TMC ???

So here is the correct medical answer. It depends on the type of medication you were taking. Each medication has a different class. Here is an example. If you were taking 100mg of zoloft for a year. And u just stopped one day. It would take roughly 15 days for the medication to be out of your system. But zoloft is an ssri and is dectected in most tests. You have to be specifically looking for those types of markers. Trust me i have been a physican assistant for over 10 years in the military.

 

Please don't over analyze this or put stuff in it that's not codified in the regulations. Its VERY simple. There are I believe 5 tests done on the sample sent to the lab. This sample is a split sample. If the lab gets a positive on any of the tests they will contact the MRO who will contact the driver and try to get a better understanding of the why's. Then the MRO will either accept the explanation give by the driver or order another better test on the other sample and report a negative to the carrier or they will report a positive and YOU ARE DISQUILIFIED TO OPERATE A CMV UNTIL YOU COMPLETE THE RETURN TO DUTY PROCESS.

This is it folks in a nutshell.

 

Yes. I was told by a TMC recruiter that they order hair test. Some companies do hair and urine tests together. My recent experience.

 

Have you called them?

 

Why would anyone do that? All trucking companies and recruiters lie about everything. A pessimistic "never was" told me that on the internet.

 

It is good to ask the question when talking to the recruiter. Whether the response is truthful or not, at least be prepared for the most rigorous.

There is a difference between hair follicle and hair test. Follicle test is the hair is plucked from the scalp. Hair test is hair samples (usually two from opposing locations) are clipped from close to the scalp that is most common. There are several variations of hair test performed that each result in more thorough and detailed results that go back from 30+ days to a year. Hair follicle test are performed if follow-up results are deemed necessary, by law enforcement and other legal matters etc.

UA will provide positive readings over a few days, also kidney & liver analysis that hair testing will not show. Hence the reason some companies will request both UA and HA.

 

Hey everyone, I'm a retired Marine and I've been on Metoproyol (beta-blocker) and Paxil (anti-depressant) since 2008 when I got back from Afghanistan. I start my CDL training program with TMC on March 21st and was wondering if there is anything I need to be aware of with TMC's physical? I took a DOT physical with my doctor about 2 years ago who is certified to give the DOT physical and he gave me a 2 year card. I was going to go ahead and have him do another physical on me before I go to TMC even though I know they are going to conduct their own, what do you think about that? Will that help with the docs at TMC or will it not matter what my doc has recommended?

I'm sorry to ask all these questions but I want to drive for TMC and I don't want anything to mess up this opportunity for my family. I searched the regulations and I couldn't find anything that said these prescription drugs were disqualifying but I was hoping to get some feedback from current drivers who know all about the physical at TMC. Thanks everyone and be safe out on the road. Semper Fidelis!

Gunnery Sergeant (USMC, retired)