Companies or small carriers that hire SAP drivers

At some point, the way the DOT handles THC positives has got to be changed. The current system to put it bluntly sucks! I don't want people high driving large CMVs any more than the next guy. I just think the best solution for a THC positive is for the driver to be removed from safety-sensitive positions until they can test clean! I spoke to a lady that has an office near my home a while back. She is a SAP. I asked her what does she do for education when she is working with a THC-positive case. She smiled and said nothing really. I want them to go to 4 or 5 AA meetings. Then I will talk to them and sign them off to go back to work.

 

But testing isn't free. I could only get behind this if the driver were not only responsible for the testing fees, but also the additional administrative expense to run through the process. My time is valuable, so is the Safety Director's. It would be an unnecessary financial burden for the carrier to bear additional expense due to the choice a drive made off-duty.

 

BUT--- For compliance with 40.311 no testing is required. As I understand it all follow-up testing is required by the carrier that puts the driver on the road. All I am talking about is maintaining that relationship for the purpose of finishing up that process that leads to the last process of hiring. Also if the carrier does want to test the driver they can make this an option the driver pays for.

I am aware of 40.311(f). In fact I spoke to that lady about this section when we spoke. The problem is so many carriers don't want to fool around with the SAP part of compliance. This way at least this process would be finished and all the hiring carrier has to do is follow the SAPs return to duty instructions.

I'm going to stand on my point here. Part 40 subpart O is poorly written and highly confusing. It needs work. The problem with it is that the Railroads use it too. I know a guy that got a positive test and went through this process. In his case though most of the aftercare is being handled by his union CBA!

 

Based upon your argument, there would be no issue requiring the driver be employed while in the program. It requires records kept by the SAP for 5 years, *and* "(a)s a SAP, you must also provide these written reports...to the gaining DOT regulated employer in the event the employee obtains another transportation industry safety-sensitive position" This means the excuse given doesn't pass muster.

 

"sigh"

 

I’ve been going to AA meetings but by choice. Not driving commercially anymore but never got caught or got a dirty test when I was. There are many there because they got caught at work and I’ve met a few guys with CDLs there that are reporting to a SAP.

I advise them to leave the profession as they’ll be treated like a liability and poorly paid.

Many people at the meetings that are there by requirement instead of by choice are clearly just going through the motions and are really just mad they got caught and don’t want to stop using.

 

The thing is AA meetings are generally free. Those regular education classes generally are not. This lady is trying to work with what she has. She also told me that she will accept your word you went.

 

I’m currently in step 5 of SAP and I’m desperately needing help finding a trucking job. Please help

 

We'll tag @Chinatown ....he's the resident guru on looking for jobs. He's not affiliated in any way with TTR but he's made finding jobs for drivers his mission.

 

How is he so good at it and quick? He can find jobs in a matter of minutes.