Researchers at the University of Tennessee and the University of Central Arkansas just completed their analysis of 38,311 matched pre-employment hair and urine drug tests submitted by licensed truck drivers in 2023. The results show that hair testing identified significantly more drug positives than urine testing, demonstrating its effectiveness in detecting lifestyle drug use. These findings highlight the need for the U.S. Department of Transportation to accept positive pre-employment hair test results to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, as Congress directed the agency to do in 2015. #Trucking #RoadSafety #SaferRoadsForAll #Transportation #HairTesting
At Maverick we implemented pre-employment hair testing and we had folks every week pass the UDS but fail the HT. Some applicants didn’t even bother coming in when they found out we did hair testing. It was both good and bad in that we were keeping unsafe drivers off the road but it also revealed how many drivers out there are under the influence who may be missed with just a UDS collection. Many companies can’t afford to implement hair testing for a variety of reasons. We need to make hair testing mandatory so it levels the playing field for all companies. I’m 100% for hair testing. But as an industry we need to prepare for drivers leaving trucking all together if hair testing is mandated. We may really see a driver shortage and I fear some companies will not make it.
Brad Watkins
3w
I have a little bit of a problem with identifying "life style drug use". I know, I know, we certainly don't want drug users on the roads whatever their lifestyles. However, in my humble opinion, drug testing should be designed to identify current drug use so to eliminate any possibility of existing impairment. Not whether a person used a drug 75 days ago. Alcohol is legal and we don't test to see if a person had a drink or was intoxicated 8 days ago. A positive test requires evaluation and pretty thorough return to duty process. Just an off the wall opinion.
The USDOT draws it's drug and alcohol testing rules and procedures from the HHS, and although the HHS has started the conversation (proposed rulemaking) there are no current HHS guidelines on how to administer hair testing. Without HSS rules, the USDOT will not adopt hair testing. This is the reason the USDOT says they have not adopted it. Also, the argument that hair test results be included as actual knowledge violations in the Clearinghouse was addressed by the FMCSA. They said they do not have statutory authority to do so, likely an interpretation in light of the lack of HHS guidance.
What are you scared of FMCSA? Safer roads? Stop listening to the same old tired naysayers. Accept pre-employment hair tests results to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. You’re nine (9) years late in making our roads safer.
Managing Director - The Trucking Alliance
3wThe statistics are overwhelming; almost every commercial truck driver using illegal drugs, more than 90% of them, actually pass their DOT urine drug test. Most popular drugs next to marijuana - cocaine and opioids. They're out there on our highways, endangering other truck drivers and the general public.