Reason# 101 Why Ohio Is Getting Pissed At Truck Drivers

The problem is a bit more complicated. Yes, technically speaking, when you go pee in the cup and blow, you are on duty. However, when you are off duty, you are, by rule, not required to blow. The carrier must either wait until you are back on duty or remove your name from the alcohol list and find another driver. This is one reason I have always advised drivers not to consume alcohol while only on a 10, wait until you are off duty and on home time or doing a reset.

Some carriers, even today, are not training their safety people about this. I went through this almost 30 years ago. I was at home and told I needed to test. I had been drinking. I called a friend and he took me to the clinic. I was told on the phone to make sure I blew. I told that girl I was not required to blow while off duty and asked to speak with her boss. He confirmed what I said but asked when I was going to be back on duty.

IF you are off duty and drinking, it is going to take a lot of effort to fix the problems you will create if you blow.

 

That’s a poor argument. The same thing could be said any time a driver is off duty so by that logic a driver should never drink because what if you’re home and get called for a random?

 

Who answers their phone on a 10 when the company is calling?

 

If a “10” isn’t off duty, why am I not getting paid for it?

 

Every random I've done was a pee test, no breathalyzer. Do those also check for alcohol?

 

I’ve had one single alcohol breath test in 30 years. Get pee tested at least once a year.

 

You need to go back and re-read my comment. I did not say you are on duty during a 10. I said, "BY RULE," you are considered on duty when peeing in the cup.

 

In my years, I have "blown" many times upon entering the terminal area. I understand some driving schools do this testing as well. No, it's not the official FMCSA-mandated testing, but a positive is enough to have you officially tested.

This is why I have been screaming for years, NEVER under any circumstances enter company property if you will blow dirty. It's the same during orientations; once they secure the area for drug testing, you are stuck.

Word to the wise: watch for this!

 

The poor guy needed to poo and everyone knows poo will make you blow at least a .250 that's poo breath.