Truck Driving Jobs

If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, you might want to read this article about your DOT Physical.  Our staff Physician, Erik Moll, gave us a list of what to do to prepare for the physical.

Dr. Moll believes that one of the biggest challenges for the FMCSA is the consistency of the DOT Medical Examination.  DOT medical exams are not all the same and the regulations seem to be understood differently by different doctors ending with different enforcements.  He feels there is a lack of certification and schooling from the medical staff.  Lack of awareness is what Dr. Moll believes is the main reason for the confusion.  With safety being the biggest concern, he feels the system needs to remember that we are in need of safe truck drivers who have a healthy report from the physical.

There is a code of ethics set by the department of transportation for the medical examiners that they understand the regulations and will impose them.  As the doctor follows the guidelines to fill out the reports correctly, the truck driver also needs to be honest with his answers.  If he or she hides health issues to become certified, their medical certificate could be denied and even worse, a civil penalty could be placed on the driver.

Read below to find suggestions from the Department of Transportation to prepare for a medical examine for your CDL:

1. Bring a copy of your previous DOT medical long form to your next DOT medical exam
2. Bring a list of the current medications you take and also bring the name and contact number of doctor who prescribed the medication to you.
3. When you fill out the health history portion of the long form, do your best to explain any previous or current medical condition you may have.
4. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes:
   1. Make sure you are following your doctor’s instructions when taking your prescribed medications.
   2. Be prepared to provide a log of your recent readings.
5. Supply the medical examiner with any necessary medical release(s).
   1. Conditions that may warrant a medical release:

1. • Any cardiac history (MI, Stents “Angioplasty”, Bypass surgery, Cardiovascular conditions, Pacemaker, Valve replacement)
   • Stroke
   • Brain injury
   • Psycho logic / psychiatric disorders (depression, ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD)
   • Previous spine or joint surgery
   • Chronic low back pain
   • Muscular disease
   • Episode of altered or loss of consciousness
   • History of fainting, dizziness
   • Sleep Apnea
2. Lastly, don’t wait until the last minute to re-certify!

These tips will help even when re-certifying as well as testing for your first truck driver jobs. In this economy finding a truck driving job can be hard enough. Don’t make it harder on yourself, follow some of these tips.