Trucking companies typically require prospective drivers to undergo a pre-employment urine test to ascertain their drug-free status. Although alternative methods of drug testing such as blood or hair follicle tests are available, urine tests are commonly favored due to their non-invasive nature and higher accuracy compared to the latter. Additionally, urine tests are efficient and speedy, allowing drivers to resume their duties promptly. However, it’s worth noting that some trucking companies may require periodic submission of drug test results, with a few mandating only a single urine test.
What Are Trucking Companies?
Trucking companies are businesses that provide transportation services using trucks to move goods, cargo, or freight from one location to another. They operate locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally and may specialize in specific types of cargo or use different types of trucks. They manage logistics, scheduling, dispatching, routing, compliance, and maintenance of their fleet of trucks and drivers. Trucking companies are crucial to the supply chain, ensuring efficient and timely transportation of goods, and contributing to economic growth.
Below is a list of trucking companies that are known to conduct only urine tests for drug screening in 2023:
- Beelman
- Celadon
- Comcar CT
- Covenant Transport
- CRST
- Dayton Freight
- Falcon Transport
- Groendyke
- Henderson Trucking
- Hogan
- Jim Palmer
- Jacobson/XPO
- Martin Transportation Systems
- May Company
- Mercer
- Millis Transport
- Navajo
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- Oak Harbor Freight Lines
- P & S Transportation
- PAM
- Prime, Inc.
- R + L Carriers
- R.E. Garrison
- Southern Refrigerated Transport
- Stevens Transport
- TMC
- TransAm
- Trans-System
- TransWood Carriers
- Watkins Shepard
- Western Express
- Wil-Trans
- USA Truck
What is hair follicle testing?
Similar to providing a urine sample, some carrier companies may require you to undergo hair follicle testing as part of their pre-employment screening process. During a hair follicle test, a small portion of your hair, typically the first inch and a half of hair closest to the root, will be collected by a lab specialist for testing.
Hair follicle testing is designed to detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites in the hair. When a person uses drugs, the drugs are absorbed into the bloodstream, and the body processes them into metabolites. Hair follicles, which use blood for nourishment, can absorb these drugs and their metabolites, which then become incorporated into the hair strands as they grow. This creates a “genetic record” of drug use in the hair strands.
It’s important to note that while the term “hair follicle testing” may imply that the roots of the hair are being tested, it’s actually the hair strands that are analyzed for the presence of drugs and metabolites. This type of testing is known for its longer detection window compared to other methods, as drugs and their metabolites can remain in the hair for an extended period of time.
Trucking Companies That Do Hair Drug Testing:
The following trucking companies are known to conduct hair drug testing as part of their employee screening process:
- AAA Cooper
- ABF Freight System
- Acme Truck Line
- A & R Logistics
- Boyd Bros. Transportation Inc.
- C.R. England
- Cassens Transport Company
- Central Freight Lines
- Central Transport International, Inc.
- Covenant Transport
- Crete Carrier
- CRST Expedited
- CT Transportation, LLC
- CTL Transportation, LLC
- Decker Truck Line Inc.
- Eagle Express Lines
- Estenson Logistics
- Estes
- Falcon Transport Co.
- FirstFleet, Inc.
- G & P Trucking Company, Inc.
- Groendyke Transport
- Hub Group
- Hunt Transportation
- K & B Transportation
- Knight Transportation
- Marten Transport
- Martin Transport
- Martin Transportation Systems
- MCT Transportation, LLC
- Melton Truck Lines, Inc.
- Mesilla Valley Transportation
- Millis Transfer, Inc.
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- P & S Transportation
- Prime Inc.
- Roehl Transport, Inc.
- Rush Trucking
- Salmon Companies
- Schneider
- Shaffer Trucking
- Southern Refrigerated Transport
- Stevens Transport
- Super Service
- Swift Transportation Co., Inc.
- Tango Transport, LLC
- The Waggoners Trucking
- TMC Transportation
- TransAm Trucking
- USA Truck
- Venture Express, Inc.
- Ward Transport & Logistics Corp.
- Western Express
Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it’s always best to confirm the drug testing policies of a specific trucking company directly with them, as their policies may change over time.
Why Hair Drug Testing Is Important?
Hair drug testing is not a federal requirement in the United States, but it is still considered important by many carrier companies, including those in the trucking industry. This testing has been integrated into their systems for various reasons.
