker. Every year I am randomly tested via a urine test..
However, I am an owner operator now. In the beginning of my trucking career I worked for a big carrier that drug tested via the hair. Let me tell you that they cut a 50 cent sized piece of hair from my very long hair. The tester claimed it’s in the back so it wouldn’t be noticeable. What a joke to.say the least. As that hair grew out…from my scalp, because they literally cut it off to the scalp, it stuck out like a damn peacock feather for almost 6 months! I am completely against the cutting of my hair as I find this very intrusive, especially if this were mandated to occur, seeing as I am the “lucky pick” every year. All I see this being is a nightmare situation. I don’t do drugs, never have…but evidently I should have to look like some rooster to prove it is asinine. If any employer has that big of doubts about any employee then they shouldn’t be hired, or retained as one.
I agree with drug testing but I get sick of everything being blamed on the lowly truck driver when America wants to stay dirty tired hungry and missing there family let me no and another thing some if us lowly truck drivers have never did drugs or alcohol and are Christians who love there job it’s not going to be funny when food and medicine are not delivers at all so keep after the lowly truck driver .Donna Johnson
Stay the hell out of a person’s personal life I think any Testing is wrong it’s another form of communist the government being in control
Maybe we should start testing 4 wheelers every time they are involved in a wreck with a truck?. Yes there are bad truckers, but I am sick and tired of being blamed for stupidity and actions of the idiots in cars too. It is not my fault ylu have to go 90 degrees across 4 lanes of traffic to make the exit you take every morning
Amen to that. Mandatory drug test for any driver involved in an accident.
I agree with you100%. 4 wheelers should be tested like us after a accident. An I think they need to at least take a driver rules of the road test when they renew their license.
Testing four wheelers?
This is a great idea. We get tested
So, a Grown Responsible MAN that work 14 hours a day for 5 days straight For six years. A real MAN Home for the weekend Can’t enjoy a smooth cup of Jack Daniels with a cigar anymore. Is this America ?
you will be seeing a lot of o/o going out of business soon anyway if republicans don’t stop the 2M insurance mandate the democrats approved in the House subcommittee vote. It passed 37-27 to be included in the INVEST act. Already talked my agent since we are doing my renewal. I can’t afford the extra $1300/ month
300.000 less drivers?
Lots of people without food in no time.
I don’t really care since I don’t use anything except what my doctor is prescribing to me and maybe few alcoholic beverages per year.
Large mega carriers pushing to put the little guys out of business. Same ol same ol.
Hair testing doesn’t prove that someone is under the influence. Just that they were around a substance sometime in the past.
It can detect a substance months prior to actually taking the test.
Being a military brat…I’ve had a crew cut my whole life. In my 60’s now, I was refused a job because my hair was too short for a follicle test.
I never looked at hair down to my azz as being a career enhancer…! ! !
Well drinking is a problem. Drugs are a problem. All you holiest of drivers. I think testing should be done. But smoking an occasional joint. Just like drinking occasionally. Moderate behavior. Hair testing can go back months depending what they order. I think some should be legalized just like alcohol. I don’t drink very often or do anything else. 36 years driving. I’ve seen a lot out here. Be careful what ask for. That dna collection also.
I’m tired of being treated like a criminal simply because I make my living hauling cargo. We have allowed drug testing to become more and more invasive and it’s getting ridiculous. It shouldn’t matter what a driver does on his or her days off, as long as that doesn’t affect them when they return to work. If we allow hair follicle testing, which is yet another intrusion, we are opening the door for more. What if they start screening people based on the company they keep? How about monitoring an individual’s activities other than drug and alcohol consumption? Could someone be fired because he or she likes high risk activities like extreme sports, for example? Where do we draw the line? More important, these unnecessarily intrusive drug tests are a violation of our 4th Amendment rights. It’s an unconstitutional search and seizure.
Majority of truckers are on pills that means it will affect Almost everyone. When they say drugs it doesn’t mean just weeds smh.
You can’t take that depression pill either 😝
To drive for what you are paid today thats the only drivers they can find you gota be high or drunk to work for the rates that are paid today lol
Drivers will be replaced by self driving trucks. The large carriers want you and your problems gone. Worse, little donnie and moscw mitch want you dead so you won’t burden SS, medicare and medicaid.
There’s always one.
Paranoid nonsense
Flushing the Turd on November 3rd
I like that!
Me too!
Flush the Turd…on the 3rd.
Now; that’s funny. I don’t care Who you are!
Burn all his stupid flags too.
I thought you were given a drug to see if you are the influence. Not to see what you did 6 months ago. Stepping way over the line.
