The open road calls to many, offering a life of adventure, new horizons, and often, rewarding careers. One such career is truck driving, a profession filled with possibilities yet demanding strict adherence to safety rules. An essential part of these regulations, often overlooked, revolves around substance use and drug testing. As a leader in national drug and alcohol testing, we’re going to delve deep into the realm of hair tests for truck driving, discussing why they’re necessary, what they involve, and the implications of testing positive.

The Importance of Drug Testing in Truck Driving

As an industry that holds the safety of the public and its drivers in the highest regard, truck driving has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use. Federal law requires all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to undergo regular drug testing. Usually, it involves a 5-panel test that screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

These tests aim to ensure a drug-free environment, making our roads safer for everyone. However, typical urine-based tests are limited in their ability to detect substance use beyond a few days. This is where hair tests for truck drivers come in.

Hair Testing: A More Comprehensive Approach

Unlike urine testing, hair tests can detect drug use over a much more extended period, usually up to 90 days and even longer with a body hair sample. This provides employers with a more comprehensive view of a driver’s substance use habits, creating an additional safety net for the industry.

Hair testing involves cutting a small amount of hair from the driver’s head or body. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it’s analyzed for signs of drug use. These tests are exceptionally accurate and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the truck driving industry.

Ensuring Privacy and Anonymity

One of the key benefits of partnering with a company like AMH Nationwide for these tests is the “know you are negative” private and anonymous hair collections. AMH Nationwide understands the importance of privacy and anonymity in drug testing. We offer services that allow drivers to check their status privately before official tests, helping them ensure they are negative and ready for their employment screening.

The Consequences of Testing Positive

While it’s vital to understand the need for and process of hair tests, it’s equally important to be aware of the consequences of testing positive. Unfortunately, testing positive on a drug test can have far-reaching implications for a truck driver.

When a truck driver tests positive, their name is entered into al database—the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse—under a ‘failed test.’ This flag makes it incredibly difficult to find employment in the industry as it stays on their record for five years unless they complete a mandated return-to-duty process.

Return-to-Duty Process

If a truck driver tests positive, they must complete a return-to-duty process overseen by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This process involves an initial evaluation, possible treatment and education, a follow-up evaluation, and follow-up testing. This is a necessary step to get back into the profession and ensure the driver is completely free of substance use.

The Bottom Line

Drug and alcohol tests, including hair tests, are a crucial part of the truck driving industry. They ensure that our roads remain safe and that truck drivers maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. Failing these tests can have serious implications on a driver’s career, and understanding this can help underscore the importance of staying substance-free.

With a reputable and trusted company like AMH Nationwide at their side, truck drivers can confidently navigate this requirement.

Ready to hit the road with confidence? Reach out to AMH Nationwide for confidential and comprehensive drug testing. Don’t just guess—know you’re negative.