Location:
Tullahoma, TN
Driving Status:
Preparing For School
Social Link:
Independent, beekeeper, gearhead, PC technician (helpdesk, tech support), novice web admin, smartphone repair tech, novice bassist, licensed HAM radio operator (technician class), amateur electronics tech...
I like to say that I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. I like to learn how things work down to the screw or bolt. Before I got my first car, I had a 1970 Honda SL100 dirt bike. It was my grandfather's bike that my dad pulled out of storage. The thing didn't run a lick, and he told me to start by cleaning the carburetor. Once the carb was clean, the points gapped, and timing set, the bike ran like a champ. From then on, I always loved anything with wheels and an internal combustion engine. Hell, one year for Christmas I even asked for an overhaul kit for the 302 that was in my 1979 Ford F100.
When I worked as an EMT in Huntsville, AL, I found driving the ambulance the most fun (obviously). Now that I've been out of EMS for 13 years and out of tech support for 4yrs, I really want to try my hand at driving big boys' toys!
So here I am!
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
I love how the thread took its own turn down the wrong road and no one answered one of my questions:
If a DOT drug screen (and/or pre-employment screen) is failed, is there a required time frame for testing again? I'm not asking how long the drug takes to leave my system - I'm asking when can I start applying for driving jobs again if I failed a drug screen 8 months ago?
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
I'm not worried about anything in my background. Never been arrested; the worst I've gotten was a careless driving ticket that was dropped.
I'm just going to do a reset and start applying again as if I never applied to any carrier, except when asked.
Thanks for the info guys and gals!
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
According to my research, it should leave your system to the point of being undetectable within a few weeks. So if you were off it cold turkey for 2 months straight prior to the drug test, you should be fine. Just don't start up again in the meanwhile and you ought to be fine.
Personally I think this sort of thing ought to be regulated the way alcohol is regulated, both by the government and by private companies, but the "war on drugs" mixed with the "stoner culture" pretty much guarantees it will probably be a good century before that happens. And even if it were regulated the way alcohol is regulated, the way alcohol is regulated is "no drinks for CMV drivers in the truck" so practically teetotaling anyway.
Just my two cents. Carry on!
Agreed. With ignorant and hard-headed politicians like Jeff Sessions - who said that only bad people smoke pot - it's going to be another generation before any regulation other than pure prohibition will be passed.
Anywho, I've ordered a free DAC report, and I'll call the trucking company as soon as I get a chance.
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
How to become a truck driver in the USA?
Welcome, Emre! Excellent English, by the way.
While I can't help too much with the logistics of entering the US, I'll try my best with other topics.
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Getting back in the driving job search.
I started looking into truck driving back in the summer of 2015. I applied to almost all of the companies that offer paid CDL training. PAM and SRT expressed interest, but my own interest dwindled. Since then, I've been doing computer work for a small medical clinic that my mom used to own. (IT/helpdesk/tech support is my former line of work.) Then I flipped burgers at a Sonic Drive-In for about 3 weeks. My dad is retired and my mom is looking to retire in 4 years and move to Mississippi.
While I think it would be exciting to move to MS, there are some drawbacks. So I'm looking into CDL schools again - mainly paid CDL training. I don't mind entering a 12-month or so agreement for the experience. I would even yard-dog for a little while just the get practice backing trailers. Even OTR with or without a partner would be fine by me. Never in my life have I travelled outside the South, except for a flight to Vegas and back, that I can remember.
I am somewhat of a lone wolf. I grew up just north of Huntsville, AL, but I've moved back and forth between Nashville and Tullahoma for the past 13 years that I don't have many real friends (the kind that one would call true friends) and none where I live now. The only attachment I have is my 100lb yellow lab, Marley.
I can't remember exactly why I started this post. I'm just anxious to get driving! I guess I'm just looking to chat with like-minded drivers and "student drivers". :-)
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
I really do appreciate the comments, everyone!
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
I didn't know that a DAC was covered under the FCRA. Just filled out the request with HireRight. Thanks for the tip, Rick!
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
BTW, thank you, Errol for the info. Very much appreciated!
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
Is there a time frame for when/if I can retest?
Posted: 8 years, 6 months ago
View Topic:
Probably failed DOT drug screen in Sept. 2015
Thanks, Rick. I was never contacted by the MRO.
I requested a DAC report from HireRight almost 2 weeks ago. Just been busy with helping my parents to check in on that.
As for the "glossed over" careless driving, it doesn't show up on my 10-year driving record, so I didn't think it was an issue.
Now my mom is recovering from a hip replacement, so I'll have to wait until the end of May to start applying.
No more smoke for me!