Passing The "Medical."
Topic 32288 | Page 2
Duck walk???? That sucks, I had my ankle fused about 6 months ago and I still have a bit of a limp. Well, what the heck, I'm going to go for it. I'll set up an appointment for the next couple of days. I'll let you guys know how it goes :). Thanks all for the info. Wish me luck :).
How "physical" is it? Do I have to do like 50 squats and 100 pushups...lol
Some companies will have specific testing that you go through based on the job you want. When I did food service (very physically demanding) I was ran through several exercises lifting weights, climbing a ladder and several other things with my heart rate being checked like a minute after each. For most jobs that don't require you to unload by hand you'll only be expected to "duck walk" under the trailer to prove you can inspect under the trailer and double check the 5th wheel is fully closed. You'll also likely be required to prove you can climb in the trailer. Other than that your DOT physical is a vision test, blood pressure, urine test to check for protein/diabetes (pre employment physical usually uses sample for drug test as well) and then listening to various parts of your body with a stethoscope. The doctor that does my physicals does not check male genitalia for hernias but he does press on your abdomen. Your hearing will be tested by the examiner standing a few feet away and saying words in a forced whisper that you need to repeat back. The DOT physical isn't very different than a regular checkup with your primary doctor.
You appear to be in better shape than many of the drivers we see at truck stops. For most jobs there isn't any age (after you're 23) or weight discrimination. As long as you can pass a physical and are a safe driver there won't be a problem getting hired.
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.
Duck walk???? That sucks, I had my ankle fused about 6 months ago and I still have a bit of a limp. Well, what the heck, I'm going to go for it. I'll set up an appointment for the next couple of days. I'll let you guys know how it goes :). Thanks all for the info. Wish me luck :).
That's typically done at orientation, not when you get your physical. Once you start applying for carriers drivers that have been through orientation there can provide specifics on what was expected.
Are you planning on going through a private school or Paid CDL Training Programs? We highly recommend paid training because as long as you're able to pass school you're almost guaranteed to have a job waiting for you. Not that it applies in your situation, but far too often someone gets their CDL through a private school and can't land a job due to their past criminal, driving record, or work history. Meanwhile they're out the $5,000 or more without a job to show for it. With paid training it often times is free if you fulfill your end of the agreement, typically working for them for 1 year but double check the terms before signing!
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.
Michael, blood pressure is a big issue on DOT exams. How is your BP? Get your doctor to help you if it’s a problem. The first number can’t be above 140. Research BMI , body mass index. This can determine if a company will require you to use a CPAP machine. Also, get your blood sugar levels checked. Too high or too low can really affect your ability to drive.
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.
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.
Body Mass Index:
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.
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.
Michael, blood pressure is a big issue on DOT exams. How is your BP? Get your doctor to help you if it’s a problem. The first number can’t be above 140. Research BMI , body mass index. This can determine if a company will require you to use a CPAP machine. Also, get your blood sugar levels checked. Too high or too low can really affect your ability to drive.
For some, it's the 20% of Rotator Cuff, I JUST CAN'T GET. BP, 125 /74 yet no 100% R.O.M. !
Gawd, I try.
~ Anne ~
ps: Athlean X .. has much! Answers through Exercise!
Duck walk???? That sucks, I had my ankle fused about 6 months ago and I still have a bit of a limp. Well, what the heck, I'm going to go for it. I'll set up an appointment for the next couple of days. I'll let you guys know how it goes :). Thanks all for the info. Wish me luck :).
Indeed, I do understand. Have you followed up with any physical therapy??? I have, for almost 14 months. Being older, doesn't help me, however. I've got pins & plates in my right forearm; bothers me not.
Similar situation... wish you well; check the videos above, as do I ~!
~ Anne ~
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.
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.
Body Mass Index:
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.
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.
That's typically done at orientation, not when you get your physical. Once you start applying for carriers drivers that have been through orientation there can provide specifics on what was expected.
Are you planning on going through a private school or Paid CDL Training Programs? We highly recommend paid training because as long as you're able to pass school you're almost guaranteed to have a job waiting for you. Not that it applies in your situation, but far too often someone gets their CDL through a private school and can't land a job due to their past criminal, driving record, or work history. Meanwhile they're out the $5,000 or more without a job to show for it. With paid training it often times is free if you fulfill your end of the agreement, typically working for them for 1 year but double check the terms before signing!
I'm hoping to get the "Paid Training" route. I live in the Dallas area, and I've heard that Roel has a facility nearby, think I'll check them out. First things first though, need the Med. card, and the Permit :). I really appreciate your input.
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.
Michael, blood pressure is a big issue on DOT exams. How is your BP? Get your doctor to help you if it’s a problem. The first number can’t be above 140. Research BMI , body mass index. This can determine if a company will require you to use a CPAP machine. Also, get your blood sugar levels checked. Too high or too low can really affect your ability to drive.
My BP is good, but I was assigned a CPAP a few months ago - sleep like a baby now :). As for the sugar, doc says I'm "borderline" need to lose some lbs. :(. Hope that doesn't hold me back. Also, I'm getting the forms from the FMCSA website for my Dr.'s to fill out in regards to medications. So, we will see how it all goes. I'll keep you guys posted. Thank you all for the great advice. Have a great today. Blessings to all. Michael S.
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
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.
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.
Body Mass Index:
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.
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.
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.
That's typically done at orientation, not when you get your physical. Once you start applying for carriers drivers that have been through orientation there can provide specifics on what was expected.
Are you planning on going through a private school or Paid CDL Training Programs? We highly recommend paid training because as long as you're able to pass school you're almost guaranteed to have a job waiting for you. Not that it applies in your situation, but far too often someone gets their CDL through a private school and can't land a job due to their past criminal, driving record, or work history. Meanwhile they're out the $5,000 or more without a job to show for it. With paid training it often times is free if you fulfill your end of the agreement, typically working for them for 1 year but double check the terms before signing!
I'm hoping to get the "Paid Training" route. I live in the Dallas area, and I've heard that Roel has a facility nearby, think I'll check them out. First things first though, need the Med. card, and the Permit :). I really appreciate your input.
Stevens Transport has a school in far east Dallas. The school is almost in Mesquite.
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.
I was assigned a CPAP a few months ago - sleep like a baby now :).
Many drivers use CPAP. You'll be required to get a new physical yearly but most companies pay for it. As long as you use it a minimum of 4 hours a night 70% of the time (21 of 30 days) you'll be in compliance.
As for the sugar, doc says I'm "borderline" need to lose some lbs. :(. Hope that doesn't hold me back
There are many drivers that have diabetes. As long as its under control it doesn't disqualify a driver the way it used to.
Good luck! I look forward to seeing how things progress for you.
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.
Sort of related. I work in an occupational medicine clinic. We had a guy come in and get his physical done. Born in 1937. Age is just a number I guess lol
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That's because you are a hoss.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.