Rules for Driving in New York City With a Big Rig
1) When on a one way street, stay to the right to allow oncoming traffic to pass.
2) Never, ever, stop for a pedestrian unless he flings himself under the wheels of your truck.
3) The first parking space you see will be the last parking space you see. Grab it.
4) Never get in the way of a car that needs extensive body work.
5) Always look both ways when running a red light.
6) Never use directional signals when changing lanes. They only warn other drivers to speed up and not let you in.
7) Making eye contact revokes your right of way.
8) Whenever possible, stop in the middle of a crosswalk to ensure inconveniencing as many pedestrians as possible. And if a pedestrian ahead of you steps into the road, speed up, honk or yell loudly and chase him back up on the curb. Pedestrians have no rights.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Riding The Storm Out
Driving Safety Tips
Extreme Weather
Earthquakes
Flood Safety
Hail Storms
High Winds
Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning
Tornado
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Driving Safety Tips Index
thunderstorm driving safety tips
Do not drive during tornado conditions.
Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Extreme Weather
Earthquakes
Flood Safety
Hail Storms
High Winds
Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning
Tornado
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Driving Safety Tips Index
thunderstorm driving safety tips
Do not drive during tornado conditions.
Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The History of Trucking
The first truck to travel from coast-to-coast was a Sauger,
a Swiss built truck which traveled from Los Angeles to New York in 1911.
In 1916 the Seattle chamber of commerce paid the expense for a truck to drive from Seattle to NYC. It took 31 days of driving time.
In the 1920's the fifth wheel came along. In 1920 the semitrailer, whose front end rests on the rear portion of the hauling truck tractor, was gaining in popularity. In a semitrailer the truck tractor usually has a disk, known as the fifth wheel, located on a horizontal platform over its rear wheels; a pin located under the front of the trailer locks into this disk, thus attaching the trailer to the tractor and furnishing support for the front end of the trailer.
1935 Motor Carrier Act brought trucking under federal regulations.
The Federal Government spent $75 million on construction & improvement of roads.
Logbook rules, the same ones in force today, were developed in the late 1930's.
There was less than 15,000 miles of paved highways in the U.S. in 1914.
In the 1930's, the number of new trucks registered in the U.S. totaled some 329,000.
In 1966, the DOT was created by an act of Congress. The DOT became responsible for safety issues.
In the early 1800's the gasoline engine was invented, it was followed by the first gasoline powered trucks. These trucks did not have any windshields, doors, or roofs, drivers had no protection from the elements. The top speed on these trucks were a whopping 20 mph. These early trucks had a tiller bar instead of a steering wheel. Also, oil lamps were used for night driving instead of headlights.
In the 1950s, diesel fuel cost 14.9 cents per gallon.
Conventional trucks in the 1950's sported a hole in the wall to climb in to the unheated bunk, which was nothing more than a shelf on the wall.
In the 1950's, refrigerated trailers ran on propane.Trailer lengths started out at 33 feet, gradually increasing through the years.
In the early 1900s, trucks were limited for two reasons, first there weren't very many paved roads, and second, the trucks used solid rubber tires. This type of tire could be used only at low speeds. A feature developed around the time of WW1 that helped the trucking industry. This was the invention of the pneumatic (air inflated) tire. By 1920 this new tire became more and more popular. With the air inflated tire there was much less wear and tear on vehicles, so higher speeds were possible. The driver had a more comfortable ride.
During WWI trucks became more widespread, when manufactures produced 227,250 trucks to help transport goods for the war effort. Trucking companies such as Michigan Motor Freight, Yellow Freight, and Interstate Motor Freight got their start during this time.
In 1939 Al Gross, founder of the CB, invents the first walkie talky. In 1943 he made the first CB radio. Also in 1943 he began founding the Citizens Band Corporation. In 1958 the FCC introduced the first 23 channels of the Citizen Band. In 1962 Midland CB Radios introduced into the public market the first CB radio. By 1966 Midland had introduced 21 different mobile CB transceivers. During the early 70’s the oil embargo and the truck strikes pressed the need for the drivers to communicate to the home base and the company that he/she was working for. In 1977 the FCC introduced an addition 17 channels to make the current 40 channels that are available today. Also, in 1977 the FCC discontinued the license that was needed to operate a CB station. A license is not needed as long as you operate and follow the rules and regulations of the FCC.
