DOT Drug tests aren’t going to win a contest for the best part about trucking any time soon, but all drivers have to take them. DOT Drug tests are required for all “safety-sensitive” employees, and that includes all CDL holders. Normally, the drug tests are pretty routine, but the possibility of failing a drug test can be pretty nerve-wracking. Hopefully, you will pass every DOT Drug test, but if not, here’s what you need to know to get back on your feet. What is the DOT Drug Test?The DOT Drug test started with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act. Essentially, in 1991, the Department of Transportation saw a need for federally regulated drug testing to keep traveling public workers safe. Since then, CDL drivers and other designated employees have to regularly take DOT Drug tests. Everywhere in the United States, the drug tests are non-invasive and test for a standard list of substances. The drug test looks for evidence of Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates (any opium and codeine substances), Amphetamines and Methamphetamines, and Phencyclidine (PCP). Each of these substances has a cutoff concentration, and drivers must be below that limit. Drug tests are typically done with a hair or urine test, and saliva or breath tests are used for alcohol. When Do Drivers Take the Drug Test?There are a few times where you can count on getting a DOT Drug test. The first is for a new job. Any time you are starting a new position as a CDL driver, you can count on a DOT drug test. Employers can also test when they have reasonable suspicion that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In this case, their concerns must be based on legitimate observations. That could include appearance, smell, behavior, or similar tip-offs. Finally, employers give random drug tests on a quarterly basis. This doesn’t mean that you will get tested every quarter, but it means that someone will. According to DOT regulations, when on duty, drivers are prohibited from specific behaviors including:
What If I Don’t Pass?If you fail or refuse a DOT drug test, there will be several consequences. You will likely be removed from your job immediately. Employers aren’t required to wait for the final results from the Medical Review Officer (MRO), so you will typically be asked to step away from your job right away. In some cases, you could lose your license or driving endorsements. At the end of the day, the consequences will be a little different depending on your company and your employment agreement. If you believe it was a false positive because of medications or another factor, reach out immediately! You will not be able to give a second sample, but you can ask that the sample is retested. You will need a follow-up appointment and proof of your prescription to validate your claim. How Do I Get Back To Work?If you fail or refuse a drug test, there is a separate process for moving forward. While you will likely be asked to immediately step away from your job, that doesn’t mean you will never be able to return to driving. Typically, after drivers fail a drug test, they work closely with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for several months as part of a Return to Duty process. The SAP plans a program that may include some type of rehab and/or education. At this stage, it’s no longer in the hands of your employer. Ultimately, the decisions of the SAP are final. Once the SAP confirms that the driver is healthy and has completed the rehabilitation program, drivers may be eligible to return to work with their previous or a new employer. Will This Stay on My Record?Failed DOT Drug tests are recorded in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Refusals to take a drug test are also documented in the Clearinghouse. The SAP will also stay in touch with drivers who fail or refuse a drug test. Typically, the SAP will follow up with the driver six times in the 12 months after the failed test. Drivers may also be required to take additional drug tests up to five years after the initial failed test. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post What Happens If You Fail a DOT Drug Test appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct
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A good safety bonus is always a welcome addition to a paycheck. Not all companies have the same criteria for what they expect from drivers. However, there are several best practices that will help keep you safe no matter what you haul or who you drive for. Our list includes some of the most common expectations we’ve seen from companies. 1. Every Company Is DifferentSafety bonuses are a nice boost to a paycheck, but the bottom line is, it’s a bonus. Companies don’t have to give drivers that money. There’s also a lot of different philosophies between companies. Some offer large bonuses that make up a good chunk of change. Others give smaller bonuses that are more like a pat on the back. The frequency of payment also depends entirely on the company. Some might give bonuses quarterly, while others might stick to an annual bonus. 2. Safety With Your TruckTruck maintenance and repairs are an important part of truck safety, and they can help keep you on track for a safety bonus. Make sure to take your truck in for regular preventative maintenance. Those little problems that can probably wait until later might eventually become big problems. Also, always perform and document pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Make sure your boss knows that you are diligent in caring for your vehicle. Keeping your tractor in good condition goes a long way toward safety on the road. 3. Safety On The GroundAs any experienced driver knows, truck safety starts before you reach your tractor. It’s important to have a plan for your next route. Find the balance between timely deliveries and cautious driving. Make sure to allow time for unexpected incidents, especially in poor weather or when you know there are construction zones on your route. If something comes up that will delay your delivery, get in touch as soon as possible.
