DOT Physical Questions
Topic 18677 | Page 1
Hey Ron! I just went through the DOT physical for prime inc last Monday. I've had a few broken bones. They hand out physical papers and on the paper had a check list of any previous health issues that you've had. On that list was broken bones. They just asked us to put the done and the year. And asked if we ever needed physical therapy. I didn't go through PT for mine so I'm not sure if that makes a difference to them. And my bones were also my wrist and my foot, and it my back or neck. Have you talked to a recruiter at all? They might have a better answer for you. Or hopefully someone on here will hve gone through it with those previous injuries. Best of luck to you, and congrats on thinking about this career!
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.
Ron, the CDL physical does not include agility tests. (Companies may do that, but it's not a requirement for your license.) You do need decent range of motion. I have an old dislocated shoulder, so I can't move my left arm in certain directions. But the company doctor signs off each time.
It sounds like your own (possible) worry is with pain medication. I mention this even though you didn't say anything, but many pain management drugs can be an issue.
Full CDL physical exam information is right here: DOT Physical Exam
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.
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.
Thanks for your replies.
Yes Kori, I talked to a Prime recruiter a month or two ago but she was kind of vague with her answers. Although I was probably more vague with my questions. Previously, I started to fill out an application but did not submit it and she (Andrea Mueller) called me the next day to see why I didn't finish.
And Errol, I have no pain and I'm not on any meds, I'm just concerned with not being able to get doctors to clear past injuries. I've got full range of motion. I'm just paranoid about being that guy being sent home.
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.
Hi! Andrea is actually a really good person and would help you as much as she can. She's a straight shooter.
Most things with Prime were more like "oh...that was three years ago...we don't really care". Put it on the paper but don't be worried about it. I hurt my back in 2004 at work. Never a problem again. They didn't care. Once you pass the physical. They inky care about " new" issues that arise. You'll be fine.
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I've spent a lot of time reading the awesome information here while trying to calm my anxiety over leaving a rather well paying job for trucking. Specifically, being sent home from orientation is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger.
By the way, I'm 57, excellent health, long work history, no legal issues, decent driving record and no drugs. But, I have been involved with martial arts for decades and have had my share of injuries (broken bones, shoulder, neck and back injuries). Some were so long ago I don't even remember the doctors names.
My questions are, for those who have had similar health issues, how did you address this with companies that use their own doctors and how much documentation do they require to pass the DOT physical?
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.