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

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

  1. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    The company I work for gives me one hour. They only tell you when you are at the terminal.
     
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  2. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    Falsely labeling containers concerning drug contents is a crime in many circumstances . That kind of deception could land the company in very hot water.
     
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  3. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I might get to my terminal 2 or 3 times each year. When my name comes up on the random list I am usually on the road somewhere, elsewhere.
    That makes it more difficult for them, and for me, because they also only give a 60-90 minute window of time between being notified of the test and getting to the test site.

    I'll get a message telling me to pull into a certain truck stop and then call my DM. I pull in and call, and I get the speech. I am given an address and told to be there within the hour. I might have to call a cab if I can't fit my truck in there.
     
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  4. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Not much more than what has already been commented on. In this situation, the driver leaves it up to the company to find a collection site. If that site is not open, the driver can quickly communicate this to the company. The FMCSA will come down hard on any situation where a driver is attempting a good faith attempt to donate urine and because of situations beyond their control the driver can't test and the company sends information to the MRO they are refusing to test. Common sense and communication are the keys to these situations. Not thinking about time limits etc.

    Drivers should copy THESE PHONE NUMBERS down for future situations like this. These kinds of questions get correct answers in this order.

    1. Company safety dept.
    2. The numbers I just linked to.
    3. Everybody and everything else up to and including this forum!
     
  5. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I'm dealing with this today too. Got called for a breath alcohol late yesterday. Nowhere open. Getting it done today but still took awhile to find somewhere open.
     
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  6. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    Correct!

    Alcohol [BAC] is notify within the first twenty minutes of starting -or- ending your shift.
     
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  7. shanman

    shanman Medium Load Member

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    a lot of pharmacies use dummy boxes like that for when they get robbed. I only know this because my mom is a pharmacist. They also have fake pills with gps hidden in a bottle so they can get you once you leave.
     
  8. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Just to be clear and to address an issue I saw in this thread I remind you that 382.305(m) is clear about when alcohol testing is to be done.

    A driver shall only be tested for alcohol while the driver is performing safety-sensitive functions, just before the driver is to perform safety-sensitive functions, or just after the driver has ceased performing such functions.


    I know several people who still to this day think a CDL holder can be sent to blow even off duty as with the drug testing. That is wrong!!!!! I know a guy who had a few drinks on his off day and was called to go test. He went on ahead and blew. It took almost a month to get that BS straightened out!


    Edited to add a link to a great FMCSA PDF file to these regulations in everyday language that is easy to understand. LINK!
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2024
  9. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    Taking the test and then disputing the legitimacy of the test afterwards is supposedly the correct course of action according to legal advice.

    Apparently, it is easier to fix the situation you describe than fixing a test refusal.

    If you are drinking on your day off it is best not to pick up the phone at all from your company.
     
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  10. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Agreed. I struggle to think that anyone would need to be told this, but alas......
     
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