Question about my CDL physical

Hi. Probably pass the DOT physical to get your CDL but may have a problem with a big carrier that uses an HPE (Human Performance Evaluation) as part of the hire process. It's basically a series of tests using weights, ladders, boxes and a weighted sled to simulate the various tasks a driver performs like climbing, spinning landing cranky, stiff gear up and down, walking under a trailer, lifting a box or pushing and pulling a loaded palate with a palate jack (unloading). You mentioned two things; lifting your arm 1/2 way up and above your head. I'd say above your head wouldn't matter but you probably need to do PT to be able to get them to be able to both come to about your nipple line on your chest and be able to have a 5 pound weight in each hand and spin them in circles 30 times each left and right. Think about using a handle to crank stiff landing gear up and down. My HPE and DOT physicals didn't involve anything above shoulder height with my arms. DOT physical is a breeze and wasn't concerned at all with my ability to perform tasks. It was mostly history and to make sure I didn't have any medical conditions that would cause me to pass out (sleep apnea, diabetes etc.), have a seizure (neurological) or coronary while driving. The HPE (most megas and student hiring companies use them) was about can I physically perform the tasks. The sled push and pull was a sled with 125 pounds on it; pull it 25' then push it back 25'.

Hope this helps. Best of luck and be safe.

 

I don't think it will be an issue on the federal level and you should receive your certificate. Where it might be an issue is certain companies might frown on it like if their drivers do a lot of unloading. But many company's drivers don't even touch freight.

You will have to take a company physical and that particular doctor might check your range of motion. He might make you demonstrate carrying a pile of boxes from paint A to point B or lift a dumbbell. That stuff is not mandatory by the DOT but the company's insurance company might require it. Then again you might get a chiropractor that does DOT physicals to make an extra buck. Since he doesn't get many customers he might incorporate his chiropractor business into his physical. I think all the physicals I've took over the years only two of them involved lifting or putting my arms in weird positions.

If all else fails you can get a SPC. There are drivers out there driving with artificial limbs. If they can do it I know you can.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/dr...ll-performance-evaluation-certificate-program

 

Quality Drivers School accepted your money or deposit and enrolled you in their program. I am curious to hear the answer they gave you. They seem to be ready and willing to take your dough, however finding employment with your issue may be problematic.

 

plenty of companies are no touch freight
particularly reefer companies
you will still have to be able to get up into the trailer to strap or load lock cargo
and of course get into the truck
if it is your right shoulder constant shifting might become tiresome
so you might consider a company with automatics


company like transam is no touch reefer with auto
that doesn't do thier own physicals
I got a 2 year certificate from school
that dr only asked the necessary required stuff

 

The Swift doctor just touched my testicles and then rambled on about his life for 5 minutes

So right there one company that will pass you through unless maybe you provide TMI.

 

i'd like to know how the system works now. with the new program just started.

if it's all the same. then why the big deal to have them certified. what's going to be different. other then drivers having to take a day or two off now to get a med card.

 

I've never had to raise my arms at a Doctors office for a DOT physical.

A company may have their own physical requirements.

H.O. Wolding's doctor had me walk 15 feet carrying a milk crate with some weights in it.

CRST did the climb in a truck, go under a trailer and walk across the catwalk (yeah the catwalk, I'm too sexy it hurts......).