Random DOT BREATHALYZER tests now?

If you are working for a legit company, you should have no worries, there are very strict and monitored protocols they must follow for random drug/alcohol testing. Suspicion or reasonable cause testing is a different animal. Passing either of these tests is very simple. 1) Do not use illegal drugs, ever, if you are employed as a CMV Driver. 2) If you consume alcohol, make sure sufficient time has passed since your last drink. Everybody metabolizes alcohol at a different rate. 0.02 will get you put out of service for 24 hours (and probably fired) 0.04 will get you a DUI and more legal headaches than you will ever care to deal with in 2 lifetimes. Just be smart.....That CDL in your pocket is your lifeblood and worth protecting!

 

I personally just think they pick you at random.

One guy got picked 8 weeks straight.

I go years and then I get picked 2 or 3 times in a month.

 

Regulations Section

 

Reminds me of my time in the Army where single-soldiers living in the barracks would ALWAYS be voltuntold to do some extra work after final formation...they would just start knocking on doors and whoever was first to answer was the unlucky one. I answered the door one day with a beer in my hand and was not made to move a 5-ton or a deuce, can't recall which. It was my roommate's beer and I hadn't consumed any of it.

 

My son spent 6 years in the Army. I learned the word "Voluntold" from him. Cracked me up when he said it, and just laughed again when I read your post. Great word!

 

I had a 2015 kw that was leaking from new somewhere on the dpf my eyes were always bloodshot I constantly took naps every time they checked it they found no leaks .During this 18 month period I got 11 randoms somehow. Then I bought a detector and show them the high readings They got kw to replace the whole system on warranty . Guess what my randoms stopped after that. I believe the company has some say in the so called randoms.

 

I think that situation may fall under the suspicion or reasonable cause category. All carriers are required to do "random testing" under the FMCSA Guidelines. They can certainly test more often if they feel that there is cause. I'm not saying it is right or wrong, but any employer that has a " company policy" on alcohol or drug testing can have their own internal protocol.

 

I have a similar story for another time that i feel like will also back up this claim

 

I got called for a random a few months back... I was on my way back to the terminal, but still about 4 hours out.

Safety said "Come see me when you get to the yard."

I said, "Sure, what's up?"

They replied, "Nothing serious, just don't go to the restroom between now and then.... I can't say anymore until you get here."

I laughed, "You better be ready when I walk in that door then... I'll be floating by time I get there."

 

Yeah.......What's up with the secrecy on randoms? Just call and say, "You have been chosen for a random, you need to be at XYZ Clinic within the next 2 hours. I'll send directions on the Qualcomm." How hard is that? We ALL KNOW what the phone call is about. Don't treat us like idiots!!