Until there is a workable protocol to test for *current* intoxication level due to maijuana use, as exists for alcohol. such use will be off-limits for commercial drivers. It does not matter if marijuana is legal…it is not (currently) for us.
Quit the wbining and grow up. If a person cannot put the recreational drugs away they should find another line of work.
I agree with you 100%, stop whining, put on your big boy pants and stop using drugs. The one’s complaining are the one’s who will use and jump in their rig and start driving.
Well I retired 5yrs ago, but as far as hair test, I think it’s BS. I drove over 12 yrs, never failed a test, no tickets. I was offended a job with a major career let’s call them big orange….. anyway they did hair test on their own, said I failed? Really? I’m against it.
Whats wrong with a bowl on Friday Saturday. Doesn’t affect your abilities to drive Monday!
Are there any true advocates for the truck drivers. Seems this industry has been getting gang bang for years now by people who have never even driven a rig. I wish drivers could come together instead of trying to one up and demean someone for their thought or comments.
I have seen more, and more regulations over my 20 years of driving. As I do not take any illegal drugs, and when prescribed medications due to an injury I may take for first few days then stop, as I do not like them. As we all know the Government, and some trucking companies impose many personal rights regulations. I totally object to hair testing because all the results will be put into a data base. The issue is that driver’s DNA will be included in the record. Total invasion of my civil rights.
If “They” eanted your DNA they have collected it already.
This is what dedicating years of our life boils down to ladies and gents. (25 for me)… We’ve seen hours of service changes because of a few bad apples… we’ve seen “the ELD Mandate”…not to mention an increase in CMV check stations, weigh stations, roadside inspections, stripped of our earnings with inflated prices at every truck stop from one side of this country to the other and now, hair follicle testing to make sure we’re all on the up and up. **Good news, in September of 2021 my med card expires, and you can fire up the Swift trucking schools and watch McDonald drive throughs a get destroyed by new drivers. Yep, their hair will be clean…just like their heads. ✌️ out in September 2021.
I do not see how this benefits the patrons of this study. Hundreds of thousands of less applicants to drive their trucks will result in what a tight supply does to everything. Self driving trucks are still a dream and will not be practical until humans are not driving cars. What until one of them flattens a mini van full of kids.
Those Idiots 4 wheelers are the ones that need hair testing, flying down the road cutting off people and texting on the phone.
They want to drug test truckers that’s fine, but they also need to apply the same rules for 4 wheelers as well,
100% with you.
That should help drive rates up. …for about 3 months. Then they’ll replace them with rookies right out of truck driving school.
I never was a fan of drug testing anyway due to an invasion of privacy. Back in the day when they started it, they had to watch you go in the cup. That was embarrassing. Now you no longer have to be watched. But there would be a lot more bald drivers. They would shave all body hair. The fact is, people who do drugs will usually find a way to beat the test. The best defense is performance based incident testing. If a driver has millions of safe miles, with no incidents, whatever they’re doing is fine with me. But if a driver starts having little issues, a closer look needs to happen. I’ve let drivers go before based on a performance drop off. Usually I’ve found after a few incidents, which can be paperwork mistakes and other sloppiness issues, a major crash is more likely. Legally I have to let a driver go if they test positive for THC, but CBD supplements can cause that, and if their performance is top notch, that’s a real loss for the company. Most of them will prefer another line of work than going through drug treatment for an issue they don’t actually have, but were just using supplements for pain. We need to find a solution for safety, but not for what a driver does on their off time. I don’t know how much this would raise the costs of the drug consortium’s, but that bump would be permanent, the bump in rates and increased crashes due to the rookies replacements would only be temporary.
After we covered hair testing in trucking school, the next day 1/3 of the class came in shaved completely bald…
Rush hour traffic and accidents are caused by 4 wheelers, not by trucker. that’s why I like driving at night, less idiots 4 wheelers on the road
That’s me I drive at night, less traffic and when it’s time for my 10 hour break I can find a parking spot with no problem.
I am not comfortable with using a test that is at best 75% accurate. and at worst is absolutely racist, see melanin in this study, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325013. For those that play the if you have nothing to hide you shouldn’t care, just remember when they came for my favorite soda you did nothing, when they come for your favorite soda don’t look around and wonder why no one does anything. Your privacy should always be your number one priority.
