An apology from someone who misses the road....

Yes i have.. Worked with other peoples blood all over me.. Know more cops and firemen that light up than any other profession.. The same people that write the tickets and save the lives..

 

Thanks for sharing, I understand. No One should should drive impared. I got some meds from a Company Doctor for "behind problems" and was a random test in Atlanta Ga, and the office lost my records. The company took my truck and would only pay bus fare for me. My Wife rode with me full time. We lost most of our "Stuff" that was boxed up and left at the terminal. I flew her home. After 3 years full time they did this to Us. It was straight in 2 days. The damage is done. Company drivers, your a Monkey with a gear shift, and a steering wheel. I am Owner Operator since then. Keep it in mind. Your $ to them, that's all. We are not bitter, have no axe to grind. Big fleets, don't care about you or yours, just the $ you make them.

 

We all make mistakes, only the ones who own up to making them deserve a second chance. You sir are one of them. Best of luck to you and don't do it again LOL

 

everyone makes mistakes , but you can man up . good luck to you

 

As I often mention to potential drivers, this is a tough career and not because of the driving part. As you have illustrated, ONE mistake and you are screwed in this business. Sincerely, BOL to you.

 

"Now, I suppose that a few of you are wondering why I didn't go and complete a SAP assessment and just get on with it. Well, first of all, I was under the initial impression that I could wait it out 3 years and return to driving. There's some gray areas in the wording between the law and the background check. You can only ask a previous employer if they have failed a drug test in the last 3 years, but as far as the FMCSA, you cannot drive until you complete the return to duty process.

Ever.

There is so much mis-information on the internet that it will give you a migraine. And one of the things I intend to do is clear that up, by writing a few clear and concise articles about the system from someone who is about to go through it. SAP counselors tell you that you are highly hire-able - I have yet to see that in effect.

I have read more negative comments from the people who did it and then couldn't find work, in lieu of success stories. It doesn't seem to matter whether you actually tested positive, missed the clinic, couldn't pee or whatever. The way the system is set up with the "zero tolerance" insurance mentality, no one will touch you. This is why people lie on their application and job hop. Which I believe 100% in my heart ... is wrong.

The Federal database isn't in place yet. I've read about that in great detail too. Yes, there are a handful of states who suspend your CDL with a positive result, but I don't live in one of them. They even did a study about the system, where they circumvented the testing process and used adulterated samples, fake ID's and the like. Then they looked at people who failed a drug test and passed one 30 days later. I have a nagging suspicion if they were to pick back through the records, find every driver who has failed, not completed the return to duty process, and is now driving ... I would have to guess the the job hoppers would outnumber the people who take the correct course of action. And that's sad."

I don't quite get what the op is saying here. Is it mandatory to go through the return to duty process only if you're returning to work for the same company you were with when the test came back dirty? Or is the op saying that you can just go drive for another company without completing the return to duty process and the FMCSA would be none the wiser?

 

4 year old Necro. Wonder if Smoothshifter ever recovered.

 

I missed this thread when it was started.
Heck of a way to man up! My greatest respect to you!

We all screw up and some just don't get caught.
So glad you worked through it driver!
Safe travels and cherish that second chance,10-4?