Do I need to tell the trucking company that I take medications?

Question

Do I need to tell the trucking company that I take medications?

Answer 1

Are you applying for a job?  Then yes, at some point in the application process you will have to tell them which medications you take and what conditions you take them for.  They may give you a form to fill out in your application packet, or this may be part of the information that you have to give to the doctor when they send you for a physical.

Remember that if you're going to drive their trucks, they have to cover you under their liability insurance.  If you have a medical condition or take a medication that makes you a higher risk, NOT telling them can be considered fraud on your part.  If you're ever in an accident, you can bet the trucking company is going to require blood tests for alcohol and any drugs (legal or otherwise) in your system.  Getting found out after you've been in an accident is a good way to get fired.

Answer 2

If they are shipping you in a crate in the truck, then no, probably not.

If you intend driving the truck, it depends. If the medication precautions say something like, "May cause drowsiness. Do not operate machinery", then, yes, you need to tell them.

Err on the side of caution - ask your doctor or the pharmacist who dispensed them.

Answer 3

If it is medication that will effect your driving then yes. If you get on the road taking medication that you don't know the effects of then you are not only risking your life but the lives of others on the road. If you end up having an accident then you will probably get fired if it is your fault and you did not tell them you were on medication.