Question On Physical Requirements

Ok you experienced ladies, I have been reading info for the company based CDL schools and hiring and I am a little concerned. I am only 5 ft tall and while I am fairly strong, I don't think I can lift 50-75 lbs over my head, especially since I broke my elbow in 2008. It seems many schools require something called the workwell physical assessment, and this is a part of it. Anyone have input into this? I realize there is more to trucking than just driving a truck, but I really am concerned about this aspect. I am smart, responsible, and have a clean driving record....could I be done before I ever get started?

Try taking this question to the general forum....i"m not real sure about the lifting stuff anymore....but your tall enough to drive a car, so you can drive a truck...I have a gf who is 4' 9"...and wheels a big KW like an old timer....and she pulls a flatbed !!!! Girls can do it all..they just need to know they can !!! Welcome to TT...and come on back.....theres all kinds of trucking jobs out there ....theres one for you.

I am finally at the beginning of my driver training. But I am petite and 5"1. My left foot can't clutch down all the way to the floor. I have a hard time with clutching and braking. My instructor told me to bring pillows as a solution. We plan on putting a pillow behind me and possibly one under me. But I wonder if this is a good long term solution. Any suggestions on how I can make this work, especially in the future for many hours of work. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I don't know if pillows would cause back problems.

Kristine

Ok you experienced ladies, I have been reading info for the company based CDL schools and hiring and I am a little concerned. I am only 5 ft tall and while I am fairly strong, I don't think I can lift 50-75 lbs over my head, especially since I broke my elbow in 2008. It seems many schools require something called the workwell physical assessment, and this is a part of it. Anyone have input into this? I realize there is more to trucking than just driving a truck, but I really am concerned about this aspect. I am smart, responsible, and have a clean driving record....could I be done before I ever get started?

When you choose a company and apply, they will give a list of the physical exams tests, at least our company did.

I honestly don't think you'll be expected to lift heavy weight above your head. In both physical tests I've done for two different companies, I was only required to lift the weight up to my waist.

I am finally at the beginning of my driver training. But I am petite and 5"1. My left foot can't clutch down all the way to the floor. I have a hard time with clutching and braking. My instructor told me to bring pillows as a solution. We plan on putting a pillow behind me and possibly one under me. But I wonder if this is a good long term solution. Any suggestions on how I can make this work, especially in the future for many hours of work. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I don't know if pillows would cause back problems.

Kristine

I bought my hubby a gel seat cushion to help with his buttocks getting sore. He loves it.

Check in a TA or Petro, they keep some nice pads/pillows for such things.

I don't think using a pillow will cause you any back problems.

I am finally at the beginning of my driver training. But I am petite and 5"1. My left foot can't clutch down all the way to the floor. I have a hard time with clutching and braking. My instructor told me to bring pillows as a solution. We plan on putting a pillow behind me and possibly one under me. But I wonder if this is a good long term solution. Any suggestions on how I can make this work, especially in the future for many hours of work. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I don't know if pillows would cause back problems.

Kristine

I bought my hubby a gel seat cushion to help with his buttocks getting sore. He loves it.

Check in a TA or Petro, they keep some nice pads/pillows for such things.

I don't think using a pillow will cause you any back problems.

Thank you very much for the advice! I did find something. It might help other people with the same issue, so I'll post here. I found a Sacro-Ease with memory form for Lumbar support. It was not cheap, but worth every penny. It makes me able to press all the way down to the floor with a clutch without a problem. It is adjustable too. I am glad to know that Truck stops also sell things that help.

Kristine

I am finally at the beginning of my driver training. But I am petite and 5"1. My left foot can't clutch down all the way to the floor. I have a hard time with clutching and braking. My instructor told me to bring pillows as a solution. We plan on putting a pillow behind me and possibly one under me. But I wonder if this is a good long term solution. Any suggestions on how I can make this work, especially in the future for many hours of work. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I don't know if pillows would cause back problems.

Kristine

I bought my hubby a gel seat cushion to help with his buttocks getting sore. He loves it.

Check in a TA or Petro, they keep some nice pads/pillows for such things.

I don't think using a pillow will cause you any back problems.

Thank you very much for the advice! I did find something. It might help other people with the same issue, so I'll post here. I found a Sacro-Ease with memory foam for Lumbar support. It was not cheap, but worth every penny. It makes me able to press all the way down to the floor with a clutch without a problem. It is adjustable too. I am glad to know that Truck stops also sell things that help.

Kristine