The first tilt-cab, or cab-over, truck was built in 1935.
During 1910, production of trucks in the U.S. amounted to about 10,000.
In 1916 the Seattle chamber of commerce paid the expense for a truck to drive from Seattle, Washington, to New York City. It took 31 days of actual driving. This trip across country showed people that highways and trucks were going to become an important part of our lives.
Rudolf Diesel had patented the diesel engine in 1892.
The first tractors powered by diesel engines were built in the early 1930s.
In 1912, a Packard truck went from New York to San Francisco in 46 days. This was the year that trucks were first equipped with electric lights.
The first commercial vehicle was made in 1899. It was powered by a steam engine.
a Swiss built truck which traveled from Los Angeles to New York in 1911.
In 1916 the Seattle chamber of commerce paid the expense for a truck to drive from Seattle to NYC. It took 31 days of driving time.
In the 1920's the fifth wheel came along. In 1920 the semitrailer, whose front end rests on the rear portion of the hauling truck tractor, was gaining in popularity. In a semitrailer the truck tractor usually has a disk, known as the fifth wheel, located on a horizontal platform over its rear wheels; a pin located under the front of the trailer locks into this disk, thus attaching the trailer to the tractor and furnishing support for the front end of the trailer.
1935 Motor Carrier Act brought trucking under federal regulations.
The Federal Government spent $75 million on construction & improvement of roads.
Logbook rules, the same ones in force today, were developed in the late 1930's.
There was less than 15,000 miles of paved highways in the U.S. in 1914.
In the 1930's, the number of new trucks registered in the U.S. totaled some 329,000.
In 1966, the DOT was created by an act of Congress. The DOT became responsible for safety issues.
In the early 1800's the gasoline engine was invented, it was followed by the first gasoline powered trucks. These trucks did not have any windshields, doors, or roofs, drivers had no protection from the elements. The top speed on these trucks were a whopping 20 mph. These early trucks had a tiller bar instead of a steering wheel. Also, oil lamps were used for night driving instead of headlights.
In the 1950s, diesel fuel cost 14.9 cents per gallon.
Conventional trucks in the 1950's sported a hole in the wall to climb in to the unheated bunk, which was nothing more than a shelf on the wall.
In the 1950's, refrigerated trailers ran on propane.Trailer lengths started out at 33 feet, gradually increasing through the years.
In the early 1900s, trucks were limited for two reasons, first there weren't very many paved roads, and second, the trucks used solid rubber tires. This type of tire could be used only at low speeds. A feature developed around the time of WW1 that helped the trucking industry. This was the invention of the pneumatic (air inflated) tire. By 1920 this new tire became more and more popular. With the air inflated tire there was much less wear and tear on vehicles, so higher speeds were possible. The driver had a more comfortable ride.
During WWI trucks became more widespread, when manufactures produced 227,250 trucks to help transport goods for the war effort. Trucking companies such as Michigan Motor Freight, Yellow Freight, and Interstate Motor Freight got their start during this time.
In 1939 Al Gross, founder of the CB, invents the first walkie talky. In 1943 he made the first CB radio. Also in 1943 he began founding the Citizens Band Corporation. In 1958 the FCC introduced the first 23 channels of the Citizen Band. In 1962 Midland CB Radios introduced into the public market the first CB radio. By 1966 Midland had introduced 21 different mobile CB transceivers. During the early 70’s the oil embargo and the truck strikes pressed the need for the drivers to communicate to the home base and the company that he/she was working for. In 1977 the FCC introduced an addition 17 channels to make the current 40 channels that are available today. Also, in 1977 the FCC discontinued the license that was needed to operate a CB station. A license is not needed as long as you operate and follow the rules and regulations of the FCC.
The first tilt-cab, or cab-over, truck was built in 1935.
During 1910, production of trucks in the U.S. amounted to about 10,000.
In 1916 the Seattle chamber of commerce paid the expense for a truck to drive from Seattle, Washington, to New York City. It took 31 days of actual driving. This trip across country showed people that highways and trucks were going to become an important part of our lives.
Rudolf Diesel had patented the diesel engine in 1892.
The first tractors powered by diesel engines were built in the early 1930s.
In 1912, a Packard truck went from New York to San Francisco in 46 days. This was the year that trucks were first equipped with electric lights.
