Stuck On Preemptive DOT Physical Preparation
Topic 16501 | Page 1
Dennis the below link will get you to a PDF of the current medical long form. When you submit to the DOT exam for your prospective employer, you will be required to fill-out this form. I suggest that you review it. I think some of your questions will be answered. Difficult to determine what they will ask you to do,...but the one thing concerning about your post is it seems you left the hospital before getting a diagnosis. They usually want to see proof that whatever you entered the hospital for, will not impact your ability to safely operate a CMV. Unless you left out some details, it appears as if the final diagnosis and prognosis is missing.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CMV:
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
One is too many and a 1000 is never enough, go finish the program! Do it for yourself not your employer or your problem will just come back later.
If you got paid medical leave in order to do a program, then you got that PAID MEDICAL LEAVE due to the company policies that allow employees to get help without being FIRED OR PENALIZED.
If you do not COMPLETE the program, you will likely be let go. And using this employer for a reference - they may not (legally) be able to disclose WHY you were let go, but if you are INELIGIBLE FOR REHIRE (which they CAN disclose), this isn't going to be a good reference to use. AND YOU NEED to document employment - and trucking companies DO CHECK REFERENCES.
Now - if the "treatment center" you went to wasn't IN A HOSPITAL - then chances are, you don't have to disclose it on your Med Form. The med form asks if you drink alcohol - and if you're sober then you can say no (I guess).
Now - we're not doctors or psychiatrists here (though some members may have worked in the medical field) - so we're not qualified to give "medical advice".
ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE IF YOU ARE AN ALCOHOLIC - but I suggest keeping an open mind and maybe checking out some AA MEETINGS where you live.
I'll blow my anonymity here and tell you that I am a "recovering alcoholic" with many years of sobriety. If you drink because of your problems, your problems don't go away because you stop drinking. They need to be addressed. Just because you managed to not get a DUI , only means you DIDN'T GET CAUGHT. I drove wasted from teenager till I was 40 - never got CAUGHT. Doesn't mean I don't have a problem with alcohol.
If you were getting help at a treatment center ON THE COMPANY'S DIME - GO FINISH TREATMENT. What can it hurt? Go back to the company after you finish treatment, and give them a NOTICE OF YOUR INTENT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT in a PROFESSIONAL MANNER - and leave on good terms.
If you want to get into trucking - then pursue that. RUNNING AWAY from your current job, because you don't want to complete treatment - is RUNNING AWAY.
Doesn't solve your problem, but it looks like it will create new ones.
That's my advice - and you ASKED FOR ADVICE - so it's not unsolicited...
Rick
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
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Ive obtained my Illinois CDL permit and made a down payment to a driving school. In my last job I asked to take a leave to address personal issues. . . I wasnt happy with my boss and was contemplating a transfer or career change. My unhappiness also included the passing of both my parents and a good friend. As a result I chose to begin self medicating with alcohol. I was never arrested or cited with a DWI or DUI. On my own I chose to step away from work with a medical leave to find out what was going on. I entered into a facility. I did not stay the entire time. I believed then and still do that it was episodic consumption. Im still on paid leave though time is about up. My employer wants me to finish the program. As things stand now I don't intend to return to work for them. My career plan is to drive. I can pass a drug screening anytime. My concerns and questions are the following What does the DOT Dr. ask regarding the issue, what is my answer to be --so as to be forthright without going too far. Is there a DOT Doc who can be contacted that anyone is awhere of? I'd like to get some official word and advice that has actual "in stone" weight so I know the true facts. Thank you for any and all advice, suggestions and direction to go in.
Dennis
fairfieldden@gmail.com
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
DWI:
Driving While Intoxicated
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated