RE: DOT Phys. - Will Co.'s accept independent one?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by rnazareth, Oct 18, 2011.

  1. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Yeah, generally, usually, you get a physical to get into truck school on your dime. Then, when you get hired, you get another physical with your new company on their dime, however, most will charge it back to you if you quit before 6 months or a year. Also, some companies, while you are at THEIR Doc will do additional tests like the duck walk, sleep apnea, even a back x-ray, which aren't part of the DOT physical.
     
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  3. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Some companies like Knight have super extensive physicals. I think they do this for workers comp. If they can determine from the get go that there was something wrong with you previously then they are off the hook. I went through the physical that Knight makes you do and it literally took 5 hrs! They drop you off at a chiropractic doctors office and you actually get seen by 4 different doctors! Never seen or been through anything like it in my life!
     
  4. Woogie

    Woogie Bobtail Member

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    I have three medical cards right now first one from my old job expires in febuary got another at school and started a new job and they wanted me to see there own doctor atlas another medical card
     
  5. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    I worked for one carrier that required me to pay for my own physical . They let me go to the doctor of my choice and told me I could take the long form with me if I left within 2 years . Some smaller companies will accept an unexpired medical card .
     
  6. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    Last December when my card expired, and I wasn't driving for anyone, I took it on myself to get my own physical. My Dr. didn't have the card, so I just used the long form. When I hired with my present company, they only sent me for a drug screen, accepted my physical, and even gave me the wallet card so I wouldn't need to carry the long form. I just needed my Dr. to fill it out.
    Seems the big companies feel it's their way, or no way. As long as they paid for it, I never cared. But I always wondered what they thought a place they recommended was better than any I could find. With SNI, I had to drive over 100 miles to go to where they wanted, when less than20 miles away was where I paid for it myself.
     
  7. jhill365

    jhill365 Light Load Member

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    Feb 5, 2011
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    When I started with SNI in March, I just faxed the medical team my long form from my physical that was done at my school and all they had me do was the drug screen which I had to go about 50 miles away because I live in a town that is 50 miles from any other medium sized city.
     
  8. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    They send you to their own place because there are plenty out there that will pretty much give anyone a card regardless of their health.
     
    johnday Thanks this.
  9. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    That will change soon . Before long doctors giving physicals will have to be certified by the DOT . They are going to do away with medical cards . Your info will be sent electronically to your state DMV and linked to your CDL
     
  10. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    There could be something to that. I was surprised how thorough my PA was compared to any place a larger company sent me.:biggrin_25525:
     
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