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TwoSides's Comment
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Im ****ed! They are sending me home because my drug test came back inconclusive. WTF!!! WTF!!!! WTF!!!! I can't believe this. I was called out of class to the administrator and he explained that since it came back inconclusive they have to send me home. I asked why can't I take it again? No answer to that question, instead scolded me saying didn't your recruiter tell you there would be a drug test and not to do anything that would taint it. I calmly voiced my opinion and said is it possible the lab technician made an error? Also that we took the physical and drug test after lunch. His response was "Well you shouldn't have drank a lot of water" But I didn't. I ate a small breakfast with orange juice, had a bottle of water while in class and drank cherry pepsi with lunch. And if you suspect it's water and not a foreign substance blocking the results what's the problem with taking it again?? What rules did I break? Never have I gotten into an accident where drugs or alcohol was a factor. Never gotten into anything worse than a fender bender. My fmcsa clearinghouse report is squeaky clean and will forever remain that way. I don't do drugs and haven't smoked weed in well over 5yrs. I understand there are things companies do that I may not understand, that there is a "method to their madness" but this makes no sense to me. I don't see the reason behind sending me home for this.

While on the bus heading back to the hotel the driver told me not even half of those in class will be hired. How they are uber strict and many do not get hired. Like that's suppose to make me feel better? I'd rather go through the 2 weeks training and not get hired because I can't preform the duties of the job. Not like this, on day 4, from an inconclusive drug test smh. Oh by the way I aced the combination part of my test.... Sitting at the airport now waiting 3hrs for a flight to Minnesota with a freaking 2 1/2 hr layover to get back home. AAAAAHHHHH!!!!

I had to write this so I'm not walking around the airport cussing and irate and possibly attract more problems. I want to yell out so bad. I'm sick to my stomach, feel so defeated. The only thing keeping my hopes up is that God has better for me. That this probably wasn't the best option for me since I have zero experience in the trucking field. Now it's back to the drawing board to find a job....

CSA:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle

FMCSA:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.

What Does The FMCSA Do?

  • Commercial Drivers' Licenses
  • Data and Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
  • Research and Technology
  • Safety Assistance
  • Support and Information Sharing

Dm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.

Fm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
PackRat's Comment
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I've never heard of that result, so I can understand how upset you are.

The good news is there are plenty of other companies that are hiring. Start applying again.

Old School's Comment
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Hey TwoSides11, don't let it bother you in the least. I realize that sounds stupid right now, but it really isn't a problem. I have no idea what happened with your drug test. Hopefully you don't have that issue again.

I don't know if you know my history, but twice I got sent home from TMC. That's right, they rejected me twice. I have been a very successful truck driver, and flatbedder. I was sick at my stomach going back home for both trips. It made no sense to me, but it is what it is. Trust me, you can move on and it will be their loss.

Keep in touch with us in the forum, and we will help you in whatever ways we can. This is not a failure on your part. They closed the door for their own reasons. They could have re-tested you, they could have made some sort of allowance, but they chose not to. Don't let it hamstring you. It is a small bump in the road and you will go on to find employment in trucking. Keep your eye on the prize and don't get depressed over this stupid mishap.

Just so you know... I made three trips home from orientations before landing my first trucking job. I have never looked back since, and I can get hired anywhere I want these days.

TWIC:

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.

Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
TwoSides's Comment
member avatar

I've never heard of that result, so I can understand how upset you are.

The good news is there are plenty of other companies that are hiring. Start applying again.

Very upset lol. It's been a while since I worked a 9-5 but in the event of an inconclusive drug test wouldn't they have you take it again??

Yea I know there are plenty of other places hiring but I just don't know where to start. Are there some companies that are better for a rookie than others or are they all pretty much the same?? TMC seemed to do a great job of training "for the brief time I was there" and I think I need to go to a company with high quality training for inexperienced drivers. I'm just trying to get this right.

TwoSides's Comment
member avatar

Hey Old School I will definitely stay in touch through the forum. I'm going to ask the same repetitive questions like before lol. Just can't believe I'm home right now. I'm more upset because my expectations were too high I guess. I was thinking I would get hired by TMC and start my career with them. Never thought I would be sent home. The situation just wasn't what I thought it would be. Now I calmed down my expectations and have to realize nothing is set in stone. Just because I'm there training doesn't mean I will get hired. Thanks for your support!