Some companies may look at other parts of your driving record when deciding on a safety bonus, For example, drivers should not have any hours of service violations. If you find yourself in a forced dispatch situation that would violate HOS rules, refuse the load. It’s illegal to force dispatch that violates HOS rules. A safety bonus could also look at drug tests or days absent from work. 4. Safety On The RoadSafety on the road is all about accident prevention. All of the basics you learned early on are the same things that will help you get that safety bonus. Use turn signals. Maintain a safe following distance. Keep scanning every 8-10 seconds. Don’t get pulled over for a speeding ticket (or anything else), and make sure your record is clear from preventable accidents. All of these are fundamental safety tips that are tried and true for a reason. Whenever possible, make sure to eliminate or at least reduce distractions while driving. Whether it’s a phone, the radio, or another piece of technology, use it safely when you’re behind the wheel. Driving distraction-free is especially important when you’re maneuvering in tight spaces. Whether it’s backing into a loading dock or navigating tight city streets, these are areas of increased work accidents. Loading and unloading zones may have vehicles, people, and all kinds of other obstacles or distractions in your path. Stay alert to your surroundings, and don’t hesitate to ask for other vehicles or people to move if there’s not enough space. Safety bonuses are most important to you as a driver, so put yourself in a position to be successful. 5. Benefits of a Clean Driving RecordA clean driving record will leave you in a better position for almost any job. To start, good driving can give you an extra pay bump from a safety bonus at your current company. It will also give you better hiring prospects for almost any job in the future. In addition, there are some trucking jobs where safety is even more important such as tanker hazmat loads. A clean driving record will open doors for these types of jobs if you decide to apply for them in the future. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post 5 Tips for Truck Drivers to Earn a Safety Bonus appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day is from Bridge Transportation CorporationBridge Transportation Corporation is seeking CDL A OTR Dry Van Solo and Team Drivers East of 35. Come join our team and start enjoying competitive pay and great benefits! Compensation
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Join the Bridge Transportation Corporation Team!Bridge Transportation Corporation is seeking CDL A OTR Dry Van Solo and Team Drivers East of 35. Drivers enjoy good pay and benefits! Join their team! The post Job of the Day: Bridge Transportation Corporation appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Matt Wilson brings digital marketing expertise to Drive My Way as a Digital Marketing Specialist.Drive My Way announces that Matthew Wilson joins its team as a Digital Marketing Specialist. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences. Matt brings a background of marketing and visual communication to Drive My Way. As a recent graduate from John Carroll University, Matt has previous experience in radio production, event and project planning, social media coordinating, and digital marketing campaigns. “We are thrilled to have Matt join our team,” said Kerry Marinchick, Drive My Way’s Marketing Demand Generation Manager. “Matt brings relevant digital marketing and communication experience to Drive My Way and will help us continue to expand our digital footprint in the trucking industry.” About Drive My WayDrive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Our driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention. The post Drive My Way Hires Matt Wilson appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct If you’ve been around trucking long enough, you’ve definitely heard the words “forced dispatch” even if they weren’t directed at you. Drivers often have a strong reaction to forced dispatch (for good reason), and we want to make sure you have all the details to protect yourself AND keep a good relationship with your dispatcher. 1. What Is Forced Dispatch?Forced dispatch, in simple terms, means that a company says that a driver MUST take a load. If a truck driver is unable to take a load or has legitimate reasons that they do not want to take the load, companies that force dispatch say, “Take it anyway.” In the early to mid-1900s, the Teamsters union worked hard to eliminate forced dispatch. In the early days of trucking, forced dispatch was more common. The Teamsters made a lot of progress and it became much less common. Unfortunately, as the Teamsters have become less powerful, there is a rise in companies forcing dispatch again, and it is making a comeback. 2. The Bottom LineWe’re jumping ahead a little bit here, but this is important. If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this part. Forced dispatch and driver coercion are illegal. Unfortunately, that does not mean it doesn’t happen. With forced dispatch, there can be a lot of pressure from dispatchers to take a load even when it’s not safe for you. Protect yourself as a professional driver.