The first commercial vehicle was made in 1899. It was powered by a steam engine.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Military Truckers
Air Force trucks at work in Iraq
The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office has posted a three-part series, titled “Combat Truckers,” on Air Force 2T1 vehicle operators and Airmen who work together in the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron on line haul missions throughout Iraq.
Part One, “We Haul Ours to Save Yours,” shows how the vehicles haul over 1.75 million short tons of equipment, vehicles, supplies and other materials throughout Iraq in support of military forces.
Part Two, “Airmen Make History One Mile at a Time” speaks of the role played by the 268 women who are part of the unit.
Part Three, “Airmen support OIF ground convoy missions,” talks of the work done by the Airmen who support the work done on the ground—receiving and tracking missions, serving as a liaison between the Army and convoy teams and making sure everyone is up-to-date. A video is also posted that presents members of the unit and shows the Airmen in action.
The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office has posted a three-part series, titled “Combat Truckers,” on Air Force 2T1 vehicle operators and Airmen who work together in the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron on line haul missions throughout Iraq.
Part One, “We Haul Ours to Save Yours,” shows how the vehicles haul over 1.75 million short tons of equipment, vehicles, supplies and other materials throughout Iraq in support of military forces.
Part Two, “Airmen Make History One Mile at a Time” speaks of the role played by the 268 women who are part of the unit.
Part Three, “Airmen support OIF ground convoy missions,” talks of the work done by the Airmen who support the work done on the ground—receiving and tracking missions, serving as a liaison between the Army and convoy teams and making sure everyone is up-to-date. A video is also posted that presents members of the unit and shows the Airmen in action.
Naked and Hungry...
I'm certain most of you have read recent articles on how fuel prices are hurting the economy and about the people that are approaching congressmen and senators pleading for help. Like many readers, I am sure you all nod your heads in agreement and volunteer your opinion. The problem is, is anyone listening? Are you mumbling under your breath when you could be taking an active stand against what is happening to our country?
I am having a really hard time understanding why, when as citizens of the United States, we don't stand up for our rights and beliefs. We were all born into this world naked and hungry...screaming at the top of our lungs waiting for someone to pay attention to our cries for help...waiting for someone to cloth and feed us. Our parents accepted responsibility and made sure we were fed, clothed and given shelter to survive. The bare necessities to say the least.
I know you are probably wondering how in the world does the price of fuel have anything to do with babies and the trucking industry...well it is just this simple...with the economy the way is is and the direction it is headed, soon we won't be able to feed and cloth our families, heat and cool our homes or have the money it takes to drive our vehicles to work.Am i being dramatic? Damn right! But if you think it's not going to happen, you are wrong.
Look at the economic situation from the perspective of a truck driver...the person that hauls your food, clothes, fuel, building materials, vehicles and your daily essentials. Currently there are over 600,000 carriers registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation employing over 6 million truck drivers. These trucks travel over 500 billion miles carrying tangible goods which is everything consumed by households and businesses.
To make things simple lets use the example of coast to coast freight. On the East Coast the US recieves imported goods by ships that then need to be distribued throughout the country. From the West coast we have produce that needs to be distributed throughout the country. We will look at the cost of moving freight from the ports in Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA. This trip is 2,898 miles one way. Lets look at expenses first...
Today the price of diesel in NJ (according to Flying J) is $4.61/gal. The average truck pulling a load gets 5 miles to a gallon of diesel. Simple math: 2,898 miles/5 miles per gallon=580 gallons of fuel
580 gallons of fuel X $4.61= $2,674 to travel from NJ to CA
Today the price of diesel in CA (according to Flying J) is $4.97/gal. Simple math:
2,898 miles/5 miles per gallon=580 gallons of fuel
580 gallons of fuel X $4.97=$2,883 to travel back to NJ from CA
One round trip will cost the driver $5,557 in fuel alone (if the load is dry freight -refrigerated or frozen freight takes another $500 each way for reefer fuel). This does not include the cost of tolls, turnpike fees, scale fees, lumper fees (the person unloading at the receiving end), $75 truck wash before picking up new freight, oil or other misc. expenses. Not to mention the insurance on the truck, insurance on the load, fuel tax and heavy use tax. For this example lets say we are hauling a frozen load. Let's add $1000 for reefer fuel to our truck fuel and an additional $1000 for insurance and incidentals. We are now at $7,557 for a round trip.
