TruckingIndustry.news

National Database Will List Commercial Drivers Who Failed Drug Tests

by Jana Ritter - Published: 10/17/2016

Truck drivers should be aware that there will soon be a live database of commercial drivers who have failed drug and alcohol tests. For years, the USDOT has been trying to push this measure through and despite strong opposition from many truckers, the government has given its final approval.

                                                           New database for truck drivers who fail drug tests

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December 27, 2017 - Iowa First Of Eight States To Debut New Truck Parking Information System

Groups such as the Truck Safety Coalition and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have backed the USDOT’s proposed database and after submitting it for approval last May, the government has finally jumped on board as well. The database will list all commercial truck drivers who failed a drug or alcohol test, and will also include drivers who refused to take tests. “Drivers who have previously violated drug and alcohol testing, and especially those who are repeat violators, pose a significant risk to the driving public,” stated the Truck Safety Coalition. Those in support also state that it will make roads safer by preventing drivers previously fired for substance abuse, from moving on to future jobs with other trucking companies.

The USDOT says the database will help trucking employers conduct more thorough background checks and ensure they are hiring the safest drivers for the job. “The issue you have is that truck carriers don’t always have the complete information about a prospective employee,” stated Amy Witherite, partner at Eberstein & Witherite. “So this database could simplify the process of hiring, because truck company owners can use it as another tool to determine if a full background check is needed on a prospective hire.” Not surprisingly, many trucking companies are in support of a national database, as it will also likely lower the number of truck accidents, which cost the company and also risk liability when one of their drivers causes a crash while impaired.

Of course those who will be affected most by this change aren’t too happy about the database at all and many truck drivers argue that company owners could use the information against them in a punitive way. The Owner-Operated Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has voiced the strongest opposition and submitted a report to the U.S. Treasure Department stating, “The report of a bad drug test can be the end of a driver’s employability.” The group also expressed their concern that employers could falsely report a positive drug or alcohol test as a way to “punish or retaliate against drivers.”

But those in favor of the proposal argue that a national database would only provide the same information that truck drivers are already legally required to provide when applying for a new job. The information would still not be accessible to the public and would help solve the current problem of drivers who simply lie about their past records on new job applications. Database supporters also state that many smaller truck carriers don’t have the time or money to conduct thorough background checks on every driver and this allows many who have been fired from multiple jobs for drug and alcohol offenses to slip through the cracks and continue driving despite posing a clear and present danger to others on the road.


Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
I smoke weed So what Kiss my ass I also served in war and have horrible PTSD and Bipolar disorder and marijuana has saved my life I never smoke while on the road.. I never carry marijuana with me.. I never drive under the influence So what's the big deal
Carl R. Pierce Jr
Carl R. Pierce Jr
The big deal is it's against the law. Something happens and those crooked lawyers would use that pot in your system to bury you. Take Prozac. I take 40 mg every morning to start my day.
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
That doesn't work man I'm prescribed Xanax No it doesn't effect me like it does junkies.. just calms me down a little But the stuff is dangerous
Sandra Wheat Postnikoff
Sandra Wheat Postnikoff
It's not against the law in several states
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
It won't matter much longer anyways Our country is headed towards either WW3 or civil war
Fernando Ubarr
Fernando Ubarr
if you have PTSD and are bipolar, then this job is NOT for you, driving is a priviledge, NOT a right
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Good thing I can do what I want I'm a 4th generation trucker And a damn good one Honestly with my condition this is the only job I can do
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
I got 4 kids to feed Let me guess.. I'm not allowed to have kids either because I was man enough to fight for your right to be a jackass
Jim Caldwell
Jim Caldwell
Fernando Ubarr I was looking at your wall and I'm curious as to why you think somebody exercising their right to bear arms with a concealed carry permit is stupid?
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Because liberals are delusional
Jim Van Houtan
Jim Van Houtan
Fernando is Hillary supporting liberal
James W Brock Jr.
James W Brock Jr.
Carl R. Pierce Jr if he lives in Colorado he isn't breaking any laws so that means its violation of his privacy
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Soon it won't matter what state you live in
Judy Jones
Judy Jones
It does matter if you drive a CMV. Marijuana is illegal for commercial drivers no matter what state you are in or from even Colorado.
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Guess what I don't give a fuck ^^^^
Jeff Martin
Jeff Martin
If you got a cmv it is illegal no matter what state you live in
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Still don't care
Brad Davis
Brad Davis
Thank you for your service. Smoke away it would be perfectly legal if the pharmaceutical companies wouldn't lose millions of dollars
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Exactly I don't smoke on the road Only when I am home and when the day is done I don't abuse it But it helps me relax Calm my nerves Like most vets I have attempted suicide before I grew up anti marijuana Turned into an alcoholic after deployment Almost ruined my life I haven't committed suicide since I haven't drank since I haven't got in trouble since Before they prescribed me Xanax Between that and the alcohol I almost died from withdrawals
Timothy Coon
Timothy Coon
Thank you for your service.
Jp Molaison
Jp Molaison
Same as above soldier, thank you for your service on and off the road! Salute!
Robert Camp
Robert Camp
All that don't attention it's still illegal and if you get popped it's your ass so ......
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
How many times do I have to say this I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF IT'S ILLEGAL
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
I really can't believe our society still looks down on people who smokes weed.. while hypocrites drink alcohol and doctors prescribe xanax.. klonopins. . Adderall and pain killers
Robert Ward
Robert Ward
Brian Gosvener Oooorah brother. Thank you for serving. Many of us are grateful.
Fernando Ubarr
Fernando Ubarr
Jim Van Houtan yes, I support Hillary, but guess what? LIBERALS are in favor of legalization of marihuana!
Steve Rainey
Steve Rainey
It wouldn't be a violation of privacy if every politician, welfare recipient and DOT officer had to comply !
Jacob Mcvey
Jacob Mcvey
Government is passing all these unnecessary laws that haven't made the industry any safer. Maybe instead of making it miserable on those of us with experience maybe the should quit giving cdls out to foreign people that can't even speak our language. If they can't speak our language then how do they read the signs?????? How is that safe? Plus how many dot are trained to speak other languages? Another thing is how would someone with less than two years experience be qualified to train. All these big companies have trainers with little experience telling other drivers how to do it. Just a couple things that would make the industry a lot safer than any crap the government has dreamed up to screw the experienced drivers over.
