Random DOT BREATHALYZER tests now?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by chp56, Dec 16, 2020.

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  1. chp56

    chp56 Light Load Member

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    Got called in for a random today-showed up expecting the usual pee test...instead,it was "Blow into this"-I can see where they would do that after an accident, or if they suspected me of driving a truck while drunk-but on a random? I havent even worked since last Friday, so what are they gonna do if I DID have alcohol in my system? I should have gotten BOMBED and then taken the test! (Calif)
     
    chp56, Dec 16, 2020
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  2. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    You can get called in for a random drug or alcohol test..or both at once.
    If you were under the limit you'd test negative.
    If you were reporting for work you can't consume any in the previous 4 hours.
    Been that way for a while.
     
    Dennixx, Dec 16, 2020
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  3. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Nothing new
     
    flood, Dec 16, 2020
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  4. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    I’ve had to do both before, then I got called for a “random” drug test 4 times in a row, once was 3 weeks from the last.
    I went in there slurring speech, tripped over an invisible rug, knocked all the stuff off the guys desk.
    He can’t test but for what your called for.
    I didn’t do any fandoms for almost 2 years.
    Then LS pulled one on me with a high value load and made me stop in Gary up the road from Schneider terminal, since it was such a safe area.

    It’s a trick question they ask.
    “How’s the weather in Michigan?”
    Me “I have no clue? I’m not in Michigan, I’m in Indiana.”
    Them “Good Good, stop in Gary for a random.”
    Me “Ok what if I was in Michigan?”
    Them “I guess you’d be doing one there..”
     
    Judge, Dec 16, 2020
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  5. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    FMCSA requires drivers be randomly tested every year Picked at random from a company pool or through a consortium. Equivalent of 50% have to be tested for drugs and 10% for alcohol. They are not supposed to test for alcohol when you are off work though. They should have waited for you to return to duty.
     
    kemosabi49, Dec 16, 2020
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  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    I got one of those the first month it started. Far more convenient that urine analysis.
     
    tscottme, Dec 16, 2020
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  7. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    That is one good reason to never answer a phone call from work while on home time.
    Once they give you the speech, you have to go for the test. Usually within one hour.

    They usually won't do that during home time.
    But I have had a couple times when they do it just as I come on duty from home time.
     
    Moosetek13, Dec 16, 2020
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  8. chp56

    chp56 Light Load Member

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    They told me "within a week"-now what the hell is that going to be good for--
     
    chp56, Dec 16, 2020
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  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Other than giving you time to prepare for it... nothing.
     
    Moosetek13, Dec 16, 2020
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  10. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    Anyone ever have thought's about asking to see the proof that you were randomly chosen for drug or alcohol testing?
    Twice i was confronted walking out of the restroom at the terminal to go have a pee test. Luckily i was able to provide the sample.
    I was not on the best of terms with the safety director and he tried several times to get me fired, but failed each time.
     
    buzzarddriver, Dec 17, 2020
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