OTR Companies with no weight lifting requirements

So, did you tell them (doctor or carrier) you had back surgery and did you provide them with some sort of documentation from the surgery? If so, and if you feel you need to be honest in that way, then I don't know what to tell you. Most of the "major" carriers will have a somewhat stringent agility test, however, the rest just run you through the basic DOT physical, no lifting, only bending over to touch your feet. Best wishes.

 

I thought that only applied to flatbedders, who knew? Go to a smaller company that will take newbies

 

I believe Swift stopped doing one. They did when I was hired in '07, but rumor says they don't anymore. That's the only one I know of.

 

The danger the company runs into, and being a former employer I can see their point, is if the doctor puts a 25lb limit on you and you injure your back lifting more than 25lbs while on the job, the company can be held liable.

In my former job I routinely lifted headstones weighing in excess of 350 lbs, I'm a strong boy. Some of the trailers I have picked up I literally strained until the veins were popping out of my forehead to raise the landing gear on a trailer hooked to my truck because the guts were worn out.

That spinal fusion is going to make you an insurance liability so it may be hard to find a company to take you.

 

The best thing to do is make an appointment with the surgeon and update the restrictions.

 

What's the hazard in applying elsewhere and NOT telling the prospective employer about your surgery? You indicate that you have done above and beyond the restriction with zero problems so why bother divulging the info. Just remember that IF there is a problem with your back down the road (no pun intended) the carrier will deny and absolve themselves of any responsability/liability as they will find out about your spinal fusion if the need arises.

 

Why risk uncovered injury by hiding it/lying?

Going back and getting reevaluation is the right way.

Hide it, twist wrong one time and then your out of work, broke, ineligible for any compensation because you lied.

Not worth it in my book. Go see the doc and get cleared then go back to USX if that's where you want to be.

 

What he said

 

You maybe should reconsider if this is the right career for you, lifting aside. Even with air ride seats, cabs, and suspensions, riding on our nations rough roads is a pain. Even starting with a back with no issues, many guys have chronic back issues after a few years. But for your own health, get re-evaluated by your doctor before you start driving.