| Article Summary |
|---|
| 75% of all CDL drivers who failed at least one drug test chose to leave the trucking industry adding a significant loss in production, reduction of an experienced workforce, and increased costs in hiring and training. And 56% of all drug failures over the past 2 years are due to marijuana usage. Explore how the DOT SAP return-to-duty program offers medical marijuana usage solutions for CDL drivers and how truck industry leaders can support truck drivers while also reducing attrition. 🚀 |
A Surprising Surge in Positive Marijuana Tests ⤴️
An unprecedented surge in positive marijuana drug tests among truck drivers is sending shockwaves throughout the transportation industry.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has reported a record spike in the number of positive test results for marijuana usage among commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in 2023.
This spike has raised serious concerns for truck drivers and the trucking industry nationwide.
“In the past two years, nearly 71,000 drivers have tested positive for marijuana. That’s more than 56% of all drug test failures over that span — which totaled more than 126,000.”
ATRI, Impacts of Marijuana Legalization on the Trucking Industry Report
This development has been closely tied to the expanding wave of marijuana decriminalization and legalization efforts across the nation.
The Profound Impact on the Transportation Industry
The ripple effect of this trend on the transportation industry, and more specifically for motor carriers, is far reaching.
The influx of positive drug test results has led to an increasing number of safety-sensitive employees, particularly truck drivers, failing their drug tests and facing mandatory return-to-work processes.
What is even more troubling, however, is that the trucking industry has a long-standing driver shortage; estimates indicate that 65,000 additional truck drivers are needed.
“According to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse data, for the three-year period 2020-2022, 57% of positive test results for drugs were for marijuana.”
ATRI Report, June 2023
This alarming statistic reflects the gravity of the situation, particularly as more states move to legalize marijuana, and its potential impact on the transportation workforce.
| Year | FMCSA Reported Number of Failed Tests for THC |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 31,061 professional truck drivers tested positive for marijuana |
| 2022 | 40,916 professional truck drivers tested positive for marijuana |
Additionally, the number of truck drivers testing positive for marijuana increased nearly 10% the first 3 months of 2023 per FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Implications for Workforce and Safety Policies
As the number of drug-impaired drivers continues to rise, the implications for workforce strategies and safety policies in the trucking industry are being challenged.
Human resources executives, safety executives, and transportation news outlets have been grappling with these workforce implications.
“The rise in positive marijuana test results among truck drivers poses a significant challenge to safety policies in the transportation industry.”
American Transportation Research Institute
The increase has raised questions about the readiness and efficacy of existing safety measures, creating an urgent need for updated policies and guidelines that promote treatment options, protect the safety of the general public, and reduce the attrition of drivers.
FMCSA Clearinghouse Recent Report
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse plays an instrumental role in monitoring and reporting the drug use trends among safety-sensitive employees, including truck drivers.
The Clearinghouse’s recent data has laid bare a glaring issue: the rising incidence of marijuana use among truck drivers combined with low SAP return-to-duty enrollment led to record attrition in the workplace.
“Marijuana contributes to a higher percentage of positive drug tests in pre-employment testing rather than in the overall testing data.”
MIS Annual Data Summaries
It is important to note the dual role the Clearinghouse plays in ensuring the safety of the nation’s roads as well as managing the SAP return-to-duty process for CDL holders.
Increased Legalization of Marijuana
On the one hand, the nationwide trend towards marijuana legalization and decriminalization has been hailed as progressive.
On the other hand, this shift has caused a surge in positive drug tests, particularly for marijuana, among truck drivers.
“Additionally, 58% of positive random drug tests were positive for marijuana.”
MIS Annual Data Summaries
This trend indicates a correlation between marijuana legalization and increased drug use among truck drivers, sparking a critical conversation about drug impairment and road safety.
Examining the Impact on Road Safety
Drug impairment is a leading cause of impaired-driving crashes, and with more truck drivers testing positive for marijuana, the risk on the roads increases.
“Driving impairment due to drug use, particularly marijuana, is a growing concern for safety executives in the trucking industry.”
NHTSA
Increasing positive test results and the potential for drug-impaired crashes call for urgent intervention, which includes comprehensive research into drug use trends and robust safety policy development within the transportation industry.
Low Enrollment Numbers for SAP Return to Duty Program
Over the past two years, a significant majority of CDL drivers who tested positive for THC chose not to enroll in the DOT SAP return-to-duty program, accelerating the existing driver shortage in the trucking industry.
Only 28% of drivers who had a positive test result returned to their positions through the DOT SAP return-to-duty program, which indicates drivers who test positive are far more likely to leave the trucking industry instead of completing the RTD process.
American Transportation Research Institute
| Drug Type | Number of Positive Test Results |
|---|---|
| Marijuana | 71,000 |
| Other Drugs (Cocaine, Methamphetamines, Amphetamines, Oxycodone) | 55,000 |
In the same year, about 29,000 drivers had successfully completed the return-to-duty process and are now eligible to drive again.
However, a truck driver caught using marijuana risks not only their job but also inflicts significant legal liability on the motor carrier they are associated with.
