Dumb question about alcohol and trucking companies

The FMCSR rule is no alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty but any trace of alcohol will get you put OOS . Every carrier has their own rules . If you value your job you won't have any alcohol anywhere near the truck or risk having any trace shown up if you are tested .

 

Many companies have a no alcohol policy and if under a load its a no no too. Best thing is to either wait until you go home or get a motel room if on a 34 hr restart. That way nobody gets the wrong idea about you and you dont put someone in an awkward position where they think that might have to call someone to keep you from driving.

 

When I worked for JB Hunt in the 80's, if anyone even called the company and said they thought you might have been seen drinking or had any kind of alcohol in your truck (like stopping by a grocery store or C-store)- or were parked at a bar or club, they fired you, no mercy and no questions asked. Just "clean out your truck and walk away- NOW".

Yes- some companies are that strict.

 

A few federal regulations below. Then you have individual state laws like open container, public drunkeness, if you have the keys in the ignition, possible DUI.

Trucking is pretty much a career where you stay away from drugs and alcohol. There's nothing wrong with drinking on your off time. I would just be careful around truckstops. There's a 100 eyes parked around you. Maybe if you had a layover and there is a bar next door. Sneak over for a few beers and it's no problem.

If you are one of these sloppy drunks that doesn't know when to say when, then I wouldn't even attempt it. Most likely you'll be too tired to drink. I know it made me quit when I started driving. I use to love beer. Now I can't stand the taste.

Random testing

 

If ya like your liqure...don't plan on keeping a career in this industry for very long.

Not to sound harsh, but the rules are very strick...on a state, federal, and company level. If you want some suds, do it at home.

 

I was reading some FMCSA guidance questions a while back and was surprised to learn as far as FMCSR goes you can transport alcohol in a CMV when off duty . Off duty is exempt from FMCSR . You still have to abide by. Company rules .
I almost never drink while away from home . The couple of times I did I was spending the night in a hotel and had a beer in a steakhouse with my meal .

 

Don't go in the truck stop and buy alcohol. Then go back to your truck. Someone will report you. Cell phones, CB's, Qualcomm. You'll never know who. Just don't do it. Just like they said, Go get a Motel Room.

 

Nice to know. Now every time a JB Hunt driver does something stupid I can just call and get them fired.

I guess it is what it is anymore..

PS: This is not really something I would do but some people could and I also see some lawsuits out of it. Who has the better lawyers!

 

I think they are also referring to your DAC record as having no positive drug results. That is absolutely career killer. Might as well go flip burgers.