You could be feeling anxious and unclear of how to resume driving if you are a truck driver who has failed a drug or alcohol test. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) program offers a clear way ahead, so don’t worry.
Drivers who have broken DOT drug and alcohol rules are the target audience for this training. A qualified expert known as a SAP will assess your condition and provide suggestions for support services like as testing, treatment, and education.
You may obtain the support you need to get over drug misuse difficulties and return to driving lawfully and safely by enrolling in a SAP program. It’s perfectly OK to ask for assistance and get back on course whether you’re a novice or a seasoned experienced driver.
So if you’re a truck driver who needs to complete a SAP program, don’t hesitate to take the first step. With the right support and guidance, you can put your past mistakes behind you and build a brighter future on the open road.
The author’s group of our blog whattdw.com strongly recommends that you quit drinking alcohol, drugs and other bad habits.
How long does it take to get SAP for drivers?
If you are a driver who requires a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for DOT compliance, you may be wondering how long it will take to get matched with a qualified SAP. The good news is that with just two simple steps, you can usually schedule an appointment with a SAP within 72 business hours.
However, the follow-up testing program recommended by the SAP can vary greatly in length, from 12 months to 5 years. This means that it can be hard to predict how long the entire SAP process will take for a driver.
Once the SAP has recommended a program of follow-up drug tests, a driver can expect to take anywhere from 1 week to 90 days to complete the SAP Alcohol & Drug Evaluations Recommendation/Treatment Program.
While the estimated cost of the SAP program is difficult to predict, it is important to note that completing the SAP process is necessary for a driver to be considered for return-to-duty and for their CDL to be reinstated.
Trucking companies that accept to hire drivers after the SAP program
We’ve compiled a partial but revealing list of several trucking companies that are hiring post-SAP drivers, sorted by state. We hope this information helps you in your job search.
- Texas: PAM Transport, Inc. – 85 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Suite G, Houston, TX 77090 – (800) 698-0707
- Florida: J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. – 415 Fairvilla Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 – (877) 791-9458
- California: Swift Transportation – 2200 S. Soto St., Los Angeles, CA 90058 – (800) 800-2200
- Georgia: Roehl Transport Inc. – 4214 Thurman Rd, Conley, GA 30288 – (800) 535-0269
- Illinois: Schneider National, Inc. – 3101 S Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60436 – (800) 635-9801
- Ohio: Crete Carrier Corporation – 4690 Kenilwood Road, Batavia Township, OH 45103 – (800) 998-2221
- Indiana: C.R. England, Inc. – 3445 North Bend Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46235 – (800) 453-8826
- Michigan: Stevens Transport – 200 Hoffman, Flat Rock, MI 48134 – (800) 333-8595
- Pennsylvania: Maverick Transportation, LLC – 918 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 – (800) 289-1100
- New York: USA Truck, Inc. – 105 Corporate Dr, New Windsor, NY 12553 – (800) 452-4422
If you have completed a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) program and looking to resume your truck driving career, you may be wondering which trucking companies are willing to hire drivers in your situation. Good news is, there are several trucking companies that are willing to hire drivers who have successfully completed their SAP program.
Please note that the contact information provided is subject to change, so we recommend that you verify the phone numbers and addresses before contacting the companies.
Remember, your commitment to overcoming substance abuse and your subsequent recovery is impressive, and you deserve another chance. Don’t give up on your career aspirations and keep pushing forward.
How long does SAP stay on your record?
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), a SAP can recommend a program of follow-up drug tests for as long as five years. This means that if you failed a drug test or refused one, and were recommended to see a SAP for evaluation, the follow-up drug test program may continue for up to five years. However, this is only a recommendation and is subject to change depending on individual circumstances. It’s important to remember that compliance with the SAP’s recommendations is necessary to return to work in a DOT-covered position.
Experiences Shared by Individuals Who Were Hired by Trucking Companies After SAP Program Completion
Numerous individuals who have completed the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program seek to re-enter the workforce, specifically in the trucking industry. The SAP Program aims to provide support and guidance to employees who have violated a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol program regulation. Here, we explore four cases where persons were successfully hired by trucking companies after completing the SAP Program, sharing insights into their journey back to employment.
Case 1: Return to the Road with Renewed Focus
- Background: An individual with a previously unblemished driving record faced a suspension after a failed drug test.
- SAP Program Completion: They fully engaged in the SAP Program, completing all required counseling and education sessions.
- Hiring Experience: The individual found a trucking company that valued their years of experience and willingness to rehabilitate. While some companies were hesitant, they ultimately received an employment offer from a mid-sized firm looking for seasoned drivers.
- Outcome: They returned to work with a renewed commitment to sobriety and received regular follow-ups as part of the company’s support system.
Case 2: Overcoming Stigma with Persistence
- Background: A driver was let go from a previous employer due to a policy violation related to alcohol use.
- SAP Program Completion: Determined to rectify the issue, this person undertook the required treatment and education.
- Hiring Experience: Despite encountering initial rejection and stigma, the driver remained persistent, eventually landing a job with a company that offered a second-chance program.
- Outcome: They were grateful for the opportunity and committed to maintaining clean records, leveraging the incident as a catalyst for personal growth.
Case 3: Leveraging SAP Program as a Stepping Stone
- Background: A young professional in the industry suffered a temporary setback after testing positive for a banned substance.
- SAP Program Completion: They embraced the SAP Program, treating it as an educational opportunity and stepping stone back to their career.
- Hiring Experience: This driver networked actively within the industry, finding a firm that valued the earnest effort to overcome past mistakes.
- Outcome: The proactive approach helped the individual not just find a position, but also one with career growth possibilities.
Case 4: A Veteran Driver Rebuilds Reputation
- Background: After years on the road, an incident resulted in a veteran driver’s participation in the SAP Program.
- SAP Program Completion: The driver successfully completed the program and was determined to rebuild their professional reputation.
- Hiring Experience: Their extensive experience and recent corrective measures helped in securing a position with a large national carrier that had a clear policy for hiring post-SAP participants.
- Outcome: This driver was able to utilize their previous reputation and new commitment to sobriety to stabilize their career.
The shared experiences highlight a common theme of persistence and personal development being crucial in securing employment after completing the SAP Program. Trucking companies vary in their policies towards hiring SAP graduates, with some offering structured “second chance” programs. Individuals who have successfully navigated these waters did so by demonstrating a willingness to learn from their mistakes, showing commitment to their professional future, and effectively communicating their journey to potential employers. It’s evident that completion of the SAP Program can serve as a catalyst for positive change, not just personally but also professionally, by opening doors to reintegration into the workforce.
