New To Trucking

Where do you live!

 

Well, given that you already have some experience with the trucking industry there's not much that I can offer in the way of actual driving advice. You've probably heard enough of it from your dad at this point anyways. That being said, I couldn't tell you how long your specific company will take to approve you.

I'm a company driver with Schneider and was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea myself. I would strongly encourage you to read the book provided by the FMCSA and look at all conditions that may disqualify you or hinder you from getting your license as well as what you need when you've got a condition that requires "special care."

In the event that you don't have a copy already available to you. I can tell you a little about what it says. First of all if you have an AHI greater than 15 you must be treated for sleep apnea and you must be able to show proof. Since you already have your med card I would assume that your AHI is less than 15. Would that be a correct assumption?

Essentially, what the law says in a nutshell is that if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and your AHI is greater than or equal to 15 (your AHI is the number of disturbances you have in your sleep directly related to sleep apnea) you must be treated using CPAP therapy and you must be able to show compliance. I'll get into compliance in a minute.

What the FMCSA says about anyone who has a score less than 15 is a admittedly a little hazy. And again in a nutshell it says if you didn't score high enough we don't give a crap if you are or are not treated. So anything between 0-14.9 is going to fall under their radar. There's an exception to that rule which says that if you walk out of the doctor's office with a prescription or the actual machine, you're required to use it and show compliance.

There is however a clause underneath it all which states that companies may add and make more severe restrictions for their own drivers. In the case of Schneider, if you test positive for sleep apnea and your AHI is greater than 5 then you are required (by the company not the law) to use CPAP therapy and continually show compliance. As I recall Roehl is the same.

I've got more to come, but feel free to ask any questions. My 30 minute break is up and I need to get to my next shipper. Probably will be back in an hour and a half or so.

Edit: The rest of the story.

Compliance is defined by two things and is based on the same standards Medicare uses. Again, this may change depending upon company.

1). You must have at least 4 hours of use for each 24 hour period.
2). You must have at least 70% of nights with 4+ hours of usage.

You may have already known all that though, so I apologize if you felt I've wasted your time. It's been my experience though that not knowing what the book says about all this can and will bite you in the butt.

Everything here on in is stuff that directly related to you.

Schneider approved me for duty in a couple days. However, at the time I wasn't diagnosed with sleep apnea. For you it may be difference. Right now, to their safety department you're a double-liability. Not only are you a "student driver" but you've got untreated sleep apnea. Bottom line is this though, they need drivers just as much as any other company. If they don't hire you, it won't be because of your sleep apnea.

You may be asked to undergo another sleep study, and very likely will be forced to use a cpap machine.

I'm sorry I didn't see your question earlier or I would've answered it. I was home on the weekend and the "to do list" always is longer than the previous list. Ask away though, and if I don't have the answer I'll look for it.

OH! And welcome to TTR!

 

Pennsylvania.

 

Oh, okay that changes things. I thought you were untreated.

They usually give one-year cards to folks with minor osa that don't need treatment. Hence my assumption. ...but we all know what happens when you assume.

I wouldn't be too worried about it then... I think you're fine.

I will however change the subject a tad. You're doing school with Roehl?

I don't suggest to anyone that they have that carrot hung over their head... I always advise that if you must owe someone, make sure it isn't the person who pays your bills.

If it's your best option though, you might also look at Schneider bulk. In some areas Schneider is still doing their school. I'm just not sure where. I believe that bulk is based out of Pa though....

Another thing you'll have to consider is that Roehl may not pay for your cpap stuff. Some only pay for the machine, others pay for all of it and others only pay for the supplies.

I'm not against Roehl, in fact I've heard far less bad stuff about Roehl when compared to Schneider. Just make sure you consider all your options.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

P.S. - if you're still looking for schools, check with your state. In Georgia there's a program that allows you to attend a cdl school for free if you're unemployed. Your state may have something similar.

 

Schneider has been good to me. Been with them 6 months. If your a military vet then you can make an extra $14,000your 1st year. Hit me up if you have any questions.