Drug Test Release On Application

Here's the deal.

Future prospective employers ARE REQUIRED TO check with current/previous employers during the application process - this INCLUDES drug/alcohol screens if your previous employer had you in a SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION (ie: driving a commercial vehicle).

It is part of a LEGALLY REQUIRED PROCESS.

Now - if you don't want to "tip your hand", to your current employer - that is, sadly, going to be NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE, due to the legal requirements.

Also - sadly - if you REFUSE TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE from previous employers, it gives the perception that you "have something to hide", making the prospective employer REALLY LEERY about hiring you.

So - the real facts here are:

Assuming you have a good & safe driving history with your current employer (accidents, citations, inspections, etc.) a clean testing history, and meet the requirements of the prospective employer (experience, etc.), and you haven't been excessively "job hopping" - then there is no reason why you should NOT BE INVITED TO ORIENTATION at the new employer.

For better or worse - disclosure is a REQUIREMENT in this industry. And while I understand you are reluctant to let your current employer know you are looking elsewhere - IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME (employees looking elsewhere). Assuming you are a GOOD EMPLOYEE (your job performance is good, and you don't have "personal issues" - attitude/etc. going on), then there is no reason for them to FIRE YOU, simply because you are LOOKING ELSEWHERE.

I get it - but if you want to MOVE ON, you are going to have to TIP YOUR HAND at some point. And in this industry, the point you have to do so, is WHEN YOU APPLY to a new company. NO COMPANY is going to invite you to orientation, WITHOUT CHECKING REFERENCES AND TESTING HISTORY. Refusing to allow them to do so, is going to throw up all sorts of RED FLAGS - like you are trying to CONCEAL NEGATIVE HISTORY.

In the future, when FMCSA gets the test results site implemented - this will all be up there (drug/alcohol testing), so that's one less thing that will have to be requested of previous employers.

NO ONE HERE is trying to give you a "hard time", they are simply explaining THE FACTS OF LIFE when it comes to applying to move to a different company. Had you not PREVIOUSLY BEEN A DRIVER - the prospective employer WOULD STILL BE REQUIRED TO CHECK PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS.

All of this is BY REGULATION - not that the prospective employer is "out to screw you" with your current employer.

Best of luck to you...

Rick

All that may be true... but most of this is done electronically by someone in an HR office. They get requests and then push a few buttons in reply. HR doesnt know or care if the driver is leaving. Like I said, my FM saw it and thought i applied for a loan. So although required.... it isnt the kiss of death at the first employer that this guy is afraid of. He isnt saying he wont disclose information, just didnt want contact that could jeopardize current employment. Normal job applications give this as an option, so it is understandable he has questions.

I know to return to my company, the driver must be approved by the former fleet manager and safety dept of Prime before Prime will check with the last employer.

Ok I see I’m not going to get my answer here, so moving on.

Wrong. What you should have typed is, “I see I’m not going to get an answer I want to hear, so I’ll go somewhere safe and bash trucking companies as being unfair”.

This is what you are really thinking. The Truth.

Wrong! I have never bashed any of the companies I’ve worked for, nor will I. I have been reading these forums for years and never said a thing. In fact when I’ve seen others bashing companies, I typically thought it was probably more their work ethic rather than the companies fault. I’ve asked a question and nobody has answered it. Maybe because nobody knows and that’s fine. All I’ve gotten is opinions. I have my reasons for not wanting my current employer to know I’m seeking other employment. My wife is on the road with me and I’m our only source of income. I can’t just say oh well, they cut my miles, or oh well they let me go I’ll find something else. People come here for help and if you’re not going to help them, why say anything at all? Truckers used to look out for each other, help each other. That all has seemed to have been lost somewhere.

Skip the drama queens. At this point I would not want a future employer to call my current either.

Call your future employer and explain your trepidation. That you are more than welcome to have them verify a drug test by any other means than calling your current employer. If they say no, then the next step is up to you.