Rob Magnuson
Rob Magnuson
Man you got that right !!!
Rollex Salinas
Rollex Salinas
Yup
Elwood Decker
Elwood Decker
Amen!
Chris Currie
Chris Currie
Those trainers are why things have gone downhill over the years ...know it all assholes!
Eric J Foster
Eric J Foster
Being in Safety, dealing with the lies, cover-ups, and "forgotten" failed drug screens, this is the best thing the Feds have done in some time. Coming from 20 years in the driving seat, I have no issue with saying if you can't pass a drug or alcohol test, you're in the wrong profession.
Carl R. Pierce Jr
Carl R. Pierce Jr
Yes and publish all welfare recipients and cops names that fail right below it.
Charlie Yonushonis
Charlie Yonushonis
The government should supply all cdl carrying truck drivers with weed for having to up with all the bullshit a driver has to put up with!
Dave Vest
Dave Vest
Why do I have to give up my right to privacy, as a driver who does not use and has NEVER had a positive test, because I'm just trying to feed my family? If something were inaccurately reported, how much time many and effort would it take to be able to work again...given the unbelievable incompetence that goes on at doc-in-the-box places like Concentra?!?
Robert Camp
Robert Camp
I've never failed a drug test f4om concentra
Elwood Decker
Elwood Decker
Neither have I because I don't do drugs, Robert. He makes a great point. What happens if your test is messed up and you get a positive? Should that brand you a drug addict? How much will it cost and how long will it take to get off the list? Ted Kennedy while in the senate was put on the no fly list like 5 times! Mistakes happen, that's why I'm not a fan of such lists.
Dave Vest
Dave Vest
Robert Camp, Ive never failed a drug test, either, but I know from going to places, like Concentra, how poorly ran, untrained, generally unprofessional those types of places are. It is no far stretch to assume that it could be possible to be accidentally placed in a database and have no recourse to get out at all or without an extremely arduous process.
Al Feuerstein
Al Feuerstein
I've got nothing to hide, but I'm getting so tired of all the laws, rules, bla bla. When was the last time, anything was done to benefit the hard working drivers....??
Matt DeLassus
Matt DeLassus
Well for one you can quit your job now and get a new one tomorrow. Cant do that anymore with those little McDonald's jobs or walmart
Russell White
Russell White
Fuck the fmcsa and there cronies. I'm so sick and tired of the CDL drivers WHO have to endure the bullshit. We need to shut down or just keep on trucking after telling them to F O!!!
Richie Haney
Richie Haney
I think I ts a great idea if you can't pass a drug test you shouldn't be driving period especially 80,000 lbs that's just stupid. So good job on that one
Cathy Gentry
Cathy Gentry
Lol you sound kinda fucking ignorant saying you don't want on same roads as dope heads truck drivers news flash stupid it's not just truck drivers and human being doing any job could be and are on the road your on lol
Anna Irene Dodson
Anna Irene Dodson
Truck drivers get crap from all directions. Welfare recipients get a check and food stamps that we truck drives work and pay taxes on.Yes,I also agree,truck drivers should not be allowed to operate a truck if they can't pass a drug test. I don't want to be out here with a bunch of dopes. Bad enough the way it is now with several that can't read or understand roadsigns.
John MD Kessner
John MD Kessner
The carriers will use it like the DAC , they should not be able to put anything in it on the M.E.M.D. that does the testing results should be the only one allowed period. The carriers should only request through proper authority in written consent from driver then summit request the same as to reporting it and it must be in a legal way not to the carrier s benifit.
Elwood Decker
Elwood Decker
Invasion of privacy. Already get tested randomly, regularly, and when we are hired. That database won't help. How about drug testing the 4wheelers we share the roads with? Better yet let's test the politicians who write these rules. Got no problem with drug testing, but I'm getting tired of the piling on.
Gary Teague
Gary Teague
Improved safety. But if this is the case, why not have a national database with everything in it on everybody. Big Brother is everywhere
Charley Barnett
Charley Barnett
If I'm required to take one then everyone in the USA should.
David Britton
David Britton
Never met a drug user that did not have an excuse for using drugs. Everyone has a story...
Brian Gosvener
Brian Gosvener
Do you drink alcohol?
David Britton
David Britton
Nope, been drunk about twice in my life. Don't need chemicals to cope.
Rick E. Smith
Rick E. Smith
Focus on welfare people....let the truck drivers drive..their working !
Steve Warrell
Steve Warrell
