The Latest Rumor ....
Topic 1040 | Page 1
Somebody once told me, if you don't hear a good rumor by 10 am ... start one. And from what I read on here, rumors abound on HOS , companies folding, etc etc etc.
Anyway ... been talking to my family about going into trucking, and my Brother-in-law who was a Dispatcher for a union company says he hears rumblings about BIg Brother Government (FMCSA ?) putting an age limit on truck drivers 55 .. for 'safety' reasons.
Is this just another 10am rumor? or does this have any legs? Is the government kicking this idea around?
Thanks
I heard another rumour.....anyone with a body mass of more than 30 will not be able to drive a truck. This is per the US Govt and for 'safety reasons'.
Can anyone substantiate this rumour?
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Im not sure about the number, 30 but read the other posts on sleep apnea. Many companies are doing tests, and I think bmi of +30 is a factor.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Im not sure about the number, 30 but read the other posts on sleep apnea. Many companies are doing tests, and I think bmi of +30 is a factor.
well, that would mean about 50% of truckers would lose their jobs.
that and if it happens the 55 age limit, both of those seems to me would raise qualified drivers salaries substantially.
thoughts?
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Has anyone ever heard the term..... "Age discrimination"?
It is against the law.
There is no law that says you HAVE to retire at 65. That is just a number that was set aside long ago for people to retire and get social security.
Have you not heard all the hype on capitol hill about extending the "retirement age" due to people living longer these days?
As far as the body mass issue. I have heard that some companies are requiring overweight people to get a sleep apnea test done before they start school. If found to have it, a driver will be required to make sure he/she carries a CPAP machine in the truck with them.
I don't know how legal that will turn out to be. They are making the candidate pay for everything. The test, the equipment, etc. If the company wants the test, shouldn't they be required to pay for it? I mean, what happens if it turns out that the candidate doesn't have sleep apnea? They are out a bit of money.
We will all have to wait and see what happens.
Keep it safe out there, Joe S.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
LOL 
Yeah right. Neither of those are true. Not going to happen. YOu can work as long as you can pass the DOT physical. Companies are starting to do sleep test but that is really nothing new. They have been doing that for a few years now. As long as you are fit enough to drive then you have nothing to worry about.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
The trucking industry already has a shortage of drivers, put age restrictions and other health restrictions on the drivers and the economy will drop faster than a lead filled balloon. A good number of truckers may be older, over weight, or have various health issues (some all 3) but they are still able to hold a CDL , and they keep the freight moving and the store shelves stocked.
As with rumors, they are usually just started to cause some noise. I still remember the rumor that the government was going to impose a fee for each email sent since it was cutting into the postal service's revenue. LOL, hasn't happened yet and still sending free emails.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Has anyone ever heard the term..... "Age discrimination"?
There is no law that says you HAVE to retire at 65. That is just a number that was set aside long ago for people to retire and get social security.
Have you not heard all the hype on capitol hill about extending the "retirement age" due to people living longer these days?
As far as the body mass issue. I have heard that some companies are requiring overweight people to get a sleep apnea test done before they start school. If found to have it, a driver will be required to make sure he/she carries a CPAP machine in the truck with them.
I don't know how legal that will turn out to be. They are making the candidate pay for everything. The test, the equipment, etc. If the company wants the test, shouldn't they be required to pay for it? I mean, what happens if it turns out that the candidate doesn't have sleep apnea? They are out a bit of money.
We will all have to wait and see what happens.
Keep it safe out there, Joe S.
IF you are over 35 or 40 (can't remember which) you can NOT get a job as an air traffic controller. Call it age discrimination, call it a safety issue, call it what you will, but it is true. google air traffic controller, and try to fill out an application. It clearly states that you cannot start a career as an air traffic controller past a certain age.
And I figured the 55 for truckers was just the latest rumor, but thought I would ask
Thanks
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Jhon, I have friends that would easily bend a scale, who have been safe truckers for longer than alot of your rookies have been changin' your own underwear. Its not about size....its about health. One of our friends weighs in at about 300 pounds, and he'll walk your butt off in the woods. He can bench press ME...and I'm not tiny, I'm fluffy. He runs when others walk. He jogs to the truck stop, from the furthest parking spot in the lot. he's just a farm raised, big ole' boy.