Once you’re behind the wheel, safety is your responsibility. So, if you cannot safely take a load, turn it down. If there is backlash from the company, document the incident with the FMCSA. Forced dispatch is illegal and you have to keep yourself safe. That said, be careful about turning down loads. Have legitimate reasons and always be polite and professional. 3. When Should You Refuse A Load?As a driver, the most important thing to do is protect yourself. So, when is it reasonable to refuse a load? There are several completely legitimate reasons to refuse a load. The first is mechanical issues. If your truck is not in safe condition to drive, don’t take the load. Similarly, if YOU are not in a safe condition to drive because of illness or exhaustion, don’t take the load. If taking the load will put you in violation of HOS rules, that’s another good reason to refuse the load. Remember, ultimately, once you take the load, it’s the driver’s responsibility to deliver the load safely. So, if you know before you leave that you won’t be able to deliver the load safely, don’t take it. There may be times that you don’t want to take a load, but because you don’t feel like it is not a legitimate reason on its own. If your dispatcher feels like you turn down a lot of loads or that your reasons aren’t legitimate, making you happy with good loads might not be a priority for them. So, make sure your reasons are good when you refuse loads. 4. The FMCSA Has Your BackWith the decline of the Teamsters, there was a rise in forced dispatch again. Luckily, a few years ago, the FMCSA issued a ruling that penalizes companies who unsafely force dispatch on drivers. Companies can face up to a $16,000 fine if they are in violation of this ruling. If you have a coercion or forced dispatch complaint, file your complaint in writing to your Division Office or online through the National Consumer Complaint Database. Be prepared to share ELOGS and a clear message about why you are refusing the load. If the FMCSA decides the complaint is valid, they will follow up with action against the company. 5. Is Forced Dispatch A Big Deal?Ultimately, whether or not forced dispatch is a problem in your company will depend on the driver and the company. Some drivers say that it isn’t a problem in their company. Others hate it. Your reaction will probably depend a bit on your driving philosophy. If you are very particular about your loads, you may feel dispatchers are forcing you into loads you don’t want. On the other hand, if the company is not abusing forced dispatch, drivers who are open-minded about their loads may never run into a bad dispatch situation. It really comes down to whether the company is taking advantage of drivers by unsafely using forced dispatch. Make sure you find a company that is a good fit for you. The FMCSA made unsafe forced dispatch and driver coercion illegal. Protect yourself as a driver. Make safe decisions about when you are able to safely deliver a load and when you are not. If you have a complaint, send it to the FMCSA to deal with any company that violates their rule. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post 5 Questions Answered About Forced Dispatch appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Hazmat tanker jobs need good, clean driving, a detail-oriented person, and someone with a lot of patience! Hauling a hazmat tanker can be great for tanker drivers who are looking for something new. If you think hauing a hazmat tanker might be for you, start prepping now. Most companies want several years of experience and are looking for squeaky clean driving records. Not sure whether hazmat tanker jobs are the best freight for you? We’ve got answers. 1. What Is A Hazmat Tanker?Hazmat drivers haul any type of hazardous materials from one place to another. A hazardous material is anything that could harm a person, animals, or the environment when it mixes with other things like air, fire, water, or other chemicals. A few examples of hazardous materials are gases, explosives, corrosive chemicals, poisons, and radioactive materials to name a few. Hazmat tanker drivers can also drive a non-hazardous tanker, and having the additional endorsement opens up more job possibilities. 2. The Big PictureFor all truck drivers, safety is a top priority, but for hazmat tanker drivers, that’s even more true. Hauling hazardous chemicals means that the consequences for accidents or spills are more severe. With a hazmat load, route planning is key. Some routes may be off-limits, so hazmat drivers might need to plan around cities, tunnels, and other restricted areas. The big difference between hauling hazardous and non-hazardous materials is the level of caution and stress involved. Drivers need to be extra careful with the hazardous materials. Hauling tanker hazmat is dangerous, but it’s a manageable risk with proper safety training and good driving. We talked to Gabrielle, a hazmat tanker driver whose truck is leased to Landstar, and asked her if she had any advice for drivers considering hauling hazmat tanker. She shared this:
