Does ABF Freight Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

ABF Freight follows U.S. DOT and FMCSA drug-testing rules for all commercial driver positions. Pre-employment screening is a DOT 5-panel urine test that checks for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, opiates and opioids, and PCP; the sample is collected at a certified clinic and confirmed by a Medical Review Officer. On top of the required urine test, ABF has for several years run its own nationwide hair-follicle test at the pre-employment stage, which can detect drug use over a roughly 90-day window. Hiring is also contingent on passing a DOT physical, a road test, and a check of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for any prior violations. Note that positive results from ABF's hair test are not reported to the federal Clearinghouse, because FMCSA currently accepts only urine results — but a failed hair test can still cost you the ABF job. Random urine testing continues throughout employment.

Marijuana Policy

Marijuana is tested for and disqualifying at ABF Freight for all driving roles, with no exceptions for state legalization. Under 49 CFR Part 40, the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits safety-sensitive transportation employees from using marijuana, and DOT explicitly does not recognize state medical or recreational cannabis laws or accept a state medical-marijuana card as a valid excuse for a positive test. A THC-positive result on a DOT test places the driver in prohibited status in the FMCSA Clearinghouse and requires completing the return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional before driving again. ABF's separate hair-follicle test also screens for marijuana. Because cannabis can remain detectable in urine for days to weeks and in hair for about 90 days, applicants for driving jobs should avoid it well before applying. Non-driving office roles are not bound by DOT marijuana rules, though ABF still maintains a drug-free workplace.

Tips for Applicants

If you are applying to drive for ABF Freight, treat the drug test as a certainty and prepare accordingly — both the DOT urine test and the company hair test must come back clean. Before you apply, you can request your own FMCSA Clearinghouse record at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov to see what a carrier will see; if you have a past violation, complete the return-to-duty process first. Have your CDL, medical card, and driving history ready, since ABF verifies employment and safety records going back several years. For dock and mechanic roles, expect a urine screen at the offer stage. ABF is a unionized Teamsters carrier known for stable pay and benefits, so competition can be strong; a clean record helps. If substance use is a concern, the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) can connect you with treatment and, if needed, the DOT return-to-duty process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ABF Freight drug test for weed?

Yes. All ABF driving roles are DOT-regulated and tested for marijuana, and a THC-positive result is disqualifying. The U.S. DOT does not recognize state medical or recreational cannabis laws, so a medical-marijuana card is not a valid excuse. ABF's separate hair-follicle test also screens for marijuana over a roughly 90-day window.

What kind of drug test does ABF Freight use?

For drivers, ABF uses the DOT 5-panel urine test (marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines, opiates/opioids, and PCP) collected at a certified clinic, plus a company hair-follicle test at the pre-employment stage. Dock workers and mechanics generally take a standard urine screen.

Does ABF Freight do hair follicle testing?

Yes. ABF has run a nationwide hair-follicle test for several years as an additional pre-employment check for drivers. Hair testing can detect drug use over roughly 90 days. Results usually return in under a week, but positive hair results are not reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, which accepts only urine results.

Does ABF Freight do random drug tests?

Yes. All DOT-regulated commercial drivers are placed in a random testing pool and can be selected for unannounced urine tests throughout the year, as required by FMCSA. Drivers are also tested after qualifying accidents and on reasonable suspicion of impairment.

Does ABF Freight drug test dock workers?

Most dock worker and freight-handler positions are treated as safety-sensitive and are drug tested with a standard urine screen at the offer stage, plus post-accident testing. Confirm the specifics with the terminal where you are applying.

Can you fail ABF's hair test but pass the urine test?

Yes, it is possible. Hair testing detects a longer history (about 90 days) than urine testing, so someone who is clean recently but used earlier could pass the DOT urine test and still fail ABF's hair test. A failed hair test can cost you the ABF job even though it is not reported to the federal Clearinghouse.