Can you imagine all the truck drivers, applying for SS at the age of 55?? If all they have ever done their entire life is drive truck, what will the gov. retrain them to do at 55??
Sleep apnea and BMI do go hand in hand. But I flunked a sleep test...because I have chronic pain disorder. I like the idea of sleep tests, when they are needed. If a person isn't resting when they think they are, then they are tired, and don't know why. I requested a sleep test from my doctor, cuz I knew I wasn't getting enough "restful" sleep. I now sleep better, but when I'm driving, I don't take the sleep meds, cuz they have those nasty little warnings on them. But when I team with TSB, I sleep wonderfully when the truck is moving. It reminds me of those vibrating beds in the cheap hotels..
.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
The trucking industry already has a shortage of drivers
thats not true. they want you to believe there is a shortage. if you believe that crap you will be eaten alive by this industry.
as far as the health issues go, be careful about what you are saying. let me pose a question... do you want some guy/gal overweight and with sleep apnea with 80000 lbs of equipment riding beside you on a highway with your wife beside you and kids in the back seat?
yeah i thought so....
It is pretty funny that there isn't a driver shortage, but when you Google it, over 8 million sites come up saying there IS a driver shortage.
CNN says that right now there is over 30,000 drivers needed. And once the new laws go into effect, it will add to that 100,000 more.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/13/news/economy/trucker-shortage/index.html
Another site ups that figure to 160,000 by 2016.
http://www.transforce.com/state-of-logistics-2013-report-mentions-truck-driver-shortage/
That just mentions two. There are many many more.
And just about every truck you pass on the highway today has a "sticker" on the back that has to do with needing drivers. Like a help wanted sign in a store window. Would a store put a help wanted add in their window if they didn't have an opening? That sure would cause a lot of extra work for their employees. People coming through the door asking for an application just to be told, we have no openings. We just put that out there for fun.
Now as far as the health question. Overweight has never been proven as a cause for sleep apnea. Can it be a factor? Yes. But so can being a male, being over 40, Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone, having a family history of sleep apnea, Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems
So anyone with, lets say allergies, could have sleep apena. Are you going to take everyone out of a truck that sneezes when the pollen level is high?
And Starcar hit the nail on the head. I am a pretty big fellow myself. But I have knows guys bigger than I am that could work circles around me. It all has to do with, as Starcar said, health. And what kind of physical shape (as in strength and stamina) you are in. Not what size pants you wear.
The average size of an NFL offensive tackle is 6'3" and weights 300 lbs. Would you tell one of them they couldn't do their job because they are too big? No, they are perfect for their job and they can do their job, because they are in shape.
And a PS to Road Hog.
You are correct. Air Traffic controllers have to be younger than 35 to be hired and max age if they have 20 years in is 56. However, as with other Federal agencies, and our federal government. The FAA doesn't have to abide by the law that normal civilians do. They can follow what laws they want. I still don't know how they get away with it, but they always do. One other one, a commercial pilot HAS to retire at age 65. Used to be 60. I have known private pilots in their 70's that were in better shape than some 50 year old commercial pilots that I have seen.
Thank you for pointing that out. I had forgotten about that. I used to work in the aircraft industry.
Keep it safe out there. Joe S.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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CDL Qualifications DOT Physical Medical Certification Older truck drivers Sleep Apnea
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Somebody once told me, if you don't hear a good rumor by 10 am ... start one. And from what I read on here, rumors abound on HOS , companies folding, etc etc etc.
Anyway ... been talking to my family about going into trucking, and my Brother-in-law who was a Dispatcher for a union company says he hears rumblings about BIg Brother Government (FMCSA ?) putting an age limit on truck drivers 55 .. for 'safety' reasons.
Is this just another 10am rumor? or does this have any legs? Is the government kicking this idea around?
Thanks
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.