So listing Truck drivers who fail, will it show why failed like prescription medication or because of faulty tests? Then will it show if immediate tested again and passed? Or just rule out truck drivers? Why not list everyone that ever fails so it can rule out everyone from having a career or ever being on welfare? Why just truckers?
R Bryan Spoon
R Bryan Spoon
Once again the government taking another bite out of the privacy rights of the individual. FMCSA is a out of control unchecked government agency!
Jp Molaison
Jp Molaison
Dope heads? Really? How many of you dumb fucks cruise up and down the interstate doped up on xanax, adipex, klonopin, and pain killers and many many others? Oh its all good because it's prescribed? GTFOH
Dennis Bergholz
Dennis Bergholz
Hell i know cops that take pills drink beer and smoke but they still working and carrying guns
Danny Bullen
Danny Bullen
Waste of more money waste of the government tax money why there's so many laws are there they keep changing everything the government needs to back off I don't take any legal drugs I don't do any of that go ahead and text me any day of the week I'll pass it every time but that's all we need we don't need another person sitting back or people wasting our money to make government bigger ridiculous
Timothy Coon
Timothy Coon
What you do in your own time is your own business. This is what America was founded on-individual freedom and liberty.
James McCreight
James McCreight
Watch dog shit. Fuckin lobbyists. Just write your congressman or woman
Chris Currie
Chris Currie
Only works if you got lots of money!!!!
Kate Campbell
Kate Campbell
Wrong. Unless Congress, federal employees, and just about everyone else is on that data base.
Rodney Avery
Rodney Avery
Always missing with the Truckers,i wish all of us trucker don't go to work for 2 days.then they see.
Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed
To much on the privacy, a good employer always performs a backgound check and takes it from there
Nicholas G Tomcheck
Nicholas G Tomcheck
They're trying to turn us into cyborgs lions and tigers and bears oh no.
Lisa Marie Caputo
Lisa Marie Caputo
I would've have a problem with it as long as EVERY INDUSTRY is treated the same way, with NO EXCEPTIONS
Fred Ingles
Fred Ingles
Bring it. Haven't failed a test yet. I can't say I would ever need to worry.
Rob Westfall
Rob Westfall
Drug use has no place in trucking bottom line is you need it to make your life happy turn in your license!
Pat Kehoe
Pat Kehoe
Long over due! Look at the idiot coming thru Chattanooga on 75 all Meth'd up and killed 6 people!
James Kole
James Kole
Pat Kehoe. Put a Breathalyzer in your 10,000 dui deaths a year!!!
Ricky Brock
Ricky Brock
I've said for years they should be doing this!
Mark Allen Hazel
Mark Allen Hazel
Good get them dope heads off the road
Christopher Calloway-Murphy
Christopher Calloway-Murphy
Don't they add that info to your dac
Anthony Scheer
Anthony Scheer
I thought so also
Jim Van Houtan
Jim Van Houtan
Good
Susan Garcia Padilla
Susan Garcia Padilla
Safety first
Jon Heine
Jon Heine
They should
Gail Barie
Gail Barie
Mixed feeling. Good in a way, but only they should be able to go back so many years. People change, but they do full backround checks on people when they go to get a regular job, and that isn't fair. What happened 5, 10 years ago, like I say people change. And yes an employer can screw up your record if they weren't happy with you or you quit. But will they be able to get into the system to change your information? That I am not sure about. Just more for us to face. For me it isn't a problem. But I do see alot of drivers buy beer and take it back to their trucks which with most companies it is against their rules....Just sayin. What you do with your time off is your business, but in the same respect I can see the side of the trucking companies.
Patrick Littlejohn
Patrick Littlejohn
They already do
Bruce Adcock
Bruce Adcock
Good
Lee Haslacker
Lee Haslacker
Why doesn't potus house and Senate and everyone else in dc have to take piss test
Dan Dreger
Dan Dreger
Everyone should have to drug test or no one.
Anthony Scheer
Anthony Scheer
They already do this
James Kole
James Kole
Total Violation! Should not happen.
Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza
Good I'm glad safety first
David Warewolf Dorton
David Warewolf Dorton
How bout EVERYONE
Wyatt Blackwood
Wyatt Blackwood
That's a violation of HIPAA laws
Mike Rolla
Mike Rolla
Violation
Chris Currie
Chris Currie
1984
Dawn Banach
Dawn Banach
It's a violation of privacy. Make everyone in government take one. Every law enforcement etc.
Robert Entwistle
Robert Entwistle
I am all for drug testing these anti truck groups and the DOT ,FMCSA, state cops and the American Truck Association. If you enforce truck laws, make laws for drivers, then I want them drug tested because I don't want someone on drugs dictating or producing laws for me