Now lets look at what a frozen load is paying for this type of freight. The average load going from the east coast to the west coast pays around $3,800. The produce going back to the east coast pays around $5,500 sometimes a little bit more depending on what it is. So the total round trip pays approx. $9,300. BUT because the loads are booked through a broker, 10% of the total is paid to the broker right off the top leaving $8,370 to the truck. After expenses, this is $813 to the driver. Keep in mind that the truck has now been on the road for about 16 days with drive time and layover for load delivery and pickups, if he's lucky. This is of course before taxes.
In the first quarter of 2008, there were 825 trucking companies nation wide that went out of business due to the high cost of fuel. Now I know you are thinking that's nothing considering that there are aover 600,00 carriers in the US. Of those 600,000, 85% are carriers with less than 20 trucks and of that 79% have fewer than 6 trucks. If you were to do an internet search on some of the larger companies such as CH Robinson, Werner, Schneider National, etc. you will see that the layoffs, due to the high price of fuel, are astronomical. They are in the thousands.
As a country we are spoiled...and yet we complain about not being able to take our families on vacation because of the cost of fuel, we buy expensive non-fuel efficient SUVs, recreational vehicles (boats, off road vehicles, etc) and we complain about the increasing prices of groceries and clothing. Does anyone ever stop to think how we are affforded these luxuries?? Do we consider the fact that the people that "Move America" are suffering so that we can continue to be a spoiled nation?
It's time as US citizens that we take a stand against cheap freight & high fuel prices. I have attached a link to the bottom of my blog that lists the email addresses of the US Governors, Senators and Congressmen. Please take the time to send an email to at least one person on the list and voice your opinion.
In the dire situation that our country is in, it won't be long until we are all, once again, standing naked and hungry screaming for attention...by then it will be too late.
I am having a really hard time understanding why, when as citizens of the United States, we don't stand up for our rights and beliefs. We were all born into this world naked and hungry...screaming at the top of our lungs waiting for someone to pay attention to our cries for help...waiting for someone to cloth and feed us. Our parents accepted responsibility and made sure we were fed, clothed and given shelter to survive. The bare necessities to say the least.
I know you are probably wondering how in the world does the price of fuel have anything to do with babies and the trucking industry...well it is just this simple...with the economy the way is is and the direction it is headed, soon we won't be able to feed and cloth our families, heat and cool our homes or have the money it takes to drive our vehicles to work.Am i being dramatic? Damn right! But if you think it's not going to happen, you are wrong.
Look at the economic situation from the perspective of a truck driver...the person that hauls your food, clothes, fuel, building materials, vehicles and your daily essentials. Currently there are over 600,000 carriers registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation employing over 6 million truck drivers. These trucks travel over 500 billion miles carrying tangible goods which is everything consumed by households and businesses.
To make things simple lets use the example of coast to coast freight. On the East Coast the US recieves imported goods by ships that then need to be distribued throughout the country. From the West coast we have produce that needs to be distributed throughout the country. We will look at the cost of moving freight from the ports in Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA. This trip is 2,898 miles one way. Lets look at expenses first...
Today the price of diesel in NJ (according to Flying J) is $4.61/gal. The average truck pulling a load gets 5 miles to a gallon of diesel. Simple math: 2,898 miles/5 miles per gallon=580 gallons of fuel
580 gallons of fuel X $4.61= $2,674 to travel from NJ to CA
Today the price of diesel in CA (according to Flying J) is $4.97/gal. Simple math:
2,898 miles/5 miles per gallon=580 gallons of fuel
580 gallons of fuel X $4.97=$2,883 to travel back to NJ from CA
One round trip will cost the driver $5,557 in fuel alone (if the load is dry freight -refrigerated or frozen freight takes another $500 each way for reefer fuel). This does not include the cost of tolls, turnpike fees, scale fees, lumper fees (the person unloading at the receiving end), $75 truck wash before picking up new freight, oil or other misc. expenses. Not to mention the insurance on the truck, insurance on the load, fuel tax and heavy use tax. For this example lets say we are hauling a frozen load. Let's add $1000 for reefer fuel to our truck fuel and an additional $1000 for insurance and incidentals. We are now at $7,557 for a round trip.
Now lets look at what a frozen load is paying for this type of freight. The average load going from the east coast to the west coast pays around $3,800. The produce going back to the east coast pays around $5,500 sometimes a little bit more depending on what it is. So the total round trip pays approx. $9,300. BUT because the loads are booked through a broker, 10% of the total is paid to the broker right off the top leaving $8,370 to the truck. After expenses, this is $813 to the driver. Keep in mind that the truck has now been on the road for about 16 days with drive time and layover for load delivery and pickups, if he's lucky. This is of course before taxes.