As a commercial driver’s license (CDL) truck driver, it is crucial to understand the significance of hair drug testing. The primary reason for conducting these tests is to promote safety on the roads and save lives. Ensuring that truck drivers are drug-free, it helps prevent accidents caused by impaired driving. It also helps protect the safety and well-being of other road users.
Operating a truck is a challenging task that requires responsible individuals. Allowing drug abusers to operate these massive machines can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, it is imperative to establish the fact that any driver being employed is free from drugs.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their trucks are operated by sober and responsible individuals. When trucks are not entrusted to drivers who are drug-free, the consequences can be catastrophic and devastating.
Do All Trucking Companies Require Hair Follicle Tests?
Hair follicle testing is not mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and Regulations for all trucking companies. However, it is required for DOT pipeline and hazardous materials (hazmat) employers, as hair follicle tests are believed to have a longer detection window of up to 90 days, making them more effective in identifying habitual drug use compared to urine tests, which only detect recent drug use within a few days. Although not currently widespread among all trucking companies, it is anticipated that the use of hair follicle testing may increase in the future.
Does Swift Do Hair Follicle Tests?
Swift, a trucking company, includes hair follicle testing as part of their drug testing protocol for their drivers, in addition to urine tests. According to Swift’s policy, truck drivers are required to undergo a hair follicle test once every 12 months, which aligns with the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for annual drug testing of truck drivers to detect illegal drug use.
Does Werner Do Hair Follicle Tests?
Another big player in the trucking industry, Werner, is known for its stringent safety measures. But do they subject their drivers to the dreaded hair follicle tests? Fear not, fellow trucker! Werner, like many other trucking companies, still relies on urine tests as of 2023. So, you can rest assured that you won’t have to part with your hair if you’re considering Werner as your employer.
What Kind of Drug Test Does Pam Transport Use?
Pam Transport conducts pre-employment drug screening as mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for applicants applying for positions that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Pam Transport has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug and alcohol use violations. Their drug test includes a 10-panel screening for substances such as Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, PCP, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Propoxyphene, and Quaaludes. In addition, if a driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, they will be subject to a Breathalyzer test. A blood alcohol level of 0.02% or higher as indicated by the Breathalyzer will result in immediate termination of the driver’s employment.
Does a Failed Hair Follicle Test Go On Your DAC Report?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – what happens if you fail a hair follicle test? Does it go on your DAC report? The answer is, unfortunately, yes. A failed hair follicle test can have consequences and may end up on your DAC report, which is a comprehensive record of your driving history. This can potentially impact your future job prospects in the trucking industry. So, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and make informed choices to maintain a clean driving record.
How Far Do Trucking Companies Go Back on Hair Follicle Drug Tests?
Hair follicle tests are known for their longer detection window compared to urine tests. But how far back do trucking companies typically go on hair follicle drug tests? While the detection window can vary, most trucking companies usually test for drug use in the past 90 days with hair follicle tests. So, it’s essential to be aware of your drug use history and the potential implications it may have on your employment prospects in the trucking industry, especially if you’re considering a job with a company that conducts hair follicle tests in 2023.
How Long Do You Have To Wait To Pass a Hair Follicle Test?
If you’ve recently used drugs and are worried about passing a hair follicle test, you might be wondering how long you have to wait to pass. Unfortunately, the detection window for hair follicle tests can be longer compared to urine tests, as drugs can remain in the hair shaft for months. However, the good news is that as time goes by and your hair grows, the drug metabolites from past drug use can move further away from the scalp, potentially resulting in a negative test result. The exact time it takes to pass a hair follicle test depends on various factors, such as the rate of hair growth and the specific drug used. It’s important to consult with a medical professional or a qualified drug testing expert to get accurate information on how long you might need to wait to pass a hair follicle test.
Conclusion:
Yes, drug testing for trucking companies is crucial to ensure safety on the road. While urine tests are the most commonly used method, some companies are starting to use hair follicle tests due to their longer detection window. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use up to the past year, unlike urine tests that can only detect drug use within days or weeks.
As a trucking job applicant, it’s important to be aware of the drug testing policies of the company you’re applying to. Knowing whether they require urine or hair follicle tests, and how frequently they conduct these tests, can help you be prepared and avoid surprises during the hiring process. It’s also important to understand that drug use can have serious consequences in the trucking industry, and it’s best, to be honest, and comply with the company’s drug testing policies. By staying informed and adhering to drug testing requirements, you can ensure a safe and successful career in trucking.