HOW ABOUT WE SHARE THE ROAD WITH MILLIONS OF CRACKHEADS AND METH HEADS EVERYDAY THAT DONT EVEN HAVE A LICENSE AND NEVER GET EVEN A HAIR OFF THE NUTSACK TESTED!!! YES THEY CAN. CAUSE OUR 8OK LB TRUCK TO HAVE A BAD ACCIDENT BECAUSE THEY JUST DONT CARE THAT WE ARE FEEDING THEIR FAMILIES WHEN ITS -10 BELOW ZERO ON ICY ROADS!!! IM SO SICK OF BEING MADE TO LOOK LIKE A DOPE HEAD TRUCK DRIVER!!!!!! NOT ONE CAR ON THE ROAD HAS TO BE DRUGTESTED BUT THEY ARE ALL SOBER???? YEA, KIZZ MY AZZZZ
🤘
A driver with an array of prescribe medications from any clinic my drive
As long has it doesn’t interfere with HIS OR HERs performance, what any ONEdose on their own time is that their own time .
LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IS HERE NOW. ACCEPT IT AND STOP THE WINNING OR DRINK SOME WINE AND TAKE A 10 BREAK
Marijuana is not legal on a federal level.
The most dangerous drivers out there are the ones driving the 4 wheelers. They weave in and out of traffic, text while driving, jump in front of trucks and then slam on the brakes. I had to jump through a lot of hoops to get my CDL. It should be just as difficult to get any kind of drivers license. I have long said that all the testing, including drug testing, that applies to commercial drivers should be mandatory across the board for everyone else.
i think its 2 wheelers
If insurance providers offer reduced rates for carriers the do hair follicle testing there will be a strong impetus to hire and retain clean drivers. They can test my long hair anytime—if my consistently clean results get me a bonus, higher pay, increased benefits, I’m all for it.
It does worry me since they refer to different ethnicities “porousness of hair,” that this may generate a potental false positive from contact absorbsion as well a true positive from metabolic absorbsion. With more and more states easing recreational and medical marijuana restrictions, you could end up testing positive from someone else’s legal drug use.
If you’re gonna give them a hair sample, make sure to pick some hair off your balls!!
40,000 Americans killed by reckless car drivers each year.
6,000 Americans killed by distracted walking each year.
4,000 Americans killed by heavy trucks each year.
Nothing is done about reckless cars and distracted walking. But we have new regulations every day in the trucking industry.
Don’t do drugs and you won’t have to worry about what kind of testing they do.
Wait, what?
Totally agree, Jim. All points which I’ve considered myself. Where DOES it end?
Keep the polished side up!
Also Jim
We’re probably going to see a lot of Truckers with their heads shaved, in the near future !
truckers should be mainly local- and rail doing the long moves- the petroleum industry designed the trucking industry to sell fuel… yes some long run truckers will be needed and they should be held to high standards and paid for it in dollars not pennies they work a 168hrs – running from all the law enforcement- dot and then deal with all the other crap.
local- less stress – work your 10-16hr shift asnd go home– what you do on your time is no ones business- just no partying 24 hrs before a shift.
Less drivers equals better rates. Until federally legal. I’m all for it. Those of us that depend on our jobs and don’t even take pain medicine when we could possibly use it due to post op pain. We Shouldn’t get screwed by the folks that chance it. At the same time if alcohol is legal for our time off. Weed should be too. But I’m not risking my career even though I know medicinal helps with anxiety. Which makes it easier to relax and enjoy time off pain free.
What a driver does on their own personal time is their business. Even if it could kill them. Going back 6 to 9 mo is total violation of civil rights and privacy. These big carriers are doing all they can to control trucking. Most are in Arkansas. JB Cunt for one. And mind you, all this shit got started by Fikes trucking who went bankrupt. Fikes was based in Arkansas and got every major carrier on board in Arkansas to get it going. Alliance is trying to take all the credit. No matter what you do. Trucking is turning electronic robotic and stockholder friendly. Real truckers are about gone. And you stupid tree hugging steering wheel holders are not going to last. You are too stupid.
Im not glad I’m Permanently Disabled, I really miss driving, but glad I’m not driving this day and age! If they start with the hair testing, and you did drugs when you were young N dumb, and you asked GOD to forgive you and your clean now, that hair test Will go back Years, like 15 to 25 yrs!! All you CHRISTIAN Born again believers, this is Exactly what is happening what is written in GODS word( Bible) pretty soon It WILL be a 1 world Government and you won’t be able to buy or sell without the mark on your forehead or hand(666) so it all started with the cameras at the intersections, they want you to think they are for accidents and red light runners, but it’s really for easing into 1WORLD Government so the ANTI-CHRIST will keep an eye 👁 on you!, all these little things are being introduced easy so you will notice that it’s just part of everyday change. The Bible has been proven over and over by Scientists and archaeologist, and History that It Is True! So the only way that all this wont affect you and the ONLY way to go to Heaven is to Ask JESUS into your heart, ask him to Forgive u of your sins, and make him LORD OF your life. There’s ONLY 1 WAY to HEAVEN N GOD, and that’s threw his Son JESUS who died on the Cross for you and me!
