Duck Walk? Physical Capabilities Test?

Discussion in 'US Xpress' started by basstime54, Oct 12, 2010.

  1. highwayman

    highwayman Medium Load Member

    well yes it will at that...lol, trust me i was not trying to take away from the importance of it,,,i was just trying to let basstime know not to worry too much about the exam part of it
     
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  3. wildbill123

    wildbill123 Heavy Load Member

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    If you really want to prepare for the duck walk I would start practicing now. Maybe go around the block a few times, or better yet go to the nearest truck stop and try it out in the parking lot. You might try asking one of the old vets for a few tips as you pass by.
     
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  4. basstime54

    basstime54 Light Load Member

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    Going to Dallas, Texas mostly out of my pocket (since I plan to use the airport rather than the bus terminal) from where I live, which is another world entirely, and then having them say, "No we don't want you here because you can't walk the duck?" Not funny.

    When I was learning the pre-trip inspection at school the teacher told us, "You don't have to go under the trailer". I did not go under the trailer while testing with the DMV, just leaned over and used a stick to point things out as I went along, no problem. Of course, I can see how climbing under the trailer would be important if, say, a hose popped off a brake chamber or something. There must be a million reasons why a driver might need to go under their rig.

    If a duty called me under the trailer, I'm sure I would crawl under it on my knees. I just want to know I can do what is expected before I get there. I read somewhere on here where a woman failed the duck walk at USXpress and got the boot because of it without even getting a 2nd chance, telling her she could try again in 30 days.
     
  5. basstime54

    basstime54 Light Load Member

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    Thanks all for the input. I'm just a little concerned because of my height. It'll be alright.
     
  6. highwayman

    highwayman Medium Load Member

    i understand, and i was not in any way trying to make a joke of it....i was just going by what i have had to do in the past...it was done for just a few seconds, i guess it depends on where it's done and who is doing the test..i'm sure you will be fine bass, good luck and let us know how it goes...when did you say you are leaving?
     
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  7. wildbill123

    wildbill123 Heavy Load Member

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    When I first read your post I got tickled and couldn't stop laughing. It was the image in my head, I just couldn't resist.

    On a serious note. Being that you are so concerned about being able to do the duck walk probably means you have trouble doing it. That alone could be enough to cause you to fail. I'll give you an example of what I experienced hiring on with the railroad. All new hires had to go to Atlanta for six weeks of training in order to get hired. New hires are tested everyday while there, on knowledge and physical abilities. A person could be sent packing at any time during the six weeks. One of the physical tests was hanging on the ladder on the side of a rail car for four minutes. I'm sure you've seen ladder rungs on the side of a passing train, not much room for you feet on those. Anyway you had to hang for four minutes with a lantern in one hand and hanging on with the other. If you came off the ladder you got sent home right then and there. And they let you know it as soon as you step up to the ladder. I watched a guy that was in good shape, about 6' 185 lbs. step up on the ladder and he wasn't up there one minute before he began to shake. I could see his nerves were getting the better of him, the longer he was up there the more he shook. He didn't make it. I have no doubt that this guy could have done pull ups for four minutes if he wasn't being tested. My point is if you are to worried about it that in itself could be enough to cause you a problem. So I would suggest practicing before you go, and if you can't do it, it probably is not a good idea to travel fifteen hundred miles to find out.
    Do they have a terminal near you ? If so, why not call them and ask if you can try it there first.
    Good luck
     
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  8. highwayman

    highwayman Medium Load Member

    well put wildbill....
     
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  9. basstime54

    basstime54 Light Load Member

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    No problem, I'm confident I could hang on the ladder on the side of a rail car for four minutes with one hand, holding a lantern in the other. If the walk is no harder than that I can do it. I am in good shape but have gotten lazy a little fat since I was laid off my previous long-time career.

    I couldn't stop laughing at the thought of 'walking around the block a few times like a duck'. Not that I care what the neighbors think, but what would the neighbors think? Funny. I can do it for a short time but I doubt I could go around the block even once!

    I don't know when I'm going -- or even if I will -- because I am diligently searching for a local gig. I want to find a way to stay by the bay if possible, because this is my home. I know a few people and my feelers are out. If I cannot stay local, I will do what I have to do, including trying to get on with USXpress, because I am willing to drive all over the U.S. and Canada in order to survive.

    There are really no terminals near me. My understanding is, the property value is too high. Most of the terminals are in Southern California. I am near Oakland.
     
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  10. GuysLady

    GuysLady Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I'd be hopeless if anyone was watching! Because I would be laughing so hard I could not maintain my balance!:biggrin_2559: I'd start laughing and land on my bottom!
     
  11. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sounds like basic training in the US Army. Hold a M16 with your arms straight out for 10 minutes and don't let your arms drop. Not easy to do
     
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