In the first quarter of 2008, there were 825 trucking companies nation wide that went out of business due to the high cost of fuel. Now I know you are thinking that's nothing considering that there are aover 600,00 carriers in the US. Of those 600,000, 85% are carriers with less than 20 trucks and of that 79% have fewer than 6 trucks. If you were to do an internet search on some of the larger companies such as CH Robinson, Werner, Schneider National, etc. you will see that the layoffs, due to the high price of fuel, are astronomical. They are in the thousands.
As a country we are spoiled...and yet we complain about not being able to take our families on vacation because of the cost of fuel, we buy expensive non-fuel efficient SUVs, recreational vehicles (boats, off road vehicles, etc) and we complain about the increasing prices of groceries and clothing. Does anyone ever stop to think how we are affforded these luxuries?? Do we consider the fact that the people that "Move America" are suffering so that we can continue to be a spoiled nation?
It's time as US citizens that we take a stand against cheap freight & high fuel prices. I have attached a link to the bottom of my blog that lists the email addresses of the US Governors, Senators and Congressmen. Please take the time to send an email to at least one person on the list and voice your opinion.
In the dire situation that our country is in, it won't be long until we are all, once again, standing naked and hungry screaming for attention...by then it will be too late.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Truck & Bus Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Share the Road Safely Program provides an opportunity for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers to set the example for other drivers on how to share the road safely. At the same time, it offers the truck and bus drivers the chance to improve their professional image each day they are behind the wheel. Surveys indicate that many highway users are intimidated by the mere size of a truck or bus. When you combine this perception with a highway crash and the resulting roadway congestion, the public image of the motor carrier industry takes a beating no matter who caused the crash. By driving safely to prevent crashes, you can improve that image and save yourself time, money, and most importantly lives.
As part of the Share the Road Safely Program, the No-Zone Campaign is a highway safety initiative that educates people about the blind spots around large trucks and buses. Some No-Zones are so large that a car virtually disappears from the view of the truck or bus driver. You, as a truck driver, know this; the other highway users probably don't.
You've also experienced how frustrating it is to have smaller vehicles cut in front of you in heavy traffic. If they hit the brakes, you may not be able to stop, which can lead to a serious crash or fatality. You know this, but they don't. To prevent these situations, the Share the Road Safely Program teaches other highway users about the operating characteristics of large vehicles on the highway and their operating limitations.
The FMCSA believes that the more people know about how to share the road safely, the fewer number of injuries and fatalities will be caused by crashes with large trucks or buses. Professional truck and bus drivers can best help us in this effort by being the proverbial "Knight of the Road" each day you're out there. Drive defensively, give them plenty of room, and expect the unexpected.
If you are interested in educating the public about how to Share the Road Safely, talk to your company about participating in No-Zone demonstrations or placing No-Zone decals on your truck or bus. To learn more about these programs and get special tips for driving safely click on the links below.
LINKS:Truck & Bus Drivers Safety TipsTruck and Bus Drivers Sharing the Road SafelyNo-Zone InformationNo-Zone Campaign DemonstrationsNo-Zone Decal Programs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Share the Road Safely Program provides an opportunity for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers to set the example for other drivers on how to share the road safely. At the same time, it offers the truck and bus drivers the chance to improve their professional image each day they are behind the wheel. Surveys indicate that many highway users are intimidated by the mere size of a truck or bus. When you combine this perception with a highway crash and the resulting roadway congestion, the public image of the motor carrier industry takes a beating no matter who caused the crash. By driving safely to prevent crashes, you can improve that image and save yourself time, money, and most importantly lives.
As part of the Share the Road Safely Program, the No-Zone Campaign is a highway safety initiative that educates people about the blind spots around large trucks and buses. Some No-Zones are so large that a car virtually disappears from the view of the truck or bus driver. You, as a truck driver, know this; the other highway users probably don't.
You've also experienced how frustrating it is to have smaller vehicles cut in front of you in heavy traffic. If they hit the brakes, you may not be able to stop, which can lead to a serious crash or fatality. You know this, but they don't. To prevent these situations, the Share the Road Safely Program teaches other highway users about the operating characteristics of large vehicles on the highway and their operating limitations.