Why u think all this Coronavirus is happening, GOD is trying to wake us up to turn to him! THATS THE ANSWER TO ANY AND ALL PROBLEMS, it’s TURNING TO JESUS! He is The ANSWER! Have a Blessed day!🦅🙏🙏🏾🙌🏾🙌
Being somewhat of an anomaly, having never ever used any illegal drugs even though I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, I really don’t have a dog in this fight, but I do still have concerns. Seeing as how recreational marijuana use is now quasi legal in most states, and the transportation industry is one of the few areas where its use is still prohibited, the likelihood of being Inadvertently exposed to it Seems almost inevitable. I’ve been a truck driver nearly 30 yrs. I have taken at least 100 drug tests, and have never failed one, As previously stated, I’ve never in my life used illegal drugs, so what is my recourse if I get shot thru the grease because of someone else’s behavior? Another concern would be, how do I defend myself against a positive test due to legally prescribed drugs? It’s my understanding these follicle test can return positive years after a drug has been ingested. Is there anyone out there who can actually come up with irrefutable proof of a prescription for Tylenol 3 from three or four years ago? And if so, how do you prove that the “hot test” was a result of that prescription?
What is more plausible than the industry trying to weed out bad drivers is, someone trying to create a market for their test so they can profit, and to hell with the innocent lives they destroy. Positive drug tests have been reduced annually for over two decades, but in order to maintain the narrative that Truck drivers are drug crazed criminals, they need a change in the parameters of the tests.
And lastly, I totally agree that people in high risk jobs that require sharp, critical thinking should be drug free, and randomly tested, so why aren’t our politicians subject to the same testing? Or how about the corporate elite that run trucking company’s? They make decisions, and set policies that have a direct and immediate effect on public safety as well.
lets stary testing dot and politicians. Plus lets put a camera on there desk.
With all the marijuana legalization going on in this country and being exposed to it daily. I have to say NO. As long as it’s not in my urine these companies have no rights to my hair or any other property I own. I understand being safe on the road and keeping other motorists safe is paramount. These carriers should start looking inward in how they conduct their own business first instead of trying to influence the market patterns. For instance speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, not using turn signals, using their trailers in unsafe manners, using trucks stops as their personal drop yards, etc. Workmanship reflects Leadership. If you cant effectively Lead your business it shows in Workmanship. STOP using the INDUSTRY for your internal chronic problems.
The so called ( HAIR FOLLICLE TEST ), is not a true hair follicle test ,unless the hair is actually pulled out with the follicle attached to be tested ,as it is now all that is being tested is your hair which can be contaminated by the person actually doing this kind of testing by there hair falling into the test hairs.So if a true hair follicle test is given there should not be any problem or concerns.
300,000 would fail? Where did they come up with this number? How can they conduct a study without taking samples from hair follicles? Just like Covid this is speculation at best, and the numbers were all wrong.
My opinion is these tests are too invasive UNLESS they want to pay you hourly for what you do on your off time, it isn’t any ones business but your own its your life your choices as a FREE American. The only time there is a violation is being under the influence when you are ON duty what you did on your off time isn’t anyone’s business. We are already slaves so to speak and giving them this power is giving them complete control of your life and it isn’t their right you are FREE in this country…..that is unless they want to pay you for your off time so they can have a say in your actions ….. soon it will be what to eat , how much you can weigh , what you can wear etc etc etc
i think your tinfoil hat is too tight.
And I think you might need to put yours back on…….
Yeah what Tom said probably 75% of the 4 wheelers are under the influence and the other 25% are just plain stupid even not under the influence
I failed a hair follicles test 3 years ago and I haven’t touched marijuana in over 20 years..
Explain that ..
From what I understand the hair absorbs all kinds of air pollutants from the environment and from within the body. I never used any mood altering, illicit drugs in my life and yet here in Toronto, Canada I smell “grass” smoke literally everywhere I go. Which means it must get into my hair and onto my skin. People here smoke tons of it and not just the teens. I mean lawyers, doctors, CEO’s, as well as the workers and youth. I smell it on the streets and highways, because they smoke while driving. They smoke at rest areas and in my neighborhood. I get itchy eyes when I’m exposed to it so for sure some of it must get into my system. Maybe not enough to affect my brain, but all you need is a trace of it for the test to be positive. The test does not show quantity. I’m afraid a lot of drivers may lose their jobs that way. Another thing I’m worried about is privacy. The hair contains a lot more information than just whether you were exposed to drugs or not.
