Want to go back to trucking after crash in 1992

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by meworrynot, Jan 18, 2011.

  1. meworrynot

    meworrynot Bobtail Member

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    Jan 18, 2011
    Portland, TX
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    Hello all,

    I was a driver in the northeast from 1986 to 1992, hauled van, tank, and parking lot. I was in a crash in early 1992 and lost my right leg below the knee ( mom always said I'd loose my head, boy was she wrong...). I have driven wreckers and most recently a 33' straight truck for PODS, all were under the CDL requirement. When I drove 18 before, it was 2 weeks before I was to take the CDL test when I crashed. I was driving as "Class 1" then. I now want to go back to 18, and know I can handle the driving. I don't know if there are companies that would take me on as I know I'll need an "SPE", and I'm not sure how to get it, or will a company help me? Are there companies that anyone knows of that would take me on? I believe I would have to go through driving school again to gain my CDL, is that correct? Any help and/or advice would be great and much appreciated. I guess it boils down to, I miss driving ( silly fool) and know I can do it, just not how to go about it. (sorry for being long winded!)

    Pete in Texas
     
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  3. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    first question, DO YOU HAVE a CDL right now....???

    if you DO NOT have a CDL right now....this "can be" a problem.....the schools can and will demand proof you can obtain the SPE, as you would be an insurance (high) risk student..

    now, IF you already have a CDL, then YES, you need to go through the entire training all over again....but here-in lies the problem of the SPE and you as a student.....

    now, here are the rules of the SPE, and i gotta tell you, you had better be darned great at what you do for a company to even consider your application, in the first place...read this carefully...."if the application is accepted".....

    frankly, it'll be way too much to put up with and they might well figure you could leave in short time when you get what you want....but guess what.....EACH EMPLOYER MUST go through this just to hire you.....i just don't see it happening.....

    now if YOU WERE an employee and had an accident, then your employer "might" go thru this for you, but you know what..."??? the employer can say that you are "damaged goods, we don't need you" just as easily too......

    read all about it here:

    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=r49CFR391.49
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2011
  4. meworrynot

    meworrynot Bobtail Member

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    Jan 18, 2011
    Portland, TX
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    I do not. I have a regular unrestricted auto license.

    Pete in Texas
     
  5. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    this might be a problem......

    from this point, go in person to your DMV and inquire with-in about THEIR qualifications for a CDL with loss of limb......but i just don't see this happening....
     
  6. meworrynot

    meworrynot Bobtail Member

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    Jan 18, 2011
    Portland, TX
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    I'll go there, thanks for your advice, I do appreciate it. This sounds dificult, but I'm going to give it a shot.

    Pete in Texas
     
  7. Saddle Tramp

    Saddle Tramp Medium Load Member

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    laurel, nebraska
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    if you do get your cdl, apply at all companies that have auto's, i think that will be your best aption.
     
  8. bigrigjones

    bigrigjones Light Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2010
    southern cali
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    I know an airline pilot who lost both legs below the knee. He got on with American Eagle after losing his legs. You can do whatever you want.
     
  9. bigrigjones

    bigrigjones Light Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2010
    southern cali
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    I know an airline pilot who lost both legs below the knee. He got on with American Eagle after losing his legs. You can do whatever you want.
     
  10. meworrynot

    meworrynot Bobtail Member

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    Jan 18, 2011
    Portland, TX
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    Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. I am a stubborn German and determined to make it work. The autos sounds like a good idea, I drove a PODS straight truck up until last week, it was auto. If I can't get on with a company that will train me, would doing it myself through a community college be a better idea? Would I have to worry about the DOT physical before I take driving tests with the DMV?

    Pete in Texas
     
  11. Zuma

    Zuma Light Load Member

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    Dec 26, 2010
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    You need a permit to do driving training or testing.

    You need to pass the DOT medical qualifications before you can get your permit. You have to have that paperwork in hand when you show up for your permit testing.

    Your DOT physical will show the loss of limb, which is a disqualifier.

    So you need to look into the SPE before you go any further, since that's the way around the disqualifying condition. Also, make sure you don't have any other disqualifying medical conditions, or you could be wasting your time!

    If you can get past that, your community college would have to accept you for training. You'd still have to do the course work and pass the driving test.

    And then you'd need to find someone to hire you.

    Good luck!
     
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