I Have A Terrible Driving Record, Drug User And Criminal Record …………,

I’m just curious. I’m amazed at how many people who have serious problems relating to driving what to drive a semi truck. Has anyone noticed how many posts TT gets from those who have driving record issues, etc., yet have grandiose ambitions of driving a truck with 18 wheels? I believe in second chances, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why someone who has has a suspended license for 10 years wants to pursue a job in the trucking industry. Or those who smoke a little weed and wonder how soon they can pass a hair follicle test or better yet, avoid one altogether and sign on with a company that only tests pee.

Just pondering the meaning of life.

Bruce, as a newbie here myself I’ve already become amused with some of these. Although new to the trucking industry having 40+years of employment / management requiring drug test, personal behavior parameters and overall all clean records. I can say I’ve seen this mindset more often than you would believe. Concept of personal responsibility, actions and consequences are an after thought for a large part of our population. My humble opinion.

I can second that... I work in hospitality and we're having trouble hiring because folks have a record that precludes them from being considered. I mean I'm not saying you can't have a little fun if that's your thing, but know how to keep it under control and to a minimum. And for goodness sake, eventually just grow up. I'm a professional now and looking back at my youth just makes me want to shudder sometimes... Maybe if folks thought about their future a bit they'd not do some of the stupid things they do that prevents them from having a good future.

I just saw a guy on Facebook replying to a driving ad complaining no one would hire him because he took OxyContin

Lol

I accept the fact that people make mistakes. We all have. What confounds me is those who believe their mistakes or actions should not result in repercussions. The "I smoke a little weed (or take other drugs), but it's legal where I live ", "I get in accidents frequently," or "I have been a career criminal" folks are then astonished when they won't be licensed or hired. Rather than accept responsibility for their actions/mistakes, they cast blame on others and scream discrimination, racism, sexism, or any other -ism so as to deflect from the fact that they are to blame for their circumstances. The Powers that Be who legalize "harmless" drugs, or pander to certain segments of Society and make it all seem "normal," are contributing to this feeling of entitlement and irresponsibility we see in Society today.

In this industry, the "Truck Driver Shortage Emergency"and "Earn $65,000 starting" ad banners are catching the eye of the perpetually offended, radically overly self-entitled, and serious job searchers. They are attracted by the siren song of high pay, no need for a residence (the company will give you your own studio apartment, after all), freedom from oversight and being the last great american cow-poke to a job that 1) doesn't want them, 2) won't tolerate them if they sneak through, and 3) except for the serious searchers they are likely not going to stay at for more time than it takes to realize the the siren song was nothing more than that...

I've tried for almost a year to get employed on a 3 to 4 day per week basis with many of the local outfits around here. I have clean MVR , solid CSA , no accidents, and 7.5 years of driving. The grocery stores are all *****ing that they can't get stuff delivered (and I believe them) but they don't want to adjust their thinking to allow for something other than out 3 weeks, home 34 hours. Better to have NOTHING delivered than to have something unorthodox.

OK - end of bitterness bottomhurt rant...

I can assure you there is NO driver shortage, the pay is regional and not likely to be as high as the outfits claim - at least for the first few years until you REALLY learn how to make things work to a lawful and safe financial advantage.

Apparently, some people wirh testing concerns can make it! LOL

Incredible graffiti, oops I meant graphics on that tractor.

Guys, I have a REAL question, while on this topic. Many doctors (even the internet type, too!) are prescribing Suboxone to get addicts off opiates, heroin, fentanyl, and what not.

Is THAT concoction DOT legal? I know, I'm usually the 'research queen' up in these parts, but ... this one is marginally (very?) obscure and/or different, and fairly new... I believe. It's seemingly 'safer' and more effective than methadone (which is NOT legal for DOT) but... vague, all the same. It doesn't show up on a panel ?!?

It's a 'drug' to get off of a drug. I wish I knew someone personally that gets Rx'd this, but I do not. Facebook isn't reliable, haha! I'm just wondering if any of you drivers know anyone that DOES successfully drive while taking this med, and how they went about it. No, I'm not IN NEED of any, just a Facebook topic in Trucker Feed that got me wondering. (Those guys/gals are ALL Einsteins... ya know!)

Seriously, any input? Here's an example of what I've found: Suboxone in Commercial Drivers...

TIA <<(Thanks in Advance, for Ms. Laura!) ;)

~ Anne ~

Anne, good question. Methadone is disqualifying because it is a metabolite. I looked online for the compounds in Suboxone. Allegedly, it contains a blend of Buprenorphine and Naloxone. National Institutes of Health says "Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, a naturally occuring alkaloid of the opium poppy....". Buprenorphine has a history of abuse in Europe, injection based, because they don't blend narcan / naloxone into it.

To me, that is pretty clear indication that it's a byproduct of the poppy, and since it is used for pain management in ADDITION to the buzz kill aspects, I would think it would cause a dirty drop.

I did not sleep in a Holiday Inn Select last night, nor did I sleep in a sleeper berth , so I an NOT uniquely qualified as an expert on this. But, from my time in reading and correctly interpreting criminal statutes (IL anyway) the definitions for controlled substances usually include the words precursor, metabolite, and alkaloid.

Suboxone at NIH.Gov