I Am A Rest Area Attendant. Ask Me Anything.

Topic 19528 | Page 1

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Denny T.'s Comment
member avatar

I work at a rest area and just wondering if truckers have any questions for rest area employees? I have a few about truckers, but I do not want to come off as offensive and may ask some later on. I am currently in the process of losing weight so I can pass my dot physical and hope to be trucking myself in a few years. I am 37 now. Is 40 too old to get started in this game?

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.

Cwc's Comment
member avatar

I work at a rest area and just wondering if truckers have any questions for rest area employees? I have a few about truckers, but I do not want to come off as offensive and may ask some later on. I am currently in the process of losing weight so I can pass my dot physical and hope to be trucking myself in a few years. I am 37 now. Is 40 too old to get started in this game?

Lol... 40?? I'm pretty sure several on this site will refer to you as pup.. You've got a long way to go before your ready to sit at home.

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.

Denny T.'s Comment
member avatar

Lol thanks.

double-quotes-start.png

I work at a rest area and just wondering if truckers have any questions for rest area employees? I have a few about truckers, but I do not want to come off as offensive and may ask some later on. I am currently in the process of losing weight so I can pass my dot physical and hope to be trucking myself in a few years. I am 37 now. Is 40 too old to get started in this game?

double-quotes-end.png

Lol... 40?? I'm pretty sure several on this site will refer to you as pup.. You've got a long way to go before your ready to sit at home.

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.

Damon L.'s Comment
member avatar

I just got my CDL I'm 43 although I haven't started at any company yet. I plan to in the next year or so though

I work at a rest area and just wondering if truckers have any questions for rest area employees? I have a few about truckers, but I do not want to come off as offensive and may ask some later on. I am currently in the process of losing weight so I can pass my dot physical and hope to be trucking myself in a few years. I am 37 now. Is 40 too old to get started in this game?

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.

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.

OtrEscapeArtist's Comment
member avatar

Just read via TT stuff that average age for truckers is 49 (or something to the effect)....Same for Harley owners, go figure. I'm just getting into OTR at 49 looking down the barrel of the big 5-0. In addition, article stated that company's may look positively on the more life experienced group among us. Seriously, I figure a couple of these old guys on here are like 90...I'm too new to forum to say more, don't what to be kicked out so soon aye!!!

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

Denny T.'s Comment
member avatar

I would be trucking already, but I have sleep apnea and don't use a machine. I have one, but can't sleep with it. I'm trying to find a dr that will give me a 2 year card.

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.

Big Scott's Comment
member avatar

I would be trucking already, but I have sleep apnea and don't use a machine. I have one, but can't sleep with it. I'm trying to find a dr that will give me a 2 year card.

It won't matter if you find a doctor to give you a two year med card, many companies will require a sleep study if you are severely over weight. Also, I'm 50 and am just starting my trucking career. Here is the Trucking Truth starter pack.

and here are some others that may be of interest to you.

Good luck to you.

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.

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.

Hypertension:

Abnormally high blood pressure.

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.

Rick S.'s Comment
member avatar

I would be trucking already, but I have sleep apnea and don't use a machine. I have one, but can't sleep with it. I'm trying to find a dr that will give me a 2 year card.

As we discussed previously - you won't get a 2 year card with diagnosed OSA. And you won't be able to drive without being able to verify compliance with your CPAP.

As (also) discussed previously - if you put your mind to it and drop a bunch of weight, you may find many of your health issues just go away (possibly, including your OSA).

Rick

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.

CPAP:

Constant Positive Airway Pressure

CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.

Terminal Rat ( aka...J's Comment
member avatar

I would be trucking already, but I have sleep apnea and don't use a machine. I have one, but can't sleep with it. I'm trying to find a dr that will give me a 2 year card.

What machine are you using and what are your issues? My first machine was perfect and then they changed the design of the humidifier and I hated it. Had it recalibrated and it was ok at best. I now have a new machine and it works almost flawlessly but the initial setting is a bit low so I sometimes have trouble falling asleep until it rose up. I'm going to have them boost the initial setting a bit and I should be good to go.

Good luck!

JJ

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.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

Denny T.'s Comment
member avatar

This Is true and false, I know many drivers that have sleep apnea and just don't tell anyone and still get 2 year cards.

double-quotes-start.png

I would be trucking already, but I have sleep apnea and don't use a machine. I have one, but can't sleep with it. I'm trying to find a dr that will give me a 2 year card.

double-quotes-end.png

As we discussed previously - you won't get a 2 year card with diagnosed OSA. And you won't be able to drive without being able to verify compliance with your CPAP.

As (also) discussed previously - if you put your mind to it and drop a bunch of weight, you may find many of your health issues just go away (possibly, including your OSA).

Rick

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.

CPAP:

Constant Positive Airway Pressure

CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.

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