Former Driver, Current Amputee🤪 Is Trying To Get Back Into Proffesional Truck Driving

Hi, let me start by saying thank you for accepting me to this forum and truckingtruth.com. I really like the articles and company reviews in addition to the posts on the forum boards here. Really inspiring!

Let me get right to it... I’m currently in a CDL training course, I’ve got my permit and all my endorsements, and my hazmat background check is in the process. Should be done by the time I finish training and acquire my CDL. I am a freelance audio engineer and musician, well I’m a drummer... not sure if that qualifies as being a musician. Lol. As some of you know, those jobs don’t pay much and offer no job or financial security. And don’t offer any “job history”. I haven’t punched a clock in 15 years. All I have is my portfolio containing my body of work.

This brings me to my next point. I am an amputee. I lost my left foot in a motorcycle accident back in 2004. At the time I was a driver on Schneider’s dedicated GM account out of Rancho Cucamonga, California. I was approaching my two years of experience when I had this accident, ironically driving home from work. Long story short; I was unable to return to work because I was seriously injured and nearly died. I spent over a year in physical therapy and occupational therapy... lots of medical stuff that I won’t bore you guys with the details. I really haven’t worked a regular job since except for a brief one year job as a case manager at mental health clinic in Mojave’s. Found out real quick that wasn't for me... never was one that understood people’s excuses of why they can’t. Whatever that may be.

I’m sorry this is so long but I don’t want to leave you all confused... anyway I was able to draw my social security and Medicare and still do to this day. I’m grateful for that because it helped my family and I when we needed it the most. However, there is no future in collecting a check and everything stays the same. I’m in a good situation now, after several surgeries and modifications I am really doing well physically. It’s like I’m not even an amputee anymore, that’s how good I get around now.

I’m 50 years old and in good shape and I am determined to get back to driving professionally. I’ve got my D.O.T. Physical card and it says I’m fit to drive. However, it doesn’t mention that I’m an amputee even though I put it on the form to apply for the physical. Very curious... but whatever at this point, I’ll have to tell any companies I apply to about it as it must be disclosed according to DOT regulations. Not a deal killer by any means but definitely an added barrier. But I’d still be driving if I wouldn’t have been in the MC accident in the first place. Being a freelance audio engineer and drummer working on mostly local projects and playing bar cover bands doesn’t exactly help either.

I’m sorry again, didn’t mean to write a damn book... oh my! My questions are these:

What companies are willing to hire people with so called “disabilities” (mine is real unfortunately, but doesn’t hold me back) and would be leaneant on the work history question. I’m already committed to this and really want to make this happen. End my working years in prosperous and honorable manner not just scrounging for a buck when I can make it.

Any advise would be welcomed even the stuff I don’t want to hear. Btw I live in California where there is a lot of trucking. I would really like to become an O/O after a few years of relearning the job, maybe sooner.

Thank you in advance for any insight or experiences you might share with me.

Tim

Hi Tim, welcome to the forum!

First, props to you for wanting to rejoin the workforce. You could just ride out your days collecting checks, but you want more. That's admirable.

I don't think being an amputee will be as much of a hindrance as the lack of work history. However, your situation is a little different. The accident and resulting disability can explain some of that. You may not get your first choice of companies, as many of them want to see a solid work history. But there are still some companies who will take you on.

There are plenty of drivers that have disabilities. Heck, I've even seen a one-armed flatbedder. If you can demonstrate enough agility to handle the basic tasks a driver faces, there shouldn't be a problem, in my opinion.

You're already in a CDL school, so it's too late for me to advise against that. We'd rather see you attend Paid CDL Training Programs, so that your company will have more of a vested interest in your success. Nevertheless, you should start by applying at all companies that match your criteria. Let all prospective employers know your situation, and someone will surely take a bite. Put the feelers out now and start getting some pre-hire invitations, so that once you graduate you can roll seamlessly into a job.

Good luck, and let us know how is working out for you.

Timothy, sorry about your accident, that's a tough one. But also very inspiring about persevering despite adversity.

Does your CDL school have a person who liaises with trucking companies about job placement? If they do, that might be your best bet of finding the right match for you.

Most companies can put you in an automatic tranny truck, so your amputation should be a non-issue. I really hope you will keep us posted on your job search. I'm sure you will find a good job to get things started again.

We have another member here, Forrest B., that is a left leg amputee. He has been going through the process of trying to get a waiver, or SPE certificate I believe it was called, to be cleared to work. Hes been dealing with that for quite a while it seems so you may want to see if you need one and get the process started. He was accepted by CFI, the only issue you may or may not have is demonstrating you can safely climb into the back of a trailer. We have a couple drivers here familiar with CFI and have said very good things about them.

I just saw a double amputee this morning delivering to Walmart DC in Lewiston ME.