Disability In Trucking.

Hello all,

I recently started trucking and I have a disability in my right arm called erb’s palsy. I’ve. I’ve noticed it is difficult for me to do a driver’s side back with my right arm because of the nerve damage that goes from my neck to my arm. Mainly it’s hard to look out the driver’s side window and still use my right arm to maneuver. It might sound like a dumb question but are there any driving jobs that are not so much 90 and 45 degree angle backing where I wouldn’t have to stick my head out the window as much and more of cross over backing. I’m now working for a reefer company and some of the areas are tight to get into especially the north east. The weird thing is I can use my arm to some extent just not real coordinated and can’t turn the steering wheel all the way around with it. So basically I have to do a lot of pull ups. I appreciate any suggestions.

Hello all,

I recently started trucking and I have a disability in my right arm called erb’s palsy. I’ve. I’ve noticed it is difficult for me to do a driver’s side back with my right arm because of the nerve damage that goes from my neck to my arm. Mainly it’s hard to look out the driver’s side window and still use my right arm to maneuver. It might sound like a dumb question but are there any driving jobs that are not so much 90 and 45 degree angle backing where I wouldn’t have to stick my head out the window as much and more of cross over backing. I’m now working for a reefer company and some of the areas are tight to get into especially the north east. The weird thing is I can use my arm to some extent just not real coordinated and can’t turn the steering wheel all the way around with it. So basically I have to do a lot of pull ups. I appreciate any suggestions.

I cannot comment on the different companies and some people dont care for these but have you tried using a suicide knob? In your case it seems it would be more of a tool to help with your disability than a hindrance or safety issue. I see plenty of trucks with them and it may help you out.

Yeah I was considering that. I actually have a clip on suicide knob that keeps coming off every time I use it. My trainer said I could probably use it as long as I take it off when I’m around our terminals so no one sees it. It does help some although still yet my range of motion in my right arm is still very limited even with the knob.

Hello all,

I recently started trucking and I have a disability in my right arm called erb’s palsy. I’ve. I’ve noticed it is difficult for me to do a driver’s side back with my right arm because of the nerve damage that goes from my neck to my arm. Mainly it’s hard to look out the driver’s side window and still use my right arm to maneuver. It might sound like a dumb question but are there any driving jobs that are not so much 90 and 45 degree angle backing where I wouldn’t have to stick my head out the window as much and more of cross over backing. I’m now working for a reefer company and some of the areas are tight to get into especially the north east. The weird thing is I can use my arm to some extent just not real coordinated and can’t turn the steering wheel all the way around with it. So basically I have to do a lot of pull ups. I appreciate any suggestions.

I cannot comment on the different companies and some people dont care for these but have you tried using a suicide knob? In your case it seems it would be more of a tool to help with your disability than a hindrance or safety issue. I see plenty of trucks with them and it may help you out.

Yeah I was considering that. I actually have a clip on suicide knob that keeps coming off every time I use it. My trainer said I could probably use it as long as I take it off when I’m around our terminals so no one sees it. It does help some although still yet my range of motion in my right arm is still very limited even with the knob.

Hello all,

I recently started trucking and I have a disability in my right arm called erb’s palsy. I’ve. I’ve noticed it is difficult for me to do a driver’s side back with my right arm because of the nerve damage that goes from my neck to my arm. Mainly it’s hard to look out the driver’s side window and still use my right arm to maneuver. It might sound like a dumb question but are there any driving jobs that are not so much 90 and 45 degree angle backing where I wouldn’t have to stick my head out the window as much and more of cross over backing. I’m now working for a reefer company and some of the areas are tight to get into especially the north east. The weird thing is I can use my arm to some extent just not real coordinated and can’t turn the steering wheel all the way around with it. So basically I have to do a lot of pull ups. I appreciate any suggestions.

I cannot comment on the different companies and some people dont care for these but have you tried using a suicide knob? In your case it seems it would be more of a tool to help with your disability than a hindrance or safety issue. I see plenty of trucks with them and it may help you out.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the ADA make it so you can have one permanently mounted? Sounds like a reasonable accommodation to me.

Yeah I was considering that. I actually have a clip on suicide knob that keeps coming off every time I use it. My trainer said I could probably use it as long as I take it off when I’m around our terminals so no one sees it. It does help some although still yet my range of motion in my right arm is still very limited even with the knob.

Hello all,

I recently started trucking and I have a disability in my right arm called erb’s palsy. I’ve. I’ve noticed it is difficult for me to do a driver’s side back with my right arm because of the nerve damage that goes from my neck to my arm. Mainly it’s hard to look out the driver’s side window and still use my right arm to maneuver. It might sound like a dumb question but are there any driving jobs that are not so much 90 and 45 degree angle backing where I wouldn’t have to stick my head out the window as much and more of cross over backing. I’m now working for a reefer company and some of the areas are tight to get into especially the north east. The weird thing is I can use my arm to some extent just not real coordinated and can’t turn the steering wheel all the way around with it. So basically I have to do a lot of pull ups. I appreciate any suggestions.

I cannot comment on the different companies and some people dont care for these but have you tried using a suicide knob? In your case it seems it would be more of a tool to help with your disability than a hindrance or safety issue. I see plenty of trucks with them and it may help you out.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the ADA make it so you can have one permanently mounted? Sounds like a reasonable accommodation to me.

There is nothing anywhere that makes these illegal.

The problem is company policy. I have been with several different companies that banned these on the company trucks.

Your biggest hurdle would be that you recently started. More options open up with at least 1 year experience.

Pulling doubles , I rarely back. I back to hook my set and when I'm dropping trailers. 90% of the time I only bump the dock with my lead because the yard hostler grabs my tail because everything is go go go. When backing I use mirrors, no need to look out the window. Most of our buildings are set up in a way that makes bumping the dock really easy. I'm pretty sure most LTL companies are set up that way.

I don't know how you would handle maneuvering a dolly. It's not hard once you're used to it, but in the beginning it's a hassle. Some days I would just like it up by hand to save time. Just recently did I get good at lining it up and backing it. I use the rear windshield for that, not the mirrors. Some people are able to do it using mirrors, I'm not one of those.