Loaded With Trouble: Why One Trucker’s 11 Bottles in the Cab Got Him Shut Down

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Ever rolled through a DOT checkpoint and felt your heart skip a beat? Now imagine you’ve got 11 bottles of alcohol in the cab — and you’re operating a commercial vehicle. That’s exactly what happened to one driver in Arkansas this month. Spoiler alert: He didn’t just get a ticket. He got put out of service on the spot.

This story is a wake-up call, and not just for the driver involved. It’s for everybody behind the wheel, managing a fleet, or thinking this kind of thing can’t happen to them.

What Happened?

On November 1, 2025, Arkansas Highway Patrol Officer PFC Dillion McGee pulled over a commercial truck in St. Francis County. During a standard inspection, things took a sharp left turn — because stashed inside the cab were eleven bottles of alcohol.

We’re not talking about one leftover beer can or something questionable in a cooler. We're talking multiple unopened bottles, including Skyy Vodka bottled cocktails and Barullo Tequila. This was a collection, not a coincidence.

And as far as DOT and FMCSA are concerned? That’s an automatic violation of federal safety regulations.

The Law Is Clear: No Booze in the Cab

FMCSA regulations prohibit possessing alcohol in the cab of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) unless it’s part of the cargo. Period.

That means even unopened bottles sitting on a bunk or tucked under a seat can land you in serious trouble.

Here’s what can happen:

You can be placed out of service on the spot (like this driver).

You could face termination from your carrier.

It can go on your PSP report (Pre-Employment Screening Program), affecting future job prospects.

It can lead to fines and possibly criminal charges depending on the situation.

And no — "I wasn’t drinking it" won’t save you. In commercial trucking, it’s not about what you did, it’s about what you’re carrying.

Why This Should Matter to Every Driver

Listen — whether you're an OTR vet or fresh outta CDL school, this situation highlights a few cold, hard truths:

🛑 DOT don’t play. Inspections are real, random, and serious. What you think is “no big deal” might get your keys yanked in minutes.

💸 One mistake can cost your livelihood. Getting placed out of service doesn’t just pause your load — it can pause your career.

🚛 Fleets are watching. Companies are tightening policies. Many are now enforcing “zero possession” policies, even for sealed containers off-duty.

🗣️ Public trust matters. These kinds of headlines don’t help our image. One reckless driver makes it harder for the rest of us.

Fleet Owners & Carriers — Pay Attention

If you run a company or manage drivers, this is your signal to tighten up:

Policy refresh – Make sure drivers know the rules: no alcohol in the cab, period.

Internal inspections – Random cab checks may help catch this stuff before DOT does.

Safety meetings – Use real stories like this to train and wake up your team.

Because if one of your drivers gets caught like this, your safety score takes a hit too.

What Could This Driver Have Done Differently?

Easy: not had alcohol in the cab. Even if he bought it to take home. Even if it was sealed. Even if he wasn't drinking. When it comes to FMCSA rules, perception is reality.

This wasn't just a technicality — it was a full-blown safety violation. And it’s a reminder that sometimes the best load you carry is the one you leave behind.

Takeaways for Drivers

🔍 Inspect your cab like DOT will — especially before hitting state lines or weigh stations.

🧾 Keep receipts for cargo items, but leave personal alcohol purchases out of the cab.

🧠 Think long game — one slip-up can mess with your CSA score, job offers, and reputation.

Want to Stay in the Game Long-Term?

Trucking pays the bills — until it doesn’t. One mistake, one violation, and you could be benched. That’s why more drivers are working smarter, not just harder.

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Visit LifeAsATrucker.com
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