The FMCSA believes that the more people know about how to share the road safely, the fewer number of injuries and fatalities will be caused by crashes with large trucks or buses. Professional truck and bus drivers can best help us in this effort by being the proverbial "Knight of the Road" each day you're out there. Drive defensively, give them plenty of room, and expect the unexpected.
If you are interested in educating the public about how to Share the Road Safely, talk to your company about participating in No-Zone demonstrations or placing No-Zone decals on your truck or bus. To learn more about these programs and get special tips for driving safely click on the links below.
LINKS:Truck & Bus Drivers Safety TipsTruck and Bus Drivers Sharing the Road SafelyNo-Zone InformationNo-Zone Campaign DemonstrationsNo-Zone Decal Programs
The number of female truck drivers has steadily increased over the years and today there are more women truck drivers than ever before. Not only are there more local women truck drivers, but there are also more long-haul truck drivers who are female.In 1995 there were 130,000 female truck drivers and in 2005 there were 155,000 female truck drivers state; the American trucking Association. These figures are confirmed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the US federal government. The number of female truck drivers is increasing at a greater rate than ever before and by the end of 2007 is expected there will be over 200,000 female truck drivers.Next time you pass a truck on the freeway perhaps you will look over and notice that it is not a male driver but rather a female and realize she is not alone. There's a growing number of female truck drivers on the road and that trend is expected to continue well into the next decade. Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.comLance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
BUMPER STICKERS
"Women who seek to be equal to men lack ambition."
"If you don't like the news, go out and make some."
"Time is what keeps everything from happening at once."
"Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool."
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance."
"Stress is when you wake up screaming & you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet. "
"Women who seek to be equal to men lack ambition."
"If you don't like the news, go out and make some."
"Time is what keeps everything from happening at once."
"Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool."
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance."
"Stress is when you wake up screaming & you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet. "
SPECIAL REPORT: Feds tighten up drug testing policies
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 – Beating a DOT drug test is getting a lot tougher thanks to a new final rule issued by the Department of Transportation.
The final rule, issued today, takes aim at CDL holders who attempt to defeat drug tests with substances or substitutes that will hide positive results. The new regulation goes into effect Aug. 25.
The final rule makes it mandatory for labs to test all DOT specimens for validity – to make sure there aren’t any adulterants or urine substitutes. The labs must follow specific federally mandated guidelines when testing for tainted samples.
The revised regulation also gives labs the green light to observe the collection of samples if an employee called in for a drug test is suspected of trying to alter the sample. If an employee does test positive and is going through the return-to-duty process or a follow-up drug test, labs are now required to have staff observe collection of the urine sample.
The new reg also requires labs to take down the “easy to read” posters that outline the list of different substances that alter test results the lab will be testing for.
If somehow a test is altered, it will now be considered a “refusal to test.”
The process for CDL holders who may have a legitimate medical reason – for example, those on a regular regime of medication prescribed by a doctor – will also change. They will now be required to get a medical evaluation to rule out signs and symptoms of drug abuse before being given a free pass on a positive test result.
– By Jami Jones, senior editorjami_jones@landlinemag.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 – Beating a DOT drug test is getting a lot tougher thanks to a new final rule issued by the Department of Transportation.
The final rule, issued today, takes aim at CDL holders who attempt to defeat drug tests with substances or substitutes that will hide positive results. The new regulation goes into effect Aug. 25.
The final rule makes it mandatory for labs to test all DOT specimens for validity – to make sure there aren’t any adulterants or urine substitutes. The labs must follow specific federally mandated guidelines when testing for tainted samples.
The revised regulation also gives labs the green light to observe the collection of samples if an employee called in for a drug test is suspected of trying to alter the sample. If an employee does test positive and is going through the return-to-duty process or a follow-up drug test, labs are now required to have staff observe collection of the urine sample.
The new reg also requires labs to take down the “easy to read” posters that outline the list of different substances that alter test results the lab will be testing for.
If somehow a test is altered, it will now be considered a “refusal to test.”
The process for CDL holders who may have a legitimate medical reason – for example, those on a regular regime of medication prescribed by a doctor – will also change. They will now be required to get a medical evaluation to rule out signs and symptoms of drug abuse before being given a free pass on a positive test result.
– By Jami Jones, senior editorjami_jones@landlinemag.com
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