Drug Testing in the Transportation Industry

To maintain high standards of safety and professionalism, commercial drivers are subject to federal regulations outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

One component of maintaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), is complying with the FMCSA’s drug testing regulations via your carrier or employer. Below is an overview of how and why carriers in the trucking industry may use drug and alcohol screening to ensure safety.

When Are Drivers Tested?

The federal government requires a driver test negative for drugs prior to employment. If a driver is involved in a certain type of accident, the carrier must screen the driver for drugs and alcohol. FMCSA requires random testing throughout the year and when a carrier has a reasonable suspicion that driver is using drugs or alcohol. If a driver tests positive or refuses testing, there are federal requirements for follow-up or return-to-duty tests.

What Substances Are Carriers Testing For?

In addition to alcohol, carriers are testing for the following controlled substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and methamphetamines, and Phencyclidine.

How is Testing Conducted?

DOT offers this handbook to explain drug screening in more detail. Basically, when a driver is notified of testing, he or she must report immediately to the designated testing or collection site. The collector will perform a test or take a sample from the driver. Urine testing is used for detecting controlled substances, and breath and saliva swab tests are used to detect alcohol.

The test or sample will be analyzed in a lab and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer to ensure the results are accurate and the sample is not adulterated. The employee will receive their confidential results and have a 72-hour time frame to request that a sample be retested if necessary.

To learn more about the requirements for becoming a commercial truck driver, contact HDS Truck Driving Institute. We help drivers obtain their CDLs and prepare for a career in trucking. Contact our Phoenix location by calling (602) 484-7901 or our Tucson location at (520) 622-0419.

Landmarks of the Southwest

The American Southwest is one of the most spectacular areas of the world. With its rich heritage, famously spicy food, and the some of the most breathtaking landmarks in the country, it’s the perfect place for everything from weekends to road trips to lengthy vacations.

Grand Canyon
Located in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains over a million acres and each year receives more than four million visitors eager to experience its two billion years of geologic history. The canyon itself is over a mile deep and has no equal.

Sedona
Widely recognized as one of the most beautiful areas of Arizona, Sedona is set in the spectacular Red Rocks and boasts a vibrant art scene with almost a hundred galleries as well as many internationally recognized arts events per year. The city is famous for its counterculture new-age approach to Americana. In addition to the cultural side of the city, Sedona is a great base for outdoor adventures like mountain biking and hiking.

The Alamo
While other parts of Texas isn’t considered to be properly Southwestern, the Alamo is one of the key historical sites of the region. Despite its surprisingly small stature, the old mission is often called the Shrine of Texas Liberty. If you have any interest in the history of the area, it’s worth it to go see the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo.

Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the best places to experience the full Southwestern landscape for yourself. It is located in the Navajo Nation on the border between Utah and Arizona and has been the location for a variety of films ranging from John Wayne classics to Back to the Future 3. With its rock formations, classic Southwestern flora and fauna, and ancient Anasazi ruins, Monument Valley is definitely worth a stop.

These are just a few of the breathtaking landmarks of the American Southwest. To enjoy these sights and more, contact http://YumaTruckDrivingSchool.com/ to become a truck driver today!