Why?

Because it is a physical requirement to pass the DOT physical. If your friend cant do it then your friend cant do the job. Have fun suing the DOT for setting the physical requirements.
The reason for being required to do this is so you can get into the trailer for securing loads, sanitation, and basic maintenance. If you cant climb into your trailer to properly secure a load then you legally cant do the job.

 

Then tell your friend to buy a ladder!

 

Got a link for that? I mean a link somewhere that confirms it is a DOT and not a company requirement?

 

You should know by now that many large trucking companies are generally staffed by idiots. Especially, it seems, in safety departments. She should ask them why they do not allow the use of an aid when that is what the DOT recommends.

As to whether anybody ever has to do this? Yes, many times per day sometimes.

An alternative would be for her to seek out companies where it almost exclusively drop & hook.

 

What companies is she talking to? Telll her to use the icc bar

 

No sorry I always thought it was, if it isnt...O well. If the company sets their own standards and make it a requirement and you cant do it then you dont get the job they are well within their legal rights and there isnt much you can do about it.