CDL Physical Question - High BMI
Topic 17290 | Page 1
Welcome Reb.
By itself your BMI would not disqualify you as a student driver candidate. In all likelihood you will be required to submit to a sleep study test to determine if you have sleep apnea.
There is no such animal as grandfathering the medical recertification. Every two years a CDL holder is required by federal law to have a physical renewing their medical certification. Depending on the existing medical condition (such as treated high blood pressure) the recertification is annual. Recertification is not automatic.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
G-Town nailed it perfectly..
Thank you, G-Town. I didn't really figure there was such a thing as being grandfathered in with the DOT... Otherwise, there would be great grandfathers, 90 years old and barely able to walk, much less drive a big rig, doing so!
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.
Reb wrote:
Thank you, G-Town. I didn't really figure there was such a thing as being grandfathered in with the DOT... Otherwise, there would be great grandfathers, 90 years old and barely able to walk, much less drive a big rig, doing so!
You're welcome Reb. Best of luck to you.
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.
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Howdy all,
I'm interested in getting my Class A CDL , and becoming a truck driver. I had a Mississippi Class A until 2008, but moved to Texas and gave it up. My question is... How stringent is the neck size / BMI thing?
I'm a big guy. Currently 6'4", and 365 lbs... I had gastric sleeve surgery in late August, and have lost 64 lbs since surgery, and AM going to lose a lot more... BUT... Right now, my BMI is @ 44... Well over 35!
IF there is literally no chance of me passing the physical, then there is no sense in me taking the test...
Please advise.
I know there are a LOT of BIG truckers; but they may have been smaller when they got their licenses, and are sort of "grandfathered" in?
Thanks in advance !
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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:
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.