Another Concern About Passing The DOT Physical

Yeah, I Saw the same thing on a Youtube video for Prime, as well...it's just a physical flexibility and strength test..just to make sure you can handle having to move stuff if you get stuck having to unload/load a trailer or something like that..I wouldn't sweat it too much..I have creaky knees and can squat down and duck walk about 5 or 6 steps without much issue..

Hey Tim, I might be able to help you out with this. I had to take a physical with prime and when I had to see the doctor he made us squat and take about 4 steps forward, walk like a duck I'm 6'3" 235lbs and had no problem doing this. There was no test around a truck or anything. Our physical was done in 2 steps. When you fill out your paperwork you see the nurses where you take the drug test, then they test your eyesight by reading the eye board, right eye, left eye, both eyes. Then they tell tell you to distinguish colors on a board. They test your hearing by telling you to turn your head and they whisper words like January, November, and you have to repeat what they say. Then they hold two.small poles in their hands and have you pull on them. After that they have you bend over and pick up a tote of weights with about 50-60lbs in it. Then they check your blood pressure. After that we had to return to a different office later that day to see the official doctor. When he came in you had to have your shoes, socks and shirt off. He checks your eyes, ears, listens to your breathing with the stethoscope. He hits your knee to test your reflexes He holds out his hands and tell you to press down on them. Then squat and walk like a duck. After that it's the good Ole hernia check where you drop your drawers, he cuffs your boys and you cough. After that is over he'll tell you whether your qualified or not depending on your medical history. Usually 2 years if your fit for duty, maybe less if you have any blood pressure or health issues, or maybe not at all depending on if your on disqualifying medicines or you need to be cleared of something first. I hope this helps.

How far did you have to squat down? I can squat, but I cannot get down as far as a major league catcher anymore. After looking at a tractor and trailer up close yesterday, I believe I can squat low enough to get underneath the trailer without any problem. I don't think I can squat and bend my knees more than 90 degrees at the joint. If I have to squat so low that my achilles heel is touching my tail end, I am sunk.

Tim,,don't let it get to you....There are alot of companies that don't even do that physical test. So apply to all you can, and when the recruiter calls you, explain your concerns, and see if their company does the squat test...Theres a fit for you out there...you just have to persist and find it !!!! Good Luck !!

I don't think there is a squat test per se but I do know that during our physical we had to pick up 40 to 50 lbs and you had to do it the right way. That means bending at the knees and not the waist to pick something up to protect your back. I can see this. If you have back trouble trucking is the last place you want to be due to the bouncing around on the rough roads. I guess in a way this would be a "squat" test of sorts.

Tim,,don't let it get to you....There are alot of companies that don't even do that physical test. So apply to all you can, and when the recruiter calls you, explain your concerns, and see if their company does the squat test...Theres a fit for you out there...you just have to persist and find it !!!! Good Luck !!

The company I really am leaning toward does indeed have you perform a squat test and that is Con-way. I intend to contact the company and see if I can get clarification on just what that test entails. Of course, if they are too harsh on an older fellow, I will look elsewhere.

Considering the fact that most truck drivers look like the fella below, you probably won't have much to worry about when it comes to physical requirements:

Bein' short and fluffy DOES has its advantages !!!!

It sure does:) Im 5'1 and can damn near walk under the trailer no squatting required lol. I would worry about the squatting.

Brett, That picture of the fat trucker in the Mini was downright funny, I don't care who ya are!

:)

Tracy

Brett, That picture of the fat trucker in the Mini was downright funny, I don't care who ya are!

:)

Tracy

I know. That picture kills me!

Back in the 80's I used to drive a little red Dodge Colt hatchback. I am not obese like that fellow, but I can at least relate to that photo, lol.