Heard New Year's Eve The 2014 DOT Physical Will Have BMI Requirements
Topic 2348 | Page 2
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth
Done
Done
0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Notify Me Of New Comments
Submit
Preview
Preview:
Submit
Cancel
This topic has the following tags:
DOT Physical Health Concerns Sleep Apnea
Click on any of the buttons above to view topics with that tag, or you can view a list of all forum tags here.
Why Join Trucking Truth?
We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
This topic gets batted around once or twice a month.
Regardless of the "inherent inaccuracies" of using height/weight for "sleep apnea risks" - it is STILL NOT an FMCSA Reg. They've been "kicking the can" on this for over a decade - but still hasn't instituted it as a CFR Reg.
Once of the main reasons, is that studies have shown that many people UNDER the BMI threshold can STILL HAVE OSA, as well as many people that are OVER, conversely DO NOT HAVE IT. And the numbers are such, that they just can't realistically justify, having people go to a $3-5K expense.
OTOH - many are of the belief that the companies that DO look at BMI, and force applicants into sleep studies and the purchase of expensive CPAPA machines - are doing to - because THEY MAKE MONEY on both the studies (at their "sleep study center", that happens to be RIGHT ACROSS from where they do their physicals), and the CPAP machines (which they buy at a discount and sell to the drivers on an "easy payment plan").
One of the things that's "delaying" my potential entry into the industry - is that I'm DIETING to get my weight down. At that point - I'll get my primary to refer me for a sleep study (good insurance, low co-pays), and see if it's even remotely a concern for me.
For those that DO HAVE REAL OSA - getting diagnosed and using the CPAP gives them a whole new lease on life. Those that DON'T are SIMPLY BEING SCAMMED.
Rick
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?
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:
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.
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.
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.TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.