Really would like to start truck driving please offer me advice!

The current rules allow him to enter this industry if he takes the proper steps. Evidently, some trucking companies and the FMCSA think the rules are fair or they would change them. Everyone is entitled to their personal opinions about any subject, as it should be, but that still doesn't change the rules or laws in place.

 

I get the rules. Unfortunately you're right. My opinion, and mine only, is they need to change. Actions have consequences. And anymore abhorrent behavior is rewarded. My opinion means nothing, I get that. But there are some people who don't need to be out here. And that guy is one of them. Before he even got a CDL he shows EXTREME lack of judgement. There's a reason this industry in in the toilet and it's because of people like that.

 

I think ink you won the closing arguments on this thread really is there any more one could actually say?

 

Joe's is opinion is Joe's , he knows that...and it's shared by many (including myself)...9000,000-tons-of-steel has his and he's completely 100% entitled to it. I have mine as well....I've witnessed 1st hand what alcohol and drug abuse does to people , watched 2 uncle's ruin their lives with both...so My take is tainted......I just feel that a grown-up person who makes the choice to do drugs knowing full well what the consequence will more than likely be , forfeits any and all 2nd chances / pity/ what have you....drug / alcohol abuse starts as a choice...Just because my opinions are very harsh , I'll admit , doesn't make them wrong...just mine....

 

Unfortunately, the face of Marijuana is a bunch of stoned out, lazy, college kids.

This is a big subject. Personally, I have no desire to get high, however, I use MMJ regularly for a medical problem that "science" was unsuccessful at treating. I typically would lose 3-4 days per month, and do untold damage to my body with painkillers, muscle relaxants etc. Now a few puffs on a vaporizer and problem solved. No lost days, no harmful man made chemical drugs. Just because it is getting abused by some, doesn't mean it has no value.

Vicodin is abused all the time - should it not be prescribed following surgery?

The problem is people with no self control, not marijuana.

To be clear - anyone under the influence of anything while behind the wheel is unacceptable, and there should be no second chances, IMHO. But it is time to reevaluate the current laws, and it is happening rapidly.

 

exactly..... no problem with medicines...when used as prescribed. But when the choice is made to use / abuse them and then to get behind the wheel of anything...then all bets are off. No excuses , no do-overs , no 2nd chances....for the simple reason is , it's a choice to be made.....

 

Gee, I really don't know where to begin. Mrzara5oh4, sometimes disappointments/mistakes can be blessings in disguise. The responses to you by some of the folks on the thread are more of a reflection on them than they are on you. For example, I have yet to see a thread chastising the fact that in virtually every truckstop in the US openly sells alcohol. Insane and hypocritical? Absolutely, yet I haven't noticed any outcry regarding the issue. Yet, a person who tests positive for THC is deemed a threat to the transportation industry. Many of the drivers who would ridicule you here (not all, but many), have no problem boozing it up during home time or extended down time. To get an idea of the general hypocrisy, here is an amusing tread to look at:

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...r/82303-truck-stops-that-serve-alcohol-3.html

Yes, you made a bad decision, but it's not the end of the world. Being rejected by Swift might be the best thing that's ever happened to you. One poster said something about Burger King, and you know what? Most of these CDL mill companies treat you and pay you worse than what Burger King will. You see, it's accepted practice in the industry now to "pay your dues" by being shafted for a year or two. Hence, the revolving door nature of the industry. That is the problem eating the industry up, not an occasional positive UA for THC as one poster implied (by the way, that drug is detected more than any other; no surprise there).

I've had three runs as a driver: Five years in the Army, three years in the late eighties-early nineties, and three years from 2oo4-2oo7. Never had an accident, never had a ticket, never had a DOT violation until I was random tested by JB Hunt in February 2007. I tested positive for THC five days after I'd last smoked mj during my home time. Was my most egregious act smoking the marijuana? No, I don't think so. It was failing to understand and appreciate the consequences of getting "caught"? I'd never been a chronic smoker, but I did enjoy mj at times. I had even passed a UA nine days after smoking in 2005 while in Salt Lake City to collect my 1 year safe driving award from CR England (an ugly red jacket that I left in the truck the day I dropped their truck off to them after one too many shaftings).

Anyway, once I fully grasped the consequences of a positive UA, I kicked myself in the behind for a long time. I went through an SATP about a year after the incident. JB had told me I wouldn't be eligible for rehire for three years (and it would be up to the discretion of their safety department whether I was rehired at all). That's about the time I joined this site, and saw the type of negative responses you're getting here. Luckily, there are people who don't feel the need to beat down another person so they can boost their own egos. Yes you made a bad choice. I made a bad choice, too, but through it all I know I've become a better person, even a more compassionate person, which is all that matters in the long run. To the person (Tony, I think) who doesn't believe an offending person should get a 2nd chance, I ask this: What better candidate can a company have than one who has proven himself to be a reliable employee, who has been "caught" and did what was required by law, and who will now be monitored more closely regarding UA's. The only offender who I think should never get a second chance is a DUI (whether for drugs or alcohol, and I really do hate the distinction between the two, because it has made our society hypocritical to the point of social psychosis). Once one shows they are willing to put the public at risk by exhibiting dangerous behavior, then yes, ban them for life. One of my pet peeves is seeing a person with multiple DUI's running free in society, to me a ticking time bomb waiting to explode (as is shown over and over again).

Okay, this is getting long, so I will close with this advice: If and when you can afford an SATP, do yourself a favor, and complete it. If for nothing else just to have a record of it. As someone who completed a standard program (the one required by DOT), then went into an extensive inpatient program for one year (thanks to VA benefits), I can tell you whether you think you have a problem or not, the information you will gather will be invaluable for the rest of your life. Of course, it has to be something you want to do, not just something you feel you're required to do. As the poster who worked in the rehab industry roughly stated, substance abuse isn't the problem. Failing to deal with underlying issues is the problem. I'm happy to say that I'm now six years THC free, and five years alcohol free. Whatever you do, I wish you luck and success. I don't think we can PM each other without posting a set number of times, but I'll help in any way I can.

 

What part of before he even had his CDL did anyone miss? Like "I'm not going to stop smoking, I'll just hit school". Wow.

 

What about colorado where it is legal how are they going to do that now. I mean eventually other states are going to jump on board and legalize it I am just curious how are they going to deal with that issue it is as legal as beer I understand don't do it while driving but what about your off time

 

You may not smoke at all!!!! It is against the rules from the FMSCA and you can be popped for a UA at anytime and if your urine shows that you have drugs in your system you will lose your job and nobody will hire you until you do a SAP and then it's still a crapshoot. No. Drugs. At. All.