Truck Driving Jobs

EddieVHrules · #1 10-27-2011, 05:19 AM

Do trucking schools and/or companies test you for these type of drugs? Xanax, Klonopin, etc. My recruiter today asked if I took any narcotics or controlled substances. I am on a very low dose of klonopin right now but if I have to I will get my ass off this s*it ASAP if it's going to prevent me from getting a driving job! I had no idea this would be an issue. Guess it could be a blessing anyways to get off this crap.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

EddieVHrules · #2 10-27-2011, 05:25 AM

To add, I don't believe the driving school tests your blood to get your cdl with them, but I do think they test your blood to get a JOB with them. Is this correct? Is every company different? Is their a standard concerning this? Anywhere I can get info on the medical guidelines? I recall someone posted something from a DOT medical book but can't find that post.

Thanks again.

Roadhog · #3 10-27-2011, 07:36 AM

They do UA tests, and I don't know what levels they can detect.

A low dose must be for anxiety control? You will need to change your meds, and not risk your safety and others.
Pain or anxiety meds can make you sleepy, so talk to your Doctor, and let him know you're starting a driving career.

You have to have the health to do this job, and it's always best to be honest about what you are doing.
Other people are only going to know what you want them to know, and if you are hiding stuff, it usually comes back to bite you.

I do agree with you about keeping my medical info to myself, and my Doctor.
You have some time to get this squared away. I think drugs like that work out of your system in a week or two.
Maybe the dose is too low to show up anyway, but best see what your Doc says, and work this out with him.

EddieVHrules · #4 10-28-2011, 02:37 AM

Thanks for the info RoadHog. Appreciate it. I will keep it mind.

GMAN · #5 10-29-2011, 12:27 PM

I believe that there is a list of prohibited drugs listed on the fmcsa website. You may also be able to check with a local clinic or doctor who does DOT medical exams and ask them.

Bigmon · #6 10-29-2011, 02:30 PM

According to HIPPA it's non of the recruiters business. If it shows in a test the MRO ( medical review officer) contacts you to discuss the situation and checks to see if you have a perscription. He's or she is the one that passes you or fails you. There is also a certain level that won't show on the test.

The OOIDA legal dept has good explanation of how this works too.

BTW...if you get your own authority the MRO works for you.

EddieVHrules · #7 10-30-2011, 02:38 AM

In general, it seems to be harder to pass a COMPANY test than it is to pass a driving school test. I guess we'll see. In the meantime, I'm gonna try hard as hell over the next 2 weeks to get off or at least on such a low dose it won't matter.
Thanks for your input fellas.

Roadhog · #8 10-30-2011, 08:07 AM

(step-hobble step-hobble)
(wipes rum-soaked chin)

Yar m8 ... go cold turkey... n' good luck sez aye.

EddieVHrules · #9 10-30-2011, 02:52 PM

lol. Your nutty RoadHog. But it's all good. Wonder how much time you take to get these pics though....hmmmmm ha ha. But I guess fer a good laugh....
But seriously, going cold turkey from benzo's....BIG NO NO. Simply not an option. The withdrawals are told to be as bad as herion or other major drugs. The body builds a blood level tolerance therefor must be tapered off slowly.

Bigmon · #10 10-31-2011, 04:44 PM

If you have the money you could get tested yourself and see what shows. Many drivers are on benzo's or other similar meds. If you can't work because of a medical condition then you should look at disability.