Until all the truckers quit, nothing changes.
Hair test will, indeed make lot of veteran driver job less.. specially with the new medications based on narcotics, hamp, etc.
Wonder how.bus drivers will be tested. Because they are exposed to people who.use marijuana and will get tag as.users..
Any way.. this is.one.more.way for the truckers alliance and ATA to.continue screw us drivers.
They just want to find out if I’m a true blonde
How about finding a way to stop the idiots from texting while driving.
I have texters almost hit me almost every day because they’re not even looking at the road.
Hair testing is not nearly as reliable as we’re being led to think. The Ontario government along with Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto Canada tried using hair testing to forcefully remove numerous children from parents that the testing deemed were unfit because they were using drugs or alcohol. It was an absolute debacle. Do a search for “Motherisk”.
False positives led to the absolute destruction of so many children’s lives. And even once those falsely accused rally together and got the bogus program shut down their children were still not returned to them.
It was deemed that undoing the damage the government had caused by relying on this testing, would do even more damage to the children in removing them from their foster homes to return them to their rightful parents.
THIS IS NOT RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE INTENDED PURPOSE!!!
While I agree there’s no excuse for using drugs while employed and operating CMVs, to look into a person’s long-term history months prior to hire is intrusive and I’m very surprised there hasn’t been backlash.
Frankly, it’s none of their friggin’ business. Drug use/abuse – whether legal or otherwise – is between an individual and their physician. A person who shows up with clean urine is as fit-to-drive as anyone else. What they did months prior is irrelevant.
One of the only drugs that have longer presence/detection is marijuana. It’s in your blood up to 2-months and your hair up to 6-months. If you used marijuana legally 5-months before you began training and it takes less than 2-months to get your CDL, you have the right to drive. Basing legal drug use 5-months prior is discrimination. It’s wrong. It’s appalling. It should stop.
I should make that more clear: If you used marijuana legally 5-months before hire, not training.
I’m all for them testing my semen
Send in a buxom nurse with a lubricated hand and I’ll give em samples twice a day
All the nurses out there can see where I’m coming from
I can almost guarantee you, foreigners from you know where won’t be tested like US drivers.
I wonder what the goal behind this is?
For all those who think this is a good idea, better think again. People are testing positive even if they didn’t take anything , but were near people who did. That’s how strong this test is.
Sittin there on that sack a seeds.
Bottom Line; CHECK ALL CDL DRIVERS!!
We are drivers that are handling more responsiblity than regular drivers. This is why we are called PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS. These morons that thinking it’s cool to drive HIGH; STRAIGHT STUPID M/F!!
Get Rid of them. They Do Not deserve this title. This is why we are being invaded by Indians, Africans & who ever else that Do Not belong here
I wouldn’t. I’ve never done recreational drugs. And nor did I even take the codiene crap for a procedure that I had done a few months back.
Life is since when the basic rules are followed.
If you drive, don’t do drugs. It’s not rocket science.
Drug tests should be for every driver. You get vision check, hair sample gets taken. The hair is at least 6 months? People who use drugs can’t quit for 6+ months.
I can only have 50% alcohol as non CDL. (As I don’t drink IDK).
I think the robot truck is a driving force. I might even agree IF they were only allowed on the interstate. There SHOULDN’T be near as many strange factors.
On non interstate in last 2 month. Horse, geese, cat, child, irrigation end gun spray, lawn mower, golf cart… those are much less likely on interstate.
You idiots complying with hair follicle testing are just opening the door to dna testing. Oh sorry we can’t hire you because you’re predisposed to xyz disease. Get real! And btw get some boots and jeans and toss out those ugly truckstop shorts and flip flops.
Hair testing is all about the government getting your DNA into a data base. That’s all. They are using the drug testing as a front.
Hair testing is all about the government getting your DNA into a data base. That’s all.
How about drug testing elected officials AND the persons they appropriate positions to?
And…even more, breathalyzer for all the same persons before they enter a chamber and make important governmental decisions concerning “We the People”?!?
Do you? So is that a forfeiture of all privacy when you get your CDL? Do you have your CDL? Can I put a camera in your sleeper? You did say you give up all privacy right? Should your employer make you fill out a questionnaire after all hometime requiring you to disclose the events of your home time? Where do YOU draw the line? See i don’t need to call you or anyone else names. That would be an ignorant response.