New and considering entering the job/life but not sure of some things

If I used the word "unless" in that reply exactly as you repeated, I apologize. I meant to say they can, may, and WILL disqualify you IF you do not reveal the use, especially when requested.

While you are correct that a DOT standard drug test will not detect Xanax, many trucking companies are not keen on hiring those who hide using a drug which has a proved record of user abuse. You may be responsible with it's use, but how do they know that? They don't. Many of the major companies will not allow it, even if it's needed. I know Prime won't. They told us that directly, and Xanax was one of the drugs they will not allow. They are not alone. The bottom line is if the drug affects your mind or body at all for any reason, they will not let you drive.

Also, a DOT test may have limited "panels," but that will not stop a company from using a 7 or 10 panel. Hair tests are not yet DOT approved and reportable, but many still use them for a longer look back at your personal history. The companies are limited as to what they can report to FMCSA, but not limited on how and for what they test. They are also not limited from reporting the full results on your DAC (if they use that service). If they do the latter, it will have the same effect on your career as an official FMCSA entry EXCEPT...you'll still have an active CDL.

I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm just saying there are companies which have policies in place for these things, even if not DOT required. It's best to be upfront and proactive about the use of Xanax, even before they ask.

As for the MJ use, as long as you can pass the company DOT test and are NOT using at any time afterward (even once in awhile) you do not need to reveal that. Just ask about the Xanax thing. That's what they'll worry about. Do it before they waste time and money on someone they may boot from orientation (as in, before you actually leave your home). The worst a company can do is say no to you. Not all will do that.

With the Xanax, honesty is the best policy.

 

No problem! I will always let you know if I do not know something so you can ask elsewhere. I lot of this stuff I learned pretty recently as well as over time otherwise. DAC would be one.

I have always known about DAC, but there are things I learned regarding that fairly recently. For example, although any trucking company can submit information if they so desire, it's usually the ones that use services of the company running that database. HireRight. DAC is not an official government report, but it is a standard with quite a number of companies. HireRight also runs Tenstreet, which is the company behind all the "intelliapp" application links. Intelliapp=Tenstreet=HireRight. If it's a Tenstreet application, HireRight is the information company that provides a DAC. DAC is a background check report, the most used in this industry. Even if a company does not use Tenstreet's Intelliapp services, they can still use HireRight. They only things on DAC are things reported. For example, the only job I have listed on my DAC is Prime from 2015. Looking solely at that report, it's as if I haven't worked since. LOL

You can get a free copy of your DAC once per year. If a company to which you applied is doing it's job correctly, you may even get a current copy from and through them. Just go to the HireRight website to request one. You probably don't need to at this moment since there'd be no record of you.

I cannot guess at the percentage you request. I think it's best to take it company by company, since the Xanax use would really be a policy at company level.

Of course, ask a recruiter, but not rely on those answers. As nice as some seem, too many will say anything to get you on board with their company. Some recruiters are now 3rd party, so they get paid for each hire (as much as $1000 per person, in fact) - assuming those get through orientation, any training, to the point of actual hire. Some drivers don't even show to orientation, which means that recruiter gets nothing if 3rd party (and nothing beyond base pay if company employed). Although you can find recruiters who are honest and MAYBE have had this job at one time, as a general rule they are not to be trusted beyond the basic information you can find on your own. So, asking a recruiter about legal Xanax usage might not yield a proper answer. For THAT...call their Safety department. Safety WILL have that information.

Ask recruiter first, then call back to ask Safety. If the answers match, you're good to go. If the answers do not match, believe Safety. Take it case by case, because each company may have different policies than others regarding the same things.

The only reports that go to FMCSA are those the FMCSA approves. Hair tests are not yet DOT certified, but they are still used. As such, FMCSA will not have information of a failed HAIR test. Right now,k that's strictly company level. However, failed HAIR tests can be reported to DAC, which can have the same effect from those companies using DAC. I do NOT know how long DAC holds such reports, but it will be long enough to effectively derail a driver's career.

If you are approved for Xanax use for a company, GET IT IN WRITING before you take the wheel. Make sure any trainer you have is aware of that BEFORE you get in his/her truck (they may not approve, regardless of company allowance). Fact is, if you cannot sleep in a constantly bouncing, rattling, and noisy vehicle, that occasional usage might turn into every day.

No matter what, your CDL will not be worthless over this. It's good that you're asking these questions now, though (before getting it). Take this time to come up with a list of desired companies taking students of rookies, call them. Remember, first recruiter and THEN Safety...for each on your list. If satisfied, take the time to submit an application or few and then go from there. You'll be fine, but do the homework required.

Even if Xanax wasn't a concern here, I'd say the same thing. Do the homework on every target company, come up with a list of questions to ask aside from what is discussed here (hometime, training, schooling, pay, etc), and ask away. MOST are happy to answer without a corresponding application already sudmitted. Some...sadly...will not answer questions without an app. Stay away from those companies (my advice).