Posted on / by The Trucking Alliance

2023 Study Shows 14X Higher Drug Detection Rates Than Urine

In 2022, research emerged indicating that hair testing is more effective than urine testing to screen for drug use among truckers. Since then, The Trucking Alliance has advocated for the adoption of hair testing to ensure safer roads for the public and fellow commercial truck drivers.

Previous studies have already demonstrated hair testing’s superiority, but new 2023 data coming from researchers at the University of Tennessee and the University of Central Arkansas provides undeniable evidence.

Researchers analyzed data from 2023 that covered 76,622 Trucking Alliance members’ pre-employment drug tests and found that hair testing uncovered 14 times more drug positives than urine testing. This is a staggering increase when compared to the 9x difference in results from data collected between 2017-2023.

With hair testing detecting significantly more cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, marijuana, and ecstasy, the data highlights an urgent need to prioritize this method for pre-employment screenings in the trucking industry.

[ Click to View the Full 2023 Trucking Alliance Study ] 

Why does drug screening efficacy matter?

Under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, commercial truck drivers are prohibited from using illegal drugs, both on and off duty. The method of drug testing to hold truck driver security to this standard has often relied on urine drug screens.

However, as the new 2023 data shows, urine tests are simply not effective enough to catch lifestyle drug users. By pushing for the implementation of drug testing methods that are scientifically proven to be more effective, we can ensure trucker safety, truck safety, and the safety of every driver on the road.

Key Findings of the 2023 Study

Across the entire study period (2017–2023), hair testing showed a positivity rate of 5.64%, 9x higher than the 0.63% for urine testing.

Hair testing was significantly more effective at detecting specific substances:

  • 24x more opioid users
  • 23x more cocaine users
  • 13x more amphetamine/methamphetamine users

Additionally, across all age groups hair was found to detect a significantly higher percentage of positive screens. Based on these results, we cannot sit idly and allow drug users to continue taking advantage of the current system.

Year after year, we see hair testing’s role in disqualifying drug users and improving roadway safety for the public and professional drivers. Yet, the Department of Transportation refuses to accept the names of drivers who test positive with a hair test into the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Trucking Alliance, therefore, remains committed to the recommendation that hair drug screening methods should be used to better assure that the Department of Transportation can identify drivers who use drugs.

Trucking carriers should be encouraged to submit hair test results to the federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to enhance safety measures.

Learn more about our ongoing safety initiatives to help support us in advocating for a safer trucking industry for all.