Question on DOT physical

I did that too with no problems.

I was amazed at how basic the DOT physical is. No big deal. I've smoked for 30 years and had no problems at all.

 

From what research I have seen as a former FMCSA auditor turned safety consultant, the rumor about body fat impacting a driver's dot certification is premature. Back in October 2009 DOT NHTSA recommended that the agency (specifically FMCSA) consider looking further into the impact that excess fat can have on sleep apnea, one factor that a doctor should consider when a driver is qualified.

To make this a current concern for truck drivers, FMCSA would have to undertake a rulemaking on the issue and work the entire way through the process to publish a final rule that is put into the regulations. That would take forever especially when FMCSA has to re-write the hours of service rules and implement CSA2010.

FMCSA is not in the business of making driver qualification decisions. The final determination regarding your DOT physical will remain with your physician, anD does not by law have to be consistent with the guidance that FMCSA has issued.

I hope this rumor goes away! Been getting calls right and left about the issue. At this point, there's NO VALIDITY to this rumor. If you think you need to lose weight as a truck driver, do it for your own health and not because it will impact your ability to make a living. It's a new year / decade and a perfect time to make a resolution.

 

A thank you to all that put n your 2 cents of knowledge and replied to mÝ posting.
Just an update - I am currently # prime inc's campus and passed my DOT physical with flying colors. I chilled out, pushed the stress out the window and flushed my body of any excess food in my intestines using Magnesium Citrate, which is a natural laxative. Also the help of 81 mg aspirin most likely help my BP. I have excellent vision, hearing and # the time of my physical I got by with a 38.7 BMI and my BP was 120/78 which was a huge difference from the days I stressed out before.

Didn't want to leave everyone hanging but I had no internet access. I now currently have my general knowledge written test completed with a 90% and I go in the morning for combination vehicles and air brakes which shouldn't be a problem.

thanks for the info and support, I hope to see some of u out there on the road.

Be safe and take care.

 

I am interested in getting into truck driving. The question is about passing the DOT physical, because I have had anxiety attacks in the past.
I Have not had one for a few years. Does this kill my chance of becoming a truck driver. I have my anxiety under control. Does anyone who has similar problem that has passed the physical? and what are the guidlines on mental disorders that prevent people from passing the physical?

 

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regu.../fmcsrruletext.aspx?chunkKey=09016334800238b9

Be safe.

 

Mike,
To be honest, passing the DOT physical doesn't mean squat to trucking companies. I had a heart transplant 10 yrs ago and have obtained all the tests and documentation to meet federal standards. I passed the DOT physical, got 1 yr card and even my permit. Every company I have applied to somehow comes up with some company policy loophole to disqualify me or just doesn't return my calls.
Trucking can be very stresful and taxing so anxiety is a norm. If you are absolutley positive you no longer have this problem then go for it and don't even mention it if you don't require medication. Otherwise, I suggest finding another career because complete attention is vital to the saftey of you and the public. Good luck!
I did drive Class B before getting sick in 96'

 

Hey everyone I have a ??

I am getting ready to take my DOT physical... I have some arthritis in my knees...nothing to serious. I saw that it is a condition to keep you from getting a clean bill of health.

Can this keep me from passing the physical ?
should I even tell them ?

I am on no meds for it or get any kind of treatment, I know its there because i had them x ray'd a year or so ago.

Do I have to report this if Im not getting any kind of treatment ?

Thanks in advance...

 

DOT physicals are pretty basic. Pee, BP, eyesight, listen to your lungs. That's about it. What you need to know is your employer's requirements. Often they are much stricter than DOT.
As an example, I have been required to walk under my trailer, kneel down beneath my tandems to show I can physically do it. Also was required to get in and out of my cab 10x in a row.
Some require you to be able to lift x amount of weight above your head to see if you can adjust a load or if you're required to load your own trailer such as LTLs often do.
Each company is a bit different. If you're looking for a company and just wondering, ask the recruiter what the physical requirements are. Then after you pick a company, but before you go with them, ask the safety office the same question.

 

I don't think you need to be nearly as concerned about the physical, as you do about getting into trucking at all, with a bad knee or knees. This can be a tough life for a knee, even for one in good condition.

I am speaking from experience here. I've had knee problems for years, and may well have to get at least one, if not both replaced in the not too distant future.

 

have 2 years otr experience and in late 2008 i was injured and have been unable to work and on disability since then because of my back.
No back surgery, Just fractured a few vertebra.
I got doctors clearence to return to work last month and everything is healed up with no lingering effects and nothing that would stop me from preforming any of the job duties required as a driver.
I was just woundering how that will effect my chances to get back into trucking and get hired?
Ive contacted a few companies (werner, swift, prime, cr england, ffe and a few others aswell) and they go by my work record and dont take the injury into account when it comes to why i havent been working or abile to since then.
Any advise on what i should do?