Chris's Comment
member avatar

Hey twosides11 sorry to hear about your problem with the drug test. Mine came back the same way when they got the initial results. Prime had me take another in the spot. I think one of the meds I was taking may have messed it up or how much water I was drinking. Don’t sweat it and don’t let it bother you. Stick with it if this is what you really want to do !!!

Hit me up if you need an ear to gnaw on or if I can help in any way!!!!

Anne A. (and sometimes To's Comment
member avatar

Hey Old School I will definitely stay in touch through the forum. I'm going to ask the same repetitive questions like before lol. Just can't believe I'm home right now. I'm more upset because my expectations were too high I guess. I was thinking I would get hired by TMC and start my career with them. Never thought I would be sent home. The situation just wasn't what I thought it would be. Now I calmed down my expectations and have to realize nothing is set in stone. Just because I'm there training doesn't mean I will get hired. Thanks for your support!

Following, & supporting, 2 sides. Man, I ALMOST posted the logo (in my photo gallery) about the grass, when you'd started.

I'm stymied; I'm sorry. Yeah, maybe you SHOULD talk to Prime, and be totally straight up ?!?!?! Having your CDL , the flatbed starter companies are far & wide, tbh. Have you looked into Maverick? Marten? R.E. West? If you are open to Dry or Reefer (or tanks? Yeah, i know.. my bad...) there are SO many companies...looking for you. Witte Bros. comes to mind, as well as MAST . . . let us know what becomes.. This. Sux.

I'm hoping something breaks through the clouds for you, asap. I really am. I'm not all 'down' with all the flatbed companies, but will throw in a few 'ideas' outside the 'box' if you so wish. (Well, I just did above, haha!)

I'm so sorry.. we are, both.

~ Anne & Tom ~

ps: Did THIS help?!? Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

SAP:

Substance Abuse Professional

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

TwoSides's Comment
member avatar

Hi Anne, thanks for the support!

Yes I have used the trucking app that is on this website. That's how I got connected with TMC. I guess I will resubmit an application again and let the games begin with a bombardment of phone calls from recruiters. Is Marten "MTS??" I have spoken with a recruiter and they are looking for 6 months experience. So far since I've been home I talked with Western Express, DM Bowman and Knight. Also I am open to pull anything right now, I'm not set on just flatbed, it just seems like a lot of fun.

Have you looked into Maverick? Marten? R.E. West? If you are open to Dry or Reefer (or tanks? Yeah, i know.. my bad...) there are SO many companies...looking for you. Witte Bros. comes to mind, as well as MAST . . . let us know what becomes.. This. Sux.

Lol your good Anne, I appreciate the info. I am grateful for the knowledge you and others share. Never heard of R.E West or Witte Bros. I will definitely look them up and contact them. Thanks again for the support! I really do appreciate you, this site and all the members on it!

BMI:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

  • Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
  • Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

Dm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

Kerry L.'s Comment
member avatar

double-quotes-start.png

I've never heard of that result, so I can understand how upset you are.

The good news is there are plenty of other companies that are hiring. Start applying again.

double-quotes-end.png

Very upset lol. It's been a while since I worked a 9-5 but in the event of an inconclusive drug test wouldn't they have you take it again??

Yea I know there are plenty of other places hiring but I just don't know where to start. Are there some companies that are better for a rookie than others or are they all pretty much the same?? TMC seemed to do a great job of training "for the brief time I was there" and I think I need to go to a company with high quality training for inexperienced drivers. I'm just trying to get this right.

Like any industry, trucking companies can vary widely in the quality of services provided, which includes the quality of training. The best thing to do is find a company that is providing the best combination of things that are important to you and go with that company. Every person's situation is different, so no one can answer for you which company is best at which to start, and hopefully a couple of decades later, end your career. There are lots of posts about various companies on this site, so search out the posts on them and make your next company choice based on which one seems to fit you best. Also, don't shy away from considering a mega carrier, even though you see lots of negative information on them. Every carrier has a core group of drivers who have been with a company for a long time, are happy with the company, and make plenty of money at that company. So, find your best fit, do your best to be a good fit for that company, and enjoy your success that follows. Good luck and be safe.

Solo's Comment
member avatar

I don't know if you know my history, but twice I got sent home from TMC.

The entire year I was w/ TMC and updating my diary, I don't recall you ever mentioning you tried out for TMC.

You do learn something new every day.

TWIC:

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.

Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

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