Questions about CDL requirements

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by zaroba, Mar 19, 2015.

  1. zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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    I haven't been on this forum since 2012. Was interested in getting into trucking in 2013, but things fell apart. Been working at an amazon.com warehouse for the past 4 and a half years and lately they have really been pushing tuition assistance programs at a nearby college.

    More recently, they have been advertising a CDL program and even taking names of people who are interested in signing up for the course. It is a 10 week course (sat and sun only) that costs $5000 and amazon will prepay 95% of the cost leaving me only needing to pay $250. The class is limited to 10 students so there is a chance I wont be able to get in. They will be deciding who goes based on seniority and good standings. So I am positive I'll get in since there aren't many people that have been at the warehouse longer then me (incredibly high turn around, most don't make it to 4 years).

    Sorry, was bit of an off-topic story.

    Anyway,
    in 2012 I had surgeries for 2 groin hernias.
    in 2013 I had carpel tunnel surgery on both hands.

    Would either of these prevent me from getting a CDL?
    I've read that you can't get it if you *have* a hernia or carpel tunnel, but haven't seen anything about if you *had* it and got surgery to fix it.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    When I got my DOT physicals I forgot about having had hernia surgery; didn't think about it until I read your post. I dont even have a scar.

    You will be OK since both issues have been resolved. Don't ask, don't tell.

    Old Dominion has been hiring lots of new CDL grads in PA
     
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  4. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    I don't think you'll have any problems if any of these medical procedures do not interfere with driving a CMV. You can go and look in the FMCSR to see if there's any wording that fits you at FMCSR §391.41 Subpart E Physical Qualifications and Examinations. I would be up front with the people that need to know but I wouldn't go further than that. It's nobody's business to know your physical limitations if you have any. Just be honest and act like nothing is in your way. And it looks like nothing is.
     
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  5. zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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    Thanks for the info guys, that's what I was hoping to hear.

    Don't think my driving record would prevent it based on all I've read either.
    My only speeding ticket was 4 years ago for going 10 over while coasting down a long steep hill.
    Did have a minor accident last year, but it was my pickup vs a telephone pole, no other vehicles involved and nobody injured. Went around a blind curve on a main road and an oncoming tractor trailer prevented me from seeing that traffic was stopped right around the bend due to construction further down the road. Swerved to avoid rear-ending a stopped suv and clipped a telephone pole. Don't know if it matters, but it is an area that often has accidents (near where rt 100 and rt 29 come together outside of Macungie , PA if anybody knows the area), two weeks later somebody else hit the next phone pole down the road.
     
  6. Dr_Fandango44

    Dr_Fandango44 Road Train Member

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    I don't think you get a scar these days CT. I had a double whammy inguinal hernia in stereo couple of years ago and they go via a different route if you get my drift. A la laparoscopic...correct spelling I hope.
    The wonders of modern surgeries. Quicker healing time I guess. And it's easy to forget about it. In fact I bet there's guys out there that don't even know they've got one.
    But they may pull you up if you have blood in the urine.
    You just have to know your body.
     
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  7. RustyBolt

    RustyBolt Road Train Member

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    If the accident shows on your driving record, there are some companies that wont hire you until X amount of years after the accident. I worked for one that wouldn't hire anyone with an accident in the last 3 years. But others wont be bothered too much by it as it wasn't in a commercial vehicle. All depends on what the companies insurance rules are. I'd say you're good to go on the medical side, though.
     
  8. zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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    That's what both mine were, inguinal. Had one on the right side, got it fixed, and two months later got one on the left. Can only assume that the right was weaker so went out first to 'release the pressure' and when fixed, the left side went. Didn't do laproscopic, but the scars are barely visible now.

    Kinda assume both happened due to loosing 5" off my waist during the prior 2 years.
     
  9. Dr_Fandango44

    Dr_Fandango44 Road Train Member

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    Yes, I spotted a "problem" one day when I looked down. A bulge that shouldn't have been there. I guessed it was the big "H" right off the bat. Who knows how these things come about but they're very common as you get older. The surgeon can fix it 2 ways. Mesh sandwich or just stitch it up. I went mesh and he fixed both at the same time even though the left side was minimal.
     
  10. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    HEY, I just ordered printer ink from Amazon, no kidding! Now that I know you work there, I had better get my ink!

    That being said, take the course since they offer such a tuition assistance for it, they may even need you to continue working for them as thier t/t driver, if they have a fleet, or private contractors?

    No problem, some here are having ADD issues anyways.

    No problems. I have had a double hernia myself, and both hands with carpal tunnel. Best thing to do is "ignore" any questions regarding any surgeries, as someone can AND WILL BE a Richard Cranium about it, and order you to get a doctors note saying you are cleared.
     
  11. zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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    Think different warehouses use different companies, probably whatever is local. The part of the warehouse I work in handles unloading trucks that come from other amazon warehouses. Usually see CRST coming from CA, Eagle coming from Kentucky, First Call and Phoenix coming from NY, NJ, and other PA warehouses, and Hillcrest from VA. And my warehouse uses Mesko for yard jockeying. Sometimes see a Schnieder truck tossed in from anywhere. Also sometimes see independent drivers with their own trailer delivering for Eagle or Phoenix.
     
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