Fentanyl Drug Testing in the Trucking Industry: What You Need to Know

A recent article by Transport Topics reports that the US government has officially approved testing commercial truck drivers for fentanyl. This move represents a major step in addressing the nation’s opioid crisis, which has affected millions of people and poses a serious safety risk on our roads. It’s important to understand what fentanyl is, why trucking companies should test for it, and how this testing will affect the trucking industry and victims of Columbus truck accidents.

Transport Topics states that:

The Department of Health and Human Services in a Jan. 16 Federal Register post made the announcement, noting that fentanyl now accounts for a large proportion of overdose deaths in the country. The use of both urine and oral fluid drug panels to test for the drug will be authorized for federal agencies beginning in July.

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s up to 100 times more powerful than morphine and about 50 times stronger than heroin. Originally developed for pain management, especially for patients undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from surgery, over the past decade, illegal fentanyl production and distribution have skyrocketed, leading to an increase in overdoses and fatalities.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that:

The illegally used fentanyl most often associated with recent overdoses is made in labs. This synthetic fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like other prescription opioids.

One of the biggest dangers of fentanyl is its potency. Illegal fentanyl is often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or fake prescription pills. This can make it difficult for users to know exactly what they’re consuming. This fact has led to a surge in fentanyl overdose deaths across the country. The DEA reports that “More than 107,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2023, with nearly 70 percent of those deaths attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.”

Why is the government testing truck drivers for fentanyl?

Transport Topics notes that:

Drug officials since 2015 have been weighing whether to add fentanyl to the list of tested substances for truck drivers and other federally regulated workers. Its growing use as a standalone substance as opposed to combined use with heroin and other substances compelled this move.

Therefore, beginning as soon as July 2025, truckers can be tested for fentanyl use through urine and oral fluid samples. Testing should occur under the same conditions as current drug testing, which means that:

• Drivers must pass a drug test, which will now include fentanyl, before being hired.
• Employers may proceed with random drug testing to ensure employee compliance.
• If a driver is involved in a truck accident, they may be required to take a drug test to see if impairment played a role in the crash.
• If an employer reasonably suspects a driver is under the influence, they can request a drug test.
• If a driver previously tested positive for drugs and is undergoing a rehabilitation program, they must complete a series of follow-up tests before returning to work.

Regulators hope this new rule will prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel and putting themselves and other road users in danger.

What is the scope of the problem?

Fentanyl use in the trucking industry is more widespread than many people might realize. The American Trucking Association (ATA) reports that three trucking fleets conducted non-DOT hair testing in 2023, which included fentanyl. Of the 137 drivers who tested positive for fentanyl, 56% tested positive for fentanyl alone, and 44% tested positive for fentanyl along with other substances.

This suggests that fentanyl use among truck drivers isn’t an isolated issue. Since current DOT tests don’t include fentanyl, some drivers who might have used the drug have likely gone undetected in the past.

One of the biggest challenges with fentanyl use is that it’s not always intentional. Some truck drivers may take a pill they believe is a legitimate prescription medication, only to discover it is laced with fentanyl. Others may use street drugs without knowing they contain fentanyl. The risks are the same regardless of how it enters a truck driver’s system.

Impacts on the trucking industry

Including fentanyl in drug testing for truck drivers will have a big effect on the trucking industry. As fentanyl use has risen across the country, it’s created serious safety risks on our roads. This new regulation aims to improve public safety by making sure that truck drivers aren’t operating commercial vehicles while impaired.

Here’s how this change may affect the trucking industry:

The addition of fentanyl testing means an even tighter oversight of safety regulations. Drivers must pass more comprehensive drug screens, and companies will need to update their safety policies to ensure compliance with the rules.

The trucking industry is already experiencing a driver shortage. With more thorough drug testing in place, some drivers who previously went undetected might test positive for fentanyl and be removed from service. This could further reduce the number of available drivers, making it harder for companies to staff their fleets.

Companies will likely prioritize pre-employment drug testing to avoid hiring drivers with substance abuse issues. Some may begin using hair testing, which can detect drug use over a longer period than urine tests.

Some companies may challenge the new testing requirements, arguing that they burden the industry more. However, given the dangers of fentanyl use behind the wheel, it’s unlikely these objections will stop the new rules from taking effect.

Impacts on victims of truck accidents

The decision to include fentanyl in drug tests will also affect victims of truck accidents in the following ways.

The inclusion of fentanyl in drug testing can provide valuable evidence in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. If a truck driver tests positive for fentanyl after an accident, it can strengthen the victim’s case and increase the likelihood of securing compensation.

Trucking companies will now be held more accountable for making sure their drivers are drug-free. If a company fails to conduct proper drug testing and one of its drivers causes a fentanyl-related crash, it could face serious legal consequences.

The goal of this regulation is to prevent impaired truck drivers from getting behind the wheel. If it’s successful, it could lead to a decrease in drug-related truck accidents, making the roads safer for everyone.

By enforcing fentanyl testing, federal regulators hope to reduce the number of dangerous drivers on the road, protect victims, and create a safer trucking industry overall.

How can your Columbus truck accident lawyers help if I’m injured in an accident?

At Soroka & Associates, we can help with your case in a variety of ways.

• First, we can thoroughly investigate your accident by figuring out the identity of all liable parties, conducting a reconstruction of the crash with our expert team, and downloading all vehicles involved in the crash.
• Next, we work to gather evidence, like police reports, drug testing reports, and photos and videos of the accident scene.
• We make sure the motor carrier involved in the crash preserves all the internal information (such as the driver qualification file, company manuals, and company handbooks) necessary to prosecute the case on behalf of the victim.
• We also handle all aspects of communicating with insurance companies on your behalf.
• We negotiate with the liable parties to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
• If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we represent you in court to fight for your rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to understand your rights, especially if the driver was under the influence of fentanyl or other drugs. At Soroka & Associates, our experienced Columbus truck accident attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a negligent trucking company or impaired driver get away with causing harm. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek justice. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case review at our Columbus office today.