History Of Substance Use

So I got a call today from a recruiter with Swift. I asked him about a few different things but the one that ended our conversation was when I brought up my previous cannabis use. Now I understand why you don't want people with a substance abuse problem behind the wheel of a truck, but he told me that they would be looking for 3 years without any use. Is this a normal expectation for new drivers? I have been taking time to get clean and to flush my system, but I didn't think they would be looking for 3 years? Maybe other companies would be more understanding of someone wanting to make a change to their life? I was really set on being able to do this soon.

How much time are you at now?

About 3 months. I did not realize this was going to be a factor tbh. How do they determine how long you have been clean. Other than self reporting.

How would they even know? I can see it coming up on a UA. But how would they know if I didn't have 3 years?

Welcome Beard...

I'd continue to research and apply to other Paid CDL Training Programs.

Only answer the questions you are asked when filling out applications. Although there is no set "industry standard" for past drug use, there is zero tolerance for ALL companies once you begin training and leading up to the time of the initial drug test. Random tests occur with zero notice, more frequently immediately following home time. Be careful of the company you keep, ingestion of secondary pot smoke could cause a positive test to occur. Not even a trace amount is acceptable.

Hair follicle requires a minimum of three months clean, six is best. Use the search bar to find the thread about companies performing hair tests.

I'd keep trying and only provide what they ask on the applications. Be totally truthful, but offer only what is required. For example; if they ask for 3 years of driving history, no need to disclose a speeding ticket that's over 3 years in the past.

Good luck.

How would they even know? I can see it coming up on a UA. But how would they know if I didn't have 3 years?

I will say this, it is a good practice not to start off a career through a lie. You take that as you will, but obviously if you don't have a "track record" through previous employment or rehabilitation centers, then there is probably no way for them to know how long you have truly been "sober" for other than what you tell them. I may be wrong in this though.

How would they even know? I can see it coming up on a UA. But how would they know if I didn't have 3 years?

I will say this, it is a good practice not to start off a career through a lie. You take that as you will, but obviously if you don't have a "track record" through previous employment or rehabilitation centers, then there is probably no way for them to know how long you have truly been "sober" for other than what you tell them. I may be wrong in this though.

Rob, I agree with you. Read my reply to Beard...he volunteered something they weren't asking for during his initial recruiter conversation.

Thank you G. I will take that to heart when doing my research and applying to other programs. I do have a tendency to offer too much information when it comes to these types of situations. guess i'd rather be upfront about it instead of have it bite me in the ass on the back end.

Remember the only thing that really counts is the drug test. Confessions don't really help matters, though.

Actually the pee test is the legal one, hair isn't settled in the regulations.