Trucker

OK, I finally read the posting rules...so I'm just going to start a thread about drug testing for railroad work.

*ALL* the railroads do urine AND hair tests. Yes, they are governed by a federal agency (the FRA) but they test all their employees.

There is a pre-employment test - urine and hair, as well as randoms if there is a derailment or other problem.

I've seen some heavy smokers pass using detox shampoos, but if you want to work for them you'd best quit smoking for the duration and for 90 days before applying.

The pay is usually around $75K/year after a couple of years - too much to risk for a job that requires a high school diploma and which isn't hard work at all. They are protected by a union and have great benefits. You just can't smoke weed.

A big accident back in the late 80's near Washington, DC was caused by stoned rr workers that left a switch open - prior to that railroaders were major stoners. Many of them miss it - a LOT, but are just biding their time until retirement when they plan to celebrate by getting very very high!

Anyone considering railroading for a career needs to read this and understand the trade-offs! Peace to you all and thanks for this board!

Sec

They are regulated by the same government Department that regulates Pilots (FAA); Truckers(FMCSA); Transit workers (FTA); Railroad (FRA); Flammable and Pressurized Pipiline workers (PHMSA) and the Coast Guard. Those agencies are governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The FMCSA and the Coast Guard are tested at 50% randomly each year. All the other agencies are now regulated at 25% per year. That means that 50% of all truck drivers driving rigs over 26,000 lbs gross or transport hazardous materials must be entered into a random pool consortium for the possibility of being tested. It isn't an incident or accident that regulates random testing, although that will also bring on a test, it is the government setting the random testing rates for safety sensitive workers.

This subject is covered in the urine testing forum. If you want to read the government regulations concerning this then go to: U.S. Department of Transportation and follow the links to what ever agency you are regulated by. There are also links to that site in the urine testing forum.

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