Needing/Seeking Help On Choosing The Best Option For Me
Topic 14315 | Page 1
I work for Celadon and my fiancé has a CPAP. They didn't even ask for data on his CPAP , although he had just renewed his physical and this was last year, before the requirement to get a new physical for each company came into effect. If you're using it consistently you shouldn't have a problem at any major company, what happened with Western Express? I know Swift will install an inverter (that you provide) up to 500w for the purpose of using a CPAP. You must have a note from your primary physician.
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.
If you have enough otr check w Smith Transport. Also where exactly do you live ? There are a couple of smaller companies in my area of Va(Roanoke area). Let me know I can send you the names of the companies.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Dude your from Lynchburg? I moved from there 2 years ago. Now in Rocky Mount, Va. So...check out: Fleetmaster in Roanoke. Harris Trucking in Madison Heights. If you don't have enough otr for Fleetmaster check out their other company-Englander in Rustburg. Email I have a few more truckerchef45@gmail.com
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
And..what is your opinion on CDS in Roanoke?
@C.S. What happened with Western Express was the trainer I had only had 6 months experience solo, only stopped long enough for the 30 minute break at fuel stop which was the only time I could get any food to eat. Eating one solid meal per day isn't good for the body and can cause your blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low (no I am not diabetic) that can make you unsafe to drive. Among other things wasn't a decent match and the safety guy at the terminal tried blaming me saying I didn't tell them about my need of having to use a CPAP , which I flat out told him off because I told the recruiter about it, mentioned it on my application, and told the doctor when I had to do the physical.
@Chris K. I only have 3 months experience total, but they all been with a trainer. Smith Transport requires at least 1 year experience and I believe Fleetmaster does also, Harris is 6 months solo experience. I prefer Dry Van because that's what you know we're trained on from CDS, Englander is a Reefer company and they want experience too. When I went through CDS, it was on 48ft trailers and the backing moves we had to train for was Straight Line and Curve Back. The stuff they doing now went into effect start of 2015. John was the head instructor at the time and you had Freddy, Randy, Diane, Bill, and J.R. there but much has changed since most of them had left. The school was pretty decent and you always had chance to work on your skills along with pre-trip.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
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.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Harris will take you as a trainee, especially if you went to cds. I spoke w Fleetmaster recruiter yesterday and he said Englander will take you as a trainee. So will Mabe out of Eden. Cooke out of Mt Airy will prob hire, you may be further than 3 hrs from them but I could give you an address to use. They will consider you a trainee but they run teams. I guess I'm saying you will prob have to be considered a trainee for time being. Cooke pays by zone. You will get paid a set rate for what area of west coast you go. 4-7 days out prob 2 home. Repeat! It's dry out produce back. So reefer units. Teams also.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
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Greetings everyone, hope all is well with the Trucking Truth Family. It's been a while since I last posted or said anything, so let me give you an update. I had been out of the truck since 10/21/2015 and thought I had a new chance with Knight Transportation in Charlotte, NC. Attended the orientation and did the physical as required, however because of my BMI being above 35 I had to get a Sleep Apnea Study test as a "condition of employment". I opted to go to the Sleep Disorders Clinic here in my hometown rather than one involved with the trucking company for personal reasons. I had to wait two months for the results which basically cost me any time with Knight, however I did learn that I do indeed have Sleep Apnea, been on the CPAP since 2/25/2016. Because it was over 30 days from test to results, I was "terminated" by Knight. So I stayed on my CPAP to get in that 30-day compliance until I got to Western Express at the Bethelem terminal. Before I even set foot or came on there, I informed them 3 times I have a CPAP machine and have sleep apnea (told recruiter, put it on application, and doctor) because my concern was their trucks mostly have the plug-in adapters like chargers instead of electric outlets (for their DirectTV).
Let's just say I had a couple of issues happen during the brief time I was out there and returned home after a couple issues. I have a recruiter trying to get me with CRST Expedited in Cedar Rapids, IA. I also thought about Swift Transport since their terminal is close by in Richmond,VA. I also thought about Schneider, my biggest issue is lack of experience and when it comes to driving my backing skills really suck. Finances are a concern and taking the "Modern Day Medieval Torture Device" to Cedar Rapids is really a concern due to not getting the proper rest your body needs along with not being able to use the CPAP which would render me fatigued. Swift may have low pay as well, but I hope the training would be worth it. I have no idea if HAZMAT is required for Schneider or what not. I want to find that company that fits me and my needs (Over the Road, not just travelling back and forth to the Northeast Region everyday). Gain that valuable experience and learn the skills to survive out there when the time comes to be on my own. Any advice would be more than welcome. Thank you all if you read this and reply, stay safe out there on the roads to everyone.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
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:
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.
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.