As the most prevalent drug of choice, marijuana poses a unique and pressing challenge to the trucking industry, especially as more states continue to legalize it.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
The high stakes attached to marijuana use in the trucking industry underscore the need for more effective transition of drivers into local SAP return-to-work programs and robust policies to address the increased legalization of marijuana.
DOT SAP Return-to-Duty Process Underutilized
The SAP return-to-duty process, managed by the FMCSA Clearinghouse, is designed as a safety net for drivers who fail their drug tests.
A failed drug test does not result in the immediate end to a truck driver’s career, so why are 75% of CDL drivers who failed a drug test not enrolling in the FMCSA Clearinghouse SAP return-to-duty program?
If you are unfamiliar, the SAP return-to-duty process is a DOT drug and alcohol treatment program outlined in the table below:
| Step Number | Stage in Return-to-Duty Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Initial SAP Evaluation |
| 2 | Treatment and Education |
| 3 | Follow-up Evaluation |
| 4 | Return-to-Duty Test |
| 5 | Follow-up Testing |
And yet finding a local SAP is as simple as searching SAPList using your zip code.
So, with increasing positivity rates, questions are being raised about why trucking industry leaders are not implementing these measures more effectively to combat the increasing nationwide demand for even more CDL drivers.
Challenges in Drug Testing and Legalization
The legalization of marijuana in 23 states has presented new challenges for drug testing.
Notably, the standard urine drug tests cannot distinguish between recent and past marijuana use.
This difficulty in detecting actual impairment at the time of testing has further complicated the situation for both truck drivers and safety-sensitive workforce.
Legalization has not only raised questions about impairment but also about the efficacy of current drug testing methods.
Heavy Duty Trucking
In states where marijuana has been decriminalized, the rise in positive test results for truck drivers raises legitimate concerns and brings attention to the need for improved drug testing methods that can accurately measure impairment, rather than just the presence of the drug.
Mitigating Risks and Fostering Safety
In light of these challenges, many companies in the trucking industry are taking proactive steps to foster a safety-focused culture.
- Educational Programs: Companies are investing in programs that educate their drivers about the potential risks and consequences of drug-impaired driving.
- Increased Testing: There is an increased emphasis on random drug testing to ensure driver safety and compliance with regulations.
- Support for SAP Return-to-Duty Programs: Companies are supporting drivers who have tested positive for drugs and are promoting the SAP return-to-duty process.
Future of the Transportation Workforce
The prevalence of marijuana use and subsequent positive drug test results among truck drivers and safety-sensitive employees can impact the composition of the workforce.
According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), there are potential workforce implications, particularly when considering future recruitment and retention strategies.
- Recruitment Challenges: Potential CDL holders may be discouraged from entering the profession due to stringent drug and safety policies.
- Retention Issues: Existing drivers who use marijuana legally (in states where it’s legalized) may test positive, leading to a potential loss of experienced truck drivers.
- Safety-Sensitive Roles: For positions that require high levels of alertness and safety measures, the issue of marijuana usage can be a determining factor in hiring decisions.
Cannabis Confusion in a Legalized Landscape
Legalization raises difficult questions for the FMCSA and the trucking industry as a whole.
Truck drivers are held to higher safety standards, given the potential for catastrophic accidents in this line of work; however, the paradox between state marijuana laws and federal regulations is a source of confusion and frustration for many truck drivers.
- State vs Federal Laws: Even if marijuana use is legal in a driver’s home state, the FMCSA maintains that its use is prohibited for those in safety-sensitive positions.
- Truck Driver vs General Public: The general public’s use of marijuana has different implications than a truck driver’s use. Impaired driving could result in severe accidents, given the size and weight of commercial trucks.
- Time of Impairment: Traces of marijuana can remain in the body for several weeks. This detection window creates challenges in determining whether a driver was impaired at the time of a positive drug test.
Balancing the demands of individual rights and public safety is a tightrope the FMCSA must carefully navigate.
How the Transportation Industry Is Responding
Industry reactions to the increase in marijuana positivity rates among truck drivers have been varied.
Some suggest stricter regulations, while others propose more comprehensive education about the potential risks of marijuana use.
In any case, a reevaluation of current policies seems inevitable.
- Advocates for stricter regulations argue that the increase in positive drug tests highlights the need for more stringent safety measures.
- On the other hand, those pushing for better education believe that truck drivers need more information and training about the effects of marijuana and the potential risk to their career.
Marijuana and the Insurance Industry
The rise in marijuana use among truck drivers also raises concerns for the insurance industry.
When a trucking accident occurs, investigators can test the driver for drugs and alcohol.
If a driver tests positive for marijuana, it can significantly impact the liability determination in an accident claim.
| Accident Outcome | Impact on Insurance |
|---|---|
| No fault assigned | No effect on insurance |
| Driver at fault | Significant increase in insurance premiums |
| Driver not at fault but tested positive for marijuana | Increase in insurance premiums |
Insurance companies can raise premiums or even deny coverage to drivers who test positive for marijuana, regardless of who was at fault in an accident.
