Failed Drug Test At Trucking School

First off, I don't need any negativity. Life is hard enough as it is and people make mistakes.

I unfortunately failed my initial drug screening for trucking school. (THC) I was a daily smoker for years and decided my life needed a serious change, so I quit for the first time. I was clean for two months but that obviously wasn't good enough because I failed. Yes, I know it's my own fault and have no one to blame. I was told I couldn't continue school until completing a SAP. I did so, returned to school, graduated, and received my CDL class A the first of this month. Does anyone know of ANY company that will work with me? I just need a chance from someone. Any and all help is appreciated.

Brandon, have you tried Western Express? They might be your best opportunity.

I have Brett thank you. They told me they can't work with me.

Oh man, that's bad news.

I hate to say it, but I've been at this for a very long time and that was my only good idea. Maybe someone else knows a company that might consider you. Failing a drug test or getting a DUI is a death sentence in this industry for quite a few years. I'm hoping someone can come up with more ideas. Western Express was my best idea.

I would suggest to call Werner, and talk to their HR/Safety department and see what they say. The worst thing they will tell you is sorry that they wont work with you. They may also tell you that they will work with you, depending how recent your SAP program was finished....

But whatever companies you talk to, be honest with them... Also, try a local, smaller company, they may be more willing to work with you, and then when you get at least a yer to 18 months experience under your belt, and want to do OTR or work for a major carrier, then you might have a better chance because you've proven yourself, and you might be able to also offer to go in for additional drug tests for a set length of time to show that you are serious about being clean...

Not sure if it would be a possibility, but just an idea....

Brandon, my husband (the trucker in the family atm...) suggested Carolina Cargo. Another second chance company, but...it's a start when ya need one.

Wishing you the best; following your hopefully soon progress. Kudos on your personal success, man.

Anne

PAM and CR England accepted a forum member who failed a test, but it was months between the failed test and the application. That may make a difference.

Since I don't know where you live, not sure if this will help, but maybe try PTL (Pascal truck lines) located in Murray, Kentucky. Or TransAm in Olathe, Kansas. I know they're both a second chance company also.

Good luck

Also - and this might not make a difference...

Did you have a Med Weed card - or live in a state where recreational use is legal? While not really an "excuse" - it's still better than ILLEGALLY USING A SUBSTANCE.

Having completed a SAP is a good thing - but most companies will still consider a newbie to be HIGH RISK, and don't want to go through the hassle of additional monitoring (as returnees from SAP are required to be tested/monitored more often initially). Also - since weed has become so "socially acceptable" in the last decade (like alcohol has been), with many states decrim/legalizing (mostly, to save the hassle of arresting/prosecuting users), the risk of a driver who's already been caught in a screen, "sneaking a puff" here and there, is already greater than someone who has used other drugs and gotten clean.

Despite the fact that weed may actually become legal - it will likely NEVER BE SO for people in DOT Regulated Safety Sensitive Positions.

And a daily smoker will test positive for a number of months after quitting - especially a daily, with the HIGH THC CONTENT of todays weed.

Congrats on quitting. I was a heavy daily smoker for 4 years (after being sober for 7). Lemme tell you - it was EASIER TO QUICK CRACK, than the weed. My detox off it was surprisingly horrible - I was a wreck for a week (and we're talking an OZ or more a week for years), and my head took about 4 months to be 100% again.

So congrats on quitting - APPLY EVERYWHERE. But sadly, your task has become infinitely more difficult. I celebrate 19 years on 12/7 - and 31 years off opiates and coke on 3/17.

Best of luck to you - keep us posted on your progress...

Rick