The government’s Department of Transportation (DOT) states that a truck driver must undergo a drug test whenever asked by the authorities. It is believed that truck drivers who carry heavy goods or people are involved in safety-sensitive services. Therefore, they must be clean while serving their duty.
Most of the time, the Department of Transportation conducts a hair follicle drug test for all the employees as a hair drug test can check for the presence of drugs for up to 3 months since the last time you have intaken them. So, how to pass a hair follicle drug test for truck drivers? Here’s a guide to assist you!
How to Pass a Hair Follicle Drug Test for Truck Drivers?
To pass a hair follicle drug test as a truck driver, your prime responsibility is to detoxify your body from the harmful toxins that might have accumulated due to the consumption of prohibited drugs. For detoxification of your body and hair, you can rely on the below-given methods.
Use Detox Shampoos
A good detox shampoo has chemicals that are proven to be effective in removing the traces of drug toxins from your hair and scalp. These shampoos are to be applied and rubbed on the scalp for 30 to 40 minutes to ensure a good result.
Old Style Toxin Rid and Zydot Ultra Clean are two of the best shampoos to be used to detoxify your hair and scalp before appearing for a hair drug test. They have effective chemicals and substances that work wonders on your hair. Old Style Toxin Rid and Zydot Ultra Clean are the main ingredients of the Macujo Method as well.
Try the Macujo Method
Chances are if you have ever appeared for a hair follicle drug test before, you might know what the Macujo Method is. Let us discuss how to follow the Macujo Method step-wise.
- To begin with, you have to wash your hair with water properly and soak them completely in vinegar for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Apply shampoo to your hair and cover them with a shower cap so that it can get dried easily. Let your hair rest for an hour.
- Wash your hair and then apply Old Style Aloe Rid Shampoo to your hair. Massage your hair properly for a few minutes and then wash them with water again.
- Repeat the process and then put any laundry detergent on your hair. Rub your hair continuously and vigorously to make sure that they get slightly damaged.
- Wash them and apply Zydot Ultra Clean shampoo on your hair. Rub it and wash your hair again.
- Do this twice or thrice before your hair drug test and you are likely to get a negative drug test report.
Go For Natural Detox
Another way to remove toxic chemicals from your hair, scalp, and body is to go for a natural detox. It can be done by drinking excess water by the time you finally appear for the drug test as that might dilute the drug toxins. Also, regular exercise twice a day can help in releasing sweat, thereby removing harmful chemicals from your body.
Do Truck Drivers Appear for a Hair Drug Test?
Yes, truck drivers and every employee having a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has to undergo a drug test after every three months regularly on a random basis. Other than that, they have to appear for a drug test if they are suspected of drug consumption while on duty.
After an accident, an employee in the Department of Transportation has to prove himself innocent by passing a drug test with a negative report. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drug tests for truck drivers and other employees in the safety-sensitive area are conducted frequently to ensure that the roads remain safe for everyone.
Frequent and regular drug tests also help in preventing road accidents to a major extent. Not only this, if you are seeking employment in the department of transportation, then you have to undergo a drug test. However, you will be informed about the date of the drug test beforehand.
How Often do Truck Drivers Undergo a Drug Test?
As a truck driver, if you carry heavy loads or more than 16 people, you have to appear for a drug test many times during the entire course of your employment. The first drug test that you have to pass is a pre-employment drug test that is conducted to trace drugs while hiring you.
Once you are employed by the department of transportation, you can be asked to take a drug test on any day without any prior information. However, the most common causes of a drug test for a truck driver are mentioned below-
- If your supervisors suspect you of drug or alcohol consumption in the last few days.
- As a truck driver, if you have been a part of a vehicle accident in any manner then as per the DOT guidelines, you have to give a negative drug test report.
- Regular drug tests are asked for from an employee in the DOT quarterly. These are known as random drug tests and as a truck driver, you can not deny undergoing these drug tests.
What Drugs Are Detected in a Hair Drug Test?
A hair drug test can detect toxins and harmful substances present in your bloodstream for up to 90 days. These chemicals are a result of illicit drug consumption. The following drugs are easily detected in a hair drug test if you have consumed them anytime soon.
- Cocaine.
- Marijuana or THC.
- Amphetamines or Methamphetamine, MDMA.
- Opiates or Codeine.
- Heroin, Morphine, Hydrocodone.
- Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, and Oxymorphone.
- Phencyclidine.
What Happens if a Truck Driver Fails a Drug Test?
Failing a hair follicle drug test as a truck driver would mean a clear suspension from your job until you come with a negative drug test report to give to your employer. Meanwhile, your license and certifications will get canceled. In case you get a legitimate positive drug test report, you will directly be fired from your position.
Conclusion
Being a truck driver, you will be asked to give a hair follicle drug test without even being informed about it beforehand. It is always suggested that you do not intake illicit drugs. Even if you do, you must ensure to detoxify your body as soon as possible so that you get through the drug test easily and get a negative drug test report.
Michael S. Bardwell, an expert in workplace drug testing, specializes in synthetic urine and its impact on drug tests. As a seasoned specimen collector, he navigates the intricate realm of drug testing laboratories certified by the Department of Health and Human Services. His insights extend to drug-free workplace programs, and he collaborates seamlessly with medical review officers (MRO) in ensuring accurate specimen collections for comprehensive drug tests.