Getting A Job In Trucking With Alcoholism In Medical Record
Topic 10440 | Page 1
Hello all, I am getting out of the military soon and want to go into trucking. I had a run in with mental health for depression and subsequently ended up going through substance abuse treatment. I have never had issues with alcohol and because of going through the class the military told me I couldn't drink anymore. So, 3 years later still no drinking, still no issues. I went to talk about changing my diagnosis and keep getting the run around that once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. Best they told me I can get is adding in to my record that I am in remission.
Should I even bother trying to become a trucker because of all of this? Seems kind of overkill to ban me for life from the job I had a dream of doing sense I was a kid.
Steve -
Navy vet here, like you I had some "difficulties" went thru SARP and also diagnosed with PTSD, major depression and Alcohol Dependency. Reminder the term "alcoholism" is a "social term" and not a medical definition. I recently passed my 14yr milestone sobriety and from my research and talking to companies and drivers as long as you have a clean DMV record and your "meds" (if you are taking them) do not affect you negatively both physically and mentally then you should be good to go. As for you trying to change your military medical diagnosis, I wouldn't worry about it. If you had an ARI, in this day in age with the military they document anything alcohol related (or remotely) to cover there butts.
I wouldn't worry too much if you don't have a problem, just begin the process of getting out Honorably and if you can start on the High Road Training here High Road Training Program so when you goto school to earn your CDL you'll be prepared.
r/scott
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
Thanks for the information Lawdog. It has given me more hope. I contacted the FMCSA Medical Program and they gave me more information on medical cert in relation to my records. I just hope the company I want to work for doesn't refuse to hire me over my past.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
A dui would hurt you way more than some alcohol dependency thing. There isn't going to be much of a record that a company can search for for that I think? As long as your driving record is clear of DUI's you shouldn't have any issues with alcohol. I am NOT an expert and I hope some others will chime in because afaik all you do is take a dot medical physical and anything that doesn't show up there shouldn't worry a potential employer. IF you are on some medication, or have a dui, those are the things most companies will be worried about. Bottom line I wouldn't even bring it up unless it comes up.
Phil
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
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Hello all, I am getting out of the military soon and want to go into trucking. I had a run in with mental health for depression and subsequently ended up going through substance abuse treatment. I have never had issues with alcohol and because of going through the class the military told me I couldn't drink anymore. So, 3 years later still no drinking, still no issues. I went to talk about changing my diagnosis and keep getting the run around that once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. Best they told me I can get is adding in to my record that I am in remission.
Should I even bother trying to become a trucker because of all of this? Seems kind of overkill to ban me for life from the job I had a dream of doing sense I was a kid.