Got hit with a FMCSA random drug test but facility is closed!!

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TheIncredibleBulk, Jan 16, 2024.

  1. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    That is the same thing I told him. NEVER blow when you are off duty.
     
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  2. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    When it comes to drug testing, the goal should not be to keep asking random people what to do until you hear the answer you like and then bet your whole career on what some internet stranger told you. It matters more how the "punishers" understand the situation than finding an explanation that makes your life easy for the next 2 days.
     
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  3. Gearjammin' Penguin

    Gearjammin' Penguin "Ride Fast-Truck Safe"

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    Fixed it for ya. ;)
     
  4. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    About that not answering the phone when you are off duty. Good luck with that. Just be advised that nothing in 49 CFR that I know of backs up going radio silent during hometime. I would like to think that the majority of the active drivers on these forums drive for good carriers that at least try to treat you right when it comes to this testing. The problem I have is I see no protections for a driver once the employer follows 40.191(d)(1). In short, I advise CAUTION when it comes to your actions concerning this testing! I am going to use the words (COMMON SENSE) again. The requirements placed on an Authority Holder by Part 40 as well as Part 382 are explicit and there are no workarounds that I know of. To this end, I know several safety critters that use a phone with caller ID Blocked. Once notified to test the clock starts EVEN if you are on vacation 1000 miles from home. Thankfully most Authority Holders won't bother a driver while on vacation, but once you return to work you won't be allowed to drive until you test. My last few years driving my company were good to not bother me off duty or while out to test. Most times they would notify me while at a terminal.
     
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  5. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    By that logic you should never go to sleep. Imagine if they call a driver for a test who just spent all night driving and is getting his rest in during the day.
     
  6. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Whoever said that the regulations were logical?
     
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  7. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    There is nothing about that statement that was an opinion. Therefore I was using no logic. I was stating the fact that I know of no rule in 49CFR that protects a driver in these situations.
     
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  8. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    It the same old story... Be careful who you work for... The only time limit on the carrier is that you are tested in the same selection period when your name is spit out of the computer. So if your carrier is making your life hell to try and get a sample, that's on the carrier. A good carrier thinks about how difficult it will be for the driver to get to a test facility before they notify the driver, all the nightmare scenarios above are just poor management by the carrier.
     
  9. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Gotta watch them stupid company tricks.

    I worked at one of them big retailers decades ago. Every night at closing you bring up a screen and input all the money in the drawer. One night. There was 5 extra $20s.
     
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  10. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    Not when the pharmaceutical company rules the world.
     
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