Does Knight Transportation Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

Knight uses a two-part screen for drivers: the federally required DOT 5-panel urine test (marijuana/THC, cocaine, amphetamines including methamphetamine, opioids, and PCP) plus a company hair-follicle test the carrier has run since July 2011. The urine test detects recent use (days to a few weeks); the hair test looks back roughly 90 days, which is why Knight's standard catches use that a urine test alone would miss. Testing is collected during orientation/onboarding through certified DOT collectors and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer, so lawful prescriptions can be documented. As a DOT carrier, Knight also runs FMCSA random testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable-suspicion testing after hire, and every driver is queried in and reported to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Non-driving roles typically face a standard company urine screen.

Marijuana Policy

Marijuana is a hard no for Knight drivers. Under federal DOT/FMCSA rules, THC is prohibited for all commercial drivers no matter what state you live in or whether you hold a medical card — state legalization does not apply to safety-sensitive DOT positions. A positive DOT urine test is reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse and can end your driving career until you complete the federal return-to-duty process. Knight's added hair-follicle test makes marijuana especially risky, because THC can remain detectable in hair for about 90 days after use. (Note: FMCSA has so far declined to accept non-DOT hair-test results into the Clearinghouse, but Knight still uses its own hair test to decide whom to hire.) If you use cannabis and want to drive for Knight, you need a long period of complete abstinence before applying.

Tips for Applicants

Because Knight screens with both urine and a ~90-day hair test, last-minute detox will not work — the only reliable path is genuine abstinence well ahead of your application. Come to orientation with your medical examiner's certificate, CDL, and documentation for any lawful prescriptions so the Medical Review Officer can clear them. Check your own FMCSA Clearinghouse record before applying; unresolved violations must go through the return-to-duty process first. Knight hires many drivers rebuilding after setbacks, and a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from a CDL job, but a failed or refused drug test will. If you're newer to trucking, Knight also runs driver-training and mentorship programs. Apply through Knight's official careers/driver site and be honest about your history — DOT roles verify everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Knight Transportation drug test drivers?

Yes. Every CDL driver takes a federally required DOT 5-panel urine test at hire, plus a company hair-follicle test Knight has used since 2011. Drivers also face random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing after hire.

Does Knight Transportation do a hair follicle test?

Yes. Knight has required hair-follicle testing for new drivers since July 2011, in addition to the DOT urine test. Hair testing can detect drug use going back about 90 days, making Knight's screening stricter than carriers that use urine only.

Does Knight Transportation drug test for weed?

Yes, and marijuana is strictly prohibited. THC is banned for all DOT commercial drivers regardless of state law or a medical card. A positive result goes to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and Knight's hair test can detect cannabis use from roughly the past 90 days.

What kind of drug test does Knight use?

For drivers, a DOT 5-panel urine test plus a hair-follicle test. The urine test covers marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamine, opioids, and PCP; the hair test provides a longer, ~90-day detection window.

Does Knight Transportation do random drug tests?

Yes. As a DOT-regulated carrier, Knight enrolls all drivers in FMCSA random testing pools and also tests after accidents and on reasonable suspicion of impairment.

Can I drive for Knight with a failed drug test on record?

Not until it's resolved. Any DOT drug/alcohol violation is recorded in the FMCSA Clearinghouse and must be cleared through the federal return-to-duty process (SAP evaluation, treatment, and testing) before you can drive again.