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Jeremy Wolfe
Sept. 5, 2025
Key takeaways
Mayo Clinic, Boston University, and the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
For a subject who is not a regular user, urine tests could likely detect fentanyl exposure within two to four days. For chronic users, fentanyl could be detected in urine roughly 13 days after the last dose.
In hair testing (which is not yet used by DOT), fentanyl could be detected as far as 90 daysafter the last dose. Why truck drivers face higher risks of fentanyl use
Truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to opioid addiction, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This kind of drug use can contribute to large truck crashes.
Chronic pain, particularly back pain, is common for truck drivers. Long periods sitting in the same position, often paired with intense seat vibrations, increase the risk of injuries and persistent issues. Chronic pain is associated with both prescribed and illicit opioid use.
Truck drivers are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems like depressioncorrelate strongly with risky behaviors such as drug abuse.
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In August, Oklahoma law enforcement found 50 lb. of fentanyl in a car hauler.
a 2024 CBP webinar on fentanylThe Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in April specifically noted some U.S. trucking companies with suspicious cash transactions were suspected traffickers.
There is no shortage of federal announcements on major fentanyl smuggling busts that land truck drivers in jail. Within just the last year, there was:
Facing Fentanyl, in early 2024. The campaign allows trucking companies to purchase trailer wraps that share fentanyl public service announcements at a discounted price. The wraps were recently on a trailer in Time Square as part of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day in August.
?Since DOT issued the proposal, several trucking organizations have already commented in support of the testing. Commenters claiming to be from Oak Management, Amerit Fleet Solutions, and GKD Management advocated for fentanyl testing.
When HHS began to propose the addition in 2023, members of ATA, the Alliance for Driver Safety & Security, GP Transport, and LTI Trucking Services also issued comments supporting fentanyl testing.
Federal regulations required DOT to add fentanyl to its panel after the Department of Health and Human Services expanded its drug testing guidelines in January this year, meaning DOT will very likely pass the final rule without significant changes.
DOT is accepting comments on its NPRM until October 17. The agency will likely issue a final rule some months after the comment period closes.
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Sept. 5, 2025
Key takeaways
- The DOT's proposed rule would add fentanyl and norfentanyl to drug testing panels for safety-critical roles such as CMV drivers, with detection thresholds as low as 1 ng/mL in urine.
- The fentanyl tests detection windows likely range from two to four days for occasional users to about 13 days for chronic users.
- Truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to opioid addiction and the trucking industry is often exploited for illicit drug trafficking.
Truck drivers will soon have fentanyl added to their drug tests.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking Fentanyl testing thresholds: What fleet managers should know
The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking Fentanyl testing thresholds: What fleet managers should know
Mayo Clinic, Boston University, and the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
For a subject who is not a regular user, urine tests could likely detect fentanyl exposure within two to four days. For chronic users, fentanyl could be detected in urine roughly 13 days after the last dose.
In hair testing (which is not yet used by DOT), fentanyl could be detected as far as 90 daysafter the last dose. Why truck drivers face higher risks of fentanyl use
Truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to opioid addiction, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This kind of drug use can contribute to large truck crashes.
Chronic pain, particularly back pain, is common for truck drivers. Long periods sitting in the same position, often paired with intense seat vibrations, increase the risk of injuries and persistent issues. Chronic pain is associated with both prescribed and illicit opioid use.
Truck drivers are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems like depressioncorrelate strongly with risky behaviors such as drug abuse.
?
How fentanyl trafficking exploits trucking
Oklahoma Highway State Patrol
In August, Oklahoma law enforcement found 50 lb. of fentanyl in a car hauler.
a 2024 CBP webinar on fentanylThe Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in April specifically noted some U.S. trucking companies with suspicious cash transactions were suspected traffickers.
There is no shortage of federal announcements on major fentanyl smuggling busts that land truck drivers in jail. Within just the last year, there was:
- A driver sentenced to 12 years for hauling 88 lb. of drugs,
- a breakdown of a major distribution ring using semi-trucks,
- Arizona driver charged with trafficking 12 kilos of fentanyl,
- an Oklahoma bust of an auto hauler involving 50 lb. of fentanyl,
- and countless others.
Facing Fentanyl, in early 2024. The campaign allows trucking companies to purchase trailer wraps that share fentanyl public service announcements at a discounted price. The wraps were recently on a trailer in Time Square as part of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day in August.
?Since DOT issued the proposal, several trucking organizations have already commented in support of the testing. Commenters claiming to be from Oak Management, Amerit Fleet Solutions, and GKD Management advocated for fentanyl testing.
When HHS began to propose the addition in 2023, members of ATA, the Alliance for Driver Safety & Security, GP Transport, and LTI Trucking Services also issued comments supporting fentanyl testing.
Federal regulations required DOT to add fentanyl to its panel after the Department of Health and Human Services expanded its drug testing guidelines in January this year, meaning DOT will very likely pass the final rule without significant changes.
DOT is accepting comments on its NPRM until October 17. The agency will likely issue a final rule some months after the comment period closes.
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