Jobs for Truck Drivers Who Failed a Drug Screen

Although procedures vary based on location and employer, the U.S. Department of Transportation doesn’t require truckers who fail a drug screen to be terminated. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates drivers who fail a drug test to complete evaluations and substance abuse programs (SAPs) before operating a truck again for any employer. Some trucking companies hire after SAP is completed or rehire if the trucker had been fired from their company.

There are also second chance trucking companies that hire after a failed drug test even if the applicant has a criminal history. Drug tests depend on the employer and some jobs are known for being less restrictive. There are a few independent trucking companies that will hire most anyone within legal parameters.

Second Chance Trucking Companies

Truck drivers with an imperfect job history may still be employable in the trucking industry, as explained by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission. Under a government program established by the Second Chance Act, training and employment may be an option with certain types of trucking companies. These second chance trucking companies help truckers resume their livelihood if they’re serious about working and maintaining sobriety.

Requirements for hire vary by company but most require applicants to hold a valid CDL license, pass pre-employment drug screening, and have no DUI convictions or driving accidents within a specified period of time. A list of second chance trucking companies includes Carolina Cargo, Western Express, Maverick Transportation, Prime Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport and more.

Drive Taxis or Limos

Many taxi drivers and chauffeurs are self-employed, while others work in taxi and limousine services. Employers generally don’t require anything more than a driver’s license and minimal training to learn local traffic laws and street layouts. The Bureau of Labor Services reports that taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs earned an average annual income of ​$31,490​, as of May 2019. Those in New York City earned the most, with a mean annual wage of ​$42,040​.

Operate Construction Equipment

Operators of construction equipment control heavy machines that help construct bridges, roads and other structures. Some employers prefer applicants with a CDL or special operator license, but most provide on-the-job training, starting with lighter equipment and working up to heavier machines. According to the BLS, workers in the construction trade made a median wage of ​$48,160​ as of May 2019.

Run Material-Moving Machines

Material-moving machine operators transport objects using heavy machines, such as those that move cargo from docks to warehouses. They work in in numerous industries, including warehousing and storage, heavy and civil engineering construction and mining. Many states require operators of cranes to obtain a license, but further requirements vary by location and job type. Most workers receive on-the-job training for up to one month. According to the BLS, material-moving machine operators earned a median annual income of ​$36,770​, as of May 2019.

Trade Land for Sea

Not all water transportation occupations require a degree and extensive experience. Sailors and deckhands, who control and maintain ships and deck equipment, usually train on the job for six months to one year. Motorboat operators, who carry a small number of passengers for tours or charters, generally only need experience navigating boats. Water transportation workers work in the deep sea, coastal and great lakes transportation industry, and they made a median annual wage of ​$57,330​, as of May 2019, BLS reports.