Sleep Apnea

I would not speak for swift policy however D.O.T requires compliance tracking and with a cpap they can electronically track useage as with a dental device there's no tracking of compliance so i'd say no but maybe an actual swift driver can answer your question .Good Luck

 

I drove for Swift and I have sleep apnea and use a C-PAP every night. I didn't conceal this and was accepted for Swift Academy and hire with Swift after with no issues. They just looked into my sleep study.

The only issue it caused was idle time issues. The C-PAP requires the use of an inverter. Swift doesn't allow plug in inverters. I used one anyway, A 150 watt model I bought at Walmart worked just fine, however it's uses the trucks batteries so my truck would start via opti-idol several times each night to charge the batteries.

When I would get he "bad driver" messages on the qualcom about my idle time I would simply message my DM and remind him/her that I have sleep apnea and it is a health hazzard to not use my c-pap. It was never an issue.

I have talked with my old recruiter in preparation to come back to work for Swift as a driver and he told me it's still no issue and that I may be able to get a REAL inverter installed by the shop because it's a medical issue. I don't know if this is recruiter talk or fact.

If your sleep study is so many years old they may require a new sleep study be done before you are hired.

 

I have heard that Swift will install an inverter in these cases. I believe they need a doctor's letter or copy of the prescription for the CPAP.

 

Good info to know and very easy for me to get. Thanks!

 

I was hired out of driving school and now with a trainer. I have a CPAP machine and Swift will install an inverter. A recent sleep study and readout of you CPAP is recommend. Without these you may not be able to get your DOT physical approved. In lieu of a readout a letter from your doctor showing you are in compliance with using your CPAP may be accepted. Most Dr. won't give you the letter without a readout of the CPAP use.

If you have the medical papers needed and get the physical approved you must provide the following and the shop will install your inverter.

Between 300-500 Watt. Also need the wires to go to the battery.

Inverter will cost about $40 unless you find one on sale. The wires will cost $30-40. I had to supply them to get my inverter installed. Some terminals have inverters and the wires needed. I went though Columbus and the didn't have any. The wires that come with the inverters aren't as heavy duty as you can buy separately.

If you switch trucks they will transfer the wires and inverter. It's you responsibility to remember to get it done.

 

What is SWIFT's sleep test policy? If you get there and they think you need one because your a big guy or just have a big neck do they have a place there, near Millington, to do the test or do they send you home for the test? If they do it there do they deduct the cost of the test from your checks or how does the cost get paid?