What Is The Reason For The Duck Walk?

Hey all after eight years on disability from a motorcycle accident, I'm starting school on September 17th. Why the duck walk? Is it really necessary? I can't bend my right knee as far as my left knee. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Robert D. (Raptor)

Almost everyday, if not two or three times per day we get underneath our trailers to shine a light up into the locking jaws on the fifth wheel. This assures us we have got a good solid connection with the trailer. It's a major disaster if that trailer uncouples from your tractor, and more common than you might think.

Thus the duck-walk. It assures the company that you "can" double check that very important step we call "coupling." It doesn't prove you "will," and plenty of drivers "don't," but there will always come that day when you'll wish you "had!"

There’s also an increasing number of shippers who will reject a trailer if cross members are missing or broken. So, you’ll wanna be able to fully check out your trailers.

My right knee is weaker than my left, and i have very little difficulty. You will figure out how to adapt, so it works for you.

Getting back out from under the trailer is where you really need to be careful. Standing up when you think you are clear, but aren't, can be very painful.

Old School-I have no problem with checking the most important things on a walk around. I just don't feel I should be disqualified if I can't bend my knee to duck walk. Should it matter how I get under the trailer to inspect them?? The inspection was always the most important things to do before I drove before my accident. I did it in snow, rain, sleet and hot sun. That is why I'm asking. Knee pads work just as well under the trailers.

Danielsahn-My knee bend radius is 100 degrees bent on my rt knee, so just over the 90 degree bend when you sit. But it is just as strong as the other if not more (prosthetic) .

anyway,

thanks guys fr the info.

Robert D. (Raptor)

Getting back out from under the trailer is where you really need to be careful. Standing up when you think you are clear, but aren't, can be very painful.

Lol, this is the truth. It only took one time ramming my back into one of the winches to learn that lesson.

As long as you can show that you can get under the trailer, within reason, I doubt it will matter. They mainly want to know if can.

I just don't feel I should be disqualified if I can't bend my knee to duck walk.

Robert, the "Duck Walk" is certainly not a D.O.T. requirement. It's not going to disqualify you from landing a truck driving job. There will be a few companies that may really want you to be able to do it, but many won't. I started my career at Western Express, and after gaining some valuable experience I accepted a great offer from Knight Transportation. I've never had to demonstrate to anyone that I could squat and walk under a trailer. In fact I've never even had to demonstrate that I could get under a trailer by any means.

There are going to be a few companies that will be sticklers about it, but many others who will not even care that one of your knees is not fully functional. I've seen guys get sent home from orientation for not being able to fully extend their arm due to a messed up elbow, and then I've seen a one legged man driving for U.S. Express. You're going to be able to find a driving job. Just be aware that a few companies may take a pass on you.

I don't think I could "duck walk" for more than one second. My 52 year old knees scream at me when I do. I can crouch to get under the trailer. I have knee pads and another pad for any kneeling jobs. The other pad was $14 at Harbor Freight. I got it years ago for working on my cars. It is about the size of a creeper and folds in half for storage and kneeling. I have fixed several things under the trailer. That little pad has paid for itself over and over. Good luck.

Old School, Big Scott, Danielsahn and andhe78, thanks for the info. I will drive again. No company will keep from it because of this. I already lost eight years of driving because of the carelessness of a texting "cagger," I won't let this deter me. I'm not being ****y, just taken a lot of time and effort to go from a wheel chair to this time now without any device to help me walk. I can climb, I just can't duck walk or squat. But I'm working on it.

Keep the rubber side down and all on here be safe,

Robert D. (Raptor)