BMI And Sleep Study

Hello to all you who have been in the trucking industry!!!! I am about to embark on this bold new journey to trucking! Right now I am a Paramedic and YES that is a big ole change but only so much blood and death one can look at before its time to move on! Last 6 months its been nothing but abused kids and kids dying so time to go find some sort of Zen. Anyway I got side tracked......I am over weight by about 50 pounds and my question is does this mean an automatic sleep study before I can get a CDL??? Thanks in advance for any help from this old 51 year old career changer

Tim, welcome to our forum!

The sleep studies are pretty common now. Especially if you're overweight. One thing I've noticed that seems to be a critical measurement is neck size. If your neck circumference is 17" or larger, you are more than likely headed for a sleep study.

It doesn't necessarily mean this will happen before you get a CDL , but probably before you can land a job. The company hiring you will require a new physical, and they may insist on a sleep study.

Probably the most practical way to approach this is to go through a Paid CDL Training Program. A company like Prime will help with the expenses and do a small monthly payroll deduction for the amount you owe, if any. Many of our members have told us how much better they feel after getting accustomed to using their CPAP machines.

Don't let this one issue deter you, but try and take the best approach to it. That's why I reccomend the Company Sponsored programs. Once they invite you to their program, they are committed to your success. They are going to do everything they can to recoup their investment in you and get you out there making money. By going to a private school you may be straddled with some big expenses for the study and the equipment when the companies willing to hire you want you to have a sleep study.

Don't let the idea of having to make a commitment to your employer scare you from the Paid CDL Training Programs. A lot of people erroneously think they will have some sort of leverage by attending a private school, but that is A Common Myth that is simply not true at all.

We're really glad to have you in here, and hope you will hang around and join in our conversations. By participating in our forum, you will begin to learn a great deal about how to make a good start in this very much misunderstood business. I hope we get to see you move forward in a new career direction, and we will be thrilled if we are able to help you navigate your way into this very rewarding career.

Tim, welcome to our forum!

Don't let the idea of having to make a commitment to your employer scare you from the Paid CDL Training Programs. A lot of people erroneously think they will have some sort of leverage by attending a private school, but that is A Common Myth that is simply not true at all.

I am considering private school, but from the couple of places I have spoken with, tuition reimbursement is offered "if we are the first company you work for", so you are still basically signing a contract, if you want to get your tuition money. However many months it takes to pay it off, you would have to work for that company anyway. That may not be true for all companies, but it is something you should check into.