For some tanker hazmat drivers, there is an important balancing act between cautious driving and delivery speed. Some materials are highly sensitive and have a small delivery window, so being on time and making reliable deliveries is very important. Since hazmat loads have more regulations, there is also usually extra paperwork for each delivery. Documenting the delivery is essential, so being detail-oriented and patient is very important for this job! 3. The Day to Day DetailsA day in the life of a Hazmat Tanker driver looks a little different. Before even getting started in this job, drivers will need extra endorsements. There is also a minimum age and education requirement. Drivers must be at least 21 years old to haul Hazmat materials and have their high school diploma or GED. Some companies pay more for drivers with a hazmat endorsement but ultimately, that depends on the company. When you’re on the job, hazmat drivers do need to wear PPE. In cool weather, that’s no problem. In hot weather, wearing PPE uniforms can get very warm, so be prepared with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Depending on your job, you can expect some manual labor. Hazmat tanker drivers are often responsible for pulling hoses to unload their own trucks. 4. How To Get StartedIf a hazmat tanker job sounds like your next career move, there’s good news. The demand for hazmat tanker jobs is expected to grow in the coming years. Even if you’re not ready for a job change right now, you can start getting ready for the switch. A lot of companies want drivers with 3+ years of experience and a clean driving record. Having a clean driving record is especially important for hazmat jobs. If you don’t already have it, you will also need your hazmat tanker endorsement before you start hauling. The last big decision for becoming a hazmat tanker driver is to decide if you want to be a company driver or an owner operator. Company drivers may have more consistent loads and pay, especially early on. On the other hand, owner operators have more control over their schedules and their loads. Whatever you decide, let Drive My Way help you find a job that’s a good match for you. Find a Hazmat Tanker Driving JobDrive My Way matches you with a CDL job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post 4 Important Things to Know about Hazmat Tanker Jobs appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day is from MNS1 ExpressMNS1 Express knows the importance of work-life balance, and we want our drivers to actually have it. On our team, you will spend your weekdays driving, and spend your weekends doing what you love. Drivers are not just home weekly. They’re home every weekend! We’re hiring a CDL A Dedicated Dry Van Driver in Holiday City, OH and Columbus/Cincinnati, OH. These are dedicated routes that will include dry, no-touch freight with some drop & hook, in the Midwest. True Weekend Home Time, Utmost Respect, Top Pay. MNS1 Express is hiring CDL A Dedicated Dry Van Driver in Holiday City, OH and Columbus/Cincinnati, OH. Compensation
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Join the MNS1 Express Team!MNS1 Express is hiring CDL A Dedicated Dry Van Driver in Holiday City, OH and Columbus/Cincinnati, OH. Join their team! The post Job of the Day: MNS1 Express appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day is from Quality Custom DistributionQuality Custom Distribution is hiring a CDL A Local Refrigerated Driver in Greenwood, IN. The driver will haul multi-temperature control (frozen, refrigerated and ambient) goods 200 miles around Greenwood. Quality Custom Distribution focuses on paying competitively, providing reliable home time, and offering great benefits. Come join the QCD family today! Established in 2006 as a division of Golden State Foods, Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) provides custom distribution services to iconic customers throughout the United States. Headquartered in Frisco, Texas, QCD is values-based and services thousands of restaurants throughout the U.S. Today, QCD provides over 17,000 deliveries a week from 29 Distribution Centers strategically located throughout the country. The company and associates also supports the GSF Foundation for kids, a non-profit organization to help children and families in need. Quality Custom Distribution is hiring CDL A Local Refrigerated Driver in Greenwood, IN. Compensation
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Join the Quality Custom Distribution Team!Quality Custom Distribution is hiring CDL A Local Refrigerated Driver in Greenwood, IN. Join their team! The post Job of the Day: Quality Custom Distribution appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day is from Sunrise TransportSunrise Transport’s private fleet is hiring CDL A Local and Regional Refrigerated Drivers in Ephrata, PA. Sunrise Transport drivers will make next-day deliveries of refrigerated freight, including produce, natural meats, dairy products, and more to grocery store chains, independent grocery stores, health food stores, warehouses, and more across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Serving hundreds of customers from street deliveries in major cities to dock deliveries at a warehouse, our drivers get it done, safely, on time, and with exceptional service! Our drivers understand the nuances and expectations of delivering perishable products and go above and beyond to provide personalized service to our customers. For three consecutive years, Sunrise Transport named one of the Women In Trucking Association’s Top Companies to Work. Sunrise Transport was built on core values that define our culture and illustrate our commitment to our customers, associates, and suppliers. If you are motivated by hard work, passionate about delivering exceptional service, and want to be part of a team doing meaningful work – you will thrive and grow with a career at Sunrise Transport. Apply today and experience the difference! Sunrise Transport is hiring CDL A Local and Regional Refrigerated Drivers in Ephrata, PA. Local DriversCompensation
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Join the Sunrise Transport Team!Sunrise Transport is hiring CDL A Local and Regional Refrigerated Drivers in Ephrata, PA. Join their team! The post Job of the Day: Sunrise Transport appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct |
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