Society of Actuaries
As we delve further into the impacts of increased marijuana use among truck drivers, we see that the repercussions extend far beyond the individual drivers and their immediate employers.
Employer Liability in Drug-Related Accidents
The role of an employer in ensuring a safe working environment cannot be overstated.
If a truck driver tests positive for marijuana after an accident, the trucking company may face severe legal and financial repercussions.
Not only is the company’s reputation at stake, but they could also be held liable for damages.
- A trucking company may face hefty lawsuits if it’s proven that they did not properly enforce FMCSA drug and alcohol regulations.
- In addition, the company could face sanctions from the FMCSA itself, which could impact their ability to operate.
| Possible Consequence | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Liability | The company may be liable for damages resulting from an accident. |
| FMCSA Sanctions | FMCSA could impose fines, revoke licenses, or shut down operations. |
| Reputation Damage | Publicity from an accident can lead to lost business and harm the company’s image. |
Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions
So, why has an alarming number of CDL holders who test positive for marijuana seem to be missing the opportunity to return to work through the DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) return-to-duty program?
As per the recent data:
“Out of 119,000 drivers who failed at least one drug test, 75% have not enrolled in the return-to-duty process, which means a significant loss in production, reduction of an experienced workforce, and increased costs in hiring and training.”
No tolerance policies may seem like a good business practice, but the statistics support rehabilitation as a better outcome for trucking companies and truck drivers.
| Efforts must be intensified (and policies reconsidered) to improve the enrollment of these truck drivers into a DOT authorized and approved program designed to reduce attrition, improve wellbeing, lower operating costs, and improve efficiency. |
Yes, this task may seem challenging at first; however, the longterm benefits for the trucking industry are significant:
- Experienced Drivers: Streamlined return-to-work processes would help retain experienced drivers on the road, enhancing efficiency and safety.
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing the need for continuous recruitment, hiring, and training of new CDL drivers could lead to substantial cost savings.
- Improve Wellbeing: Ensuring that drivers are clear of substance abuse issues contributes to the overall wellbeing of drivers and safety on our roads.
- Reduce Driver Shortage: A significant number of experience truck drivers choosing to remain in the industry would help reduce the estimated 65,000 driver shortage.
A Call to Action for the Trucking Industry
Increased marijuana usage among truck drivers is a serious issue, but with the right strategies, it could become an opportunity for growth and development within the trucking industry.
“The challenge of increasing marijuana usage among truck drivers is significant, but it also presents an opportunity. By evolving and adapting, the trucking industry can create safer roads for all and a more sustainable workforce.”
Frequently Asked Questions 🙋
Can truck drivers smoke Delta 8?
No. DOT drug tests do not screen for the actual drug itself in your system, but rather, the test looks for signs that you have used Delta 8 through the byproducts it creates.
How long does marijuana stay in your system?
The length of time marijuana stays in your system can vary depending on several factors, including frequency of use, metabolism, and the type of drug test used. Generally, marijuana can be detected in urine for up to 30 days, in blood for up to 7 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
Can truck drivers use CBD products?
No. Because hemp and marijuana both contain CBD and THC, it’s possible for an individual to test positive for marijuana (THC) on a drug test after using a CBD product if the THC concentration is high enough to exceed the applicable cutoffs (50 ng/mL for initial cutoff and 15 ng/mL for confirmatory).
How long does CBD stay in your system?
The duration that CBD stays in your system can vary based on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Generally, CBD can be detected in the blood for up to 5 days but may be cleared more quickly in urine, often within 2 to 3 days.
What are the new CDL drug testing requirements 2023?
On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule in the Federal Register (88 FR 27596), which amends the DOT’s regulated industry drug testing program to include oral fluid testing. A CDL driver is now subject to either an oral fluid collection or a urine collection for any DOT-regulated test.
Can truck drivers use medical marijuana?
No. CDL drivers must undergo strict drug testing and are subject to state and federal regulations that prohibit the use of medical marijuana. Even though hemp-derived CBD is legal, it’s important to note that any product containing more than 0.3% THC is still illegal.
How often do truck drivers get drug tested?
Generally speaking, truck drivers get randomly drug tested at least once every 12 months unless there is reasonable suspicion or another cause for additional testing. Each employer may have its own company policy for testing frequency which can result in additional drug tests beyond federal regulations.
Do marijuana users have higher levels of lead and cadmium in their blood and urine?
Yes. According to a Environmental Health Perspectives study, marijuana users had 27% higher levels of lead in their blood and 21% higher levels in their urine. Users also had 22% higher cadmium levels in their blood and 18% higher levels in their urine.
How long does marijuana stay in your urine?
The length of time marijuana stays in your urine can vary depending on several factors, including frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health. Generally, marijuana can be detected in urine for up to 30 days after last use for frequent users, and 3 to 5 days for occasional users.
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| If you failed a drug test and need to find a DOT qualified SAP near you, search SAPList using your local zip code or schedule a SAP evaluation online by clicking appointment or call 817-781-7235 to speak with a SAP counselor in Texas. |
