Comments By Jamie

I have noticed a few times now that I’ve become to comfortable in my job, and have taken my fair share of risks like many of us have done, one time or another. But I’ve become a lot better.

My company host safety classes multiple times a year that drivers can attend. I attend these classes as many times as I can get by one, as it is a great reminder what can happen if you become to complacent with your job. I alway remind myself anytime I’m taking unnecessary risks to stop and think about the possible outcomes, and to do the right thing.

Personally, this has really helped open my eyes and keep my on the tight track of safety.

No, I haven’t noticed a slow down, but I’ve been doing reefers all this year and dedicated cross country for Unilever/US Cold. Normally 2500-3500 miles each week.

So I was in a minor motorcycle accident last Tuesday, the same day I got home for home time. I was given a few extra days at home to recover before returning to work. Nearly a week later, I feel fine and the pain is probably less than a 1/10 if I had to rate it.

My question is, will I have any problems getting my DOT physical tomorrow? I was prescribed some medication to help with the swelling and pain I had the first few days, nothing that would be considered "banned" for me to take. I had some x-rays done last week on my left arm which took the worst of the impact, but nothing was broken or damaged. I have virtually no pain in my arm, and can move / lift things with it.

But my arms still look pretty bad, but they don’t hurt. I added a few pictures.

I plan to take the medications I was given last week to the doctor tomorrow, but wanted to see if I need to know anything else.

Wow, KIDDO !!! How ya feeling?!?!? Tom had a leg looking like that when he got into a conundrum with a shifter in his rig; a long while back. Ouch, I bet! His looked worse than it hurt too, though.

Sheesh, stop back and let the gang know what gives, moving forward!! Not sure if your DOT Physical was the 'next' day (Memorial Day) or upcoming today, Tuesday the 11th; either way, best to ya!!

~ Anne (& Tom) ~

Surprisingly it was actually the Monday, and not Tuesday. Went early morning, they do DOT physicals for a lot of companies in the area.

Figured I’d update you guys, my DOT physical had zero problems, didn’t even focus on my arms, just asked what happened and that’s it. Asked the doctor about the medicine, and didn’t even need to list it due to the type of medication it was he said.

Now being almost 3 weeks later, my arms are finally healed up, I had some pain initially when I came back to work but it went away after a few days.

So I was in a minor motorcycle accident last Tuesday, the same day I got home for home time. I was given a few extra days at home to recover before returning to work. Nearly a week later, I feel fine and the pain is probably less than a 1/10 if I had to rate it.

My question is, will I have any problems getting my DOT physical tomorrow? I was prescribed some medication to help with the swelling and pain I had the first few days, nothing that would be considered "banned" for me to take. I had some x-rays done last week on my left arm which took the worst of the impact, but nothing was broken or damaged. I have virtually no pain in my arm, and can move / lift things with it.

But my arms still look pretty bad, but they don’t hurt. I added a few pictures.

I plan to take the medications I was given last week to the doctor tomorrow, but wanted to see if I need to know anything else.

Thanks for the information, I actually decided to change my trip plan and park early today, that way by the time I reach the Portland area on the 25th, it’ll be around 0400-0500ish. My appointment isn’t until 1930, just needed to get by there with minimal problems.

Ohhhh I’m mad, I seen this post when you made it and didn’t think twice since I was originally planned to NC from Las Vegas, but that didn’t come so they decided to deadhead me to Ogden, UT for a load that delivers near Portland on the 25th… was hoping not to deal with this as I’ll have to go through the area around 1600-1700ish, not sure how bad traffic might be with it being Sunday. But thanks for the bump, it was a good reminder

The handbook they provided didn't go over any more details about how they handle things? Just curious

I got zero training on walmart policy, I learned on the go, but I just learned over the last few years it's very common for shippers and receivers to not allow drivers to randomly pull trailers from the dock door without first verifying g that it's empty. Not entirely sure of your experience, and not putting you down or anything. It's just I haven't seen anywhere that just lets me freely grab a trailer from a dock without first talking to someone.

I've done that at some places that had yards, and I knew it would be fine, etc.

Their drivers get the good training...brokered ones..not..

When I pulled dedicated for Walmart out of North Platte, NE. Their policy was to verify the trailer is empty by talking to the store manager or someone who would let you in the back door, so stuff like this wouldn't happen. Because sometimes they close the docks before fully unloading the trailer, and this kind of stuff happens. Walmart takes safety very serious.

Just relaxing at home, this is the first time I have been home for a holiday since I got started in trucking. I usually celebrate them early, so it's not such a headache getting home on time. But this year, I decided to take the holidays off. :)