Medical And DOT Questions
Topic 29604 | Page 1
You're required to use your CPAP 21 of 30 days a minimum of 4 hours a day/night. If you have not had the machine for 30 days yet you'll be issued a 3 month card or if its close enough just put on hold for a couple days until you're compliant. As long as everything else is good you'll receive a 1 year card. Using a CPAP has not negatively impacted my career other than yearly physicals. I just pull up the app on my phone that shows usage and email it to the doctor.
Companies will not hold it against you that you have a handicap placard. If you can pass their physical/agility test (if applicable) you're golden. Not every truck stop has handicap parking but I've seen a few. The problem is there's usually so few that they're full.
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.
You'll only need 30 days of compliance for your CPAP , I've had mine for two years now and that's the only thing the doctor requires. But you'll since you have sleep apnea , you'll only get a one year medical card.
I've seen plenty of truck stops/rest areas/etc have handicap parking, and I have seen trucks parked in those spots with their handicap window tag. Usually you will only see one MAYBE two spots for handicap parking, but it isn't at all truck stops/rest areas.
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.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Not trying to hijack this thread:
I will soon need to get the DOT medical card. 1. If I apply to Prime (likely) I've read that they will schedule and pay the cost. 2. I fractured a lower rib last week (self diagnosed). Painful at times but is in no way limiting any movement (though have to sleep on back) and taking zero pain meds. Does the examiner press on my rib bones at all, or will simple disclosure cause yet another delay? 3. Does Prime require a CRT exam? Seems Roehl requires a CRT, but guessing only if applying for flat-bed.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
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I had some thoughts today. Which led to questions. 1. I picked up my brand spanking new CPAP today. I know that DOT requires 90 days of compliance, from my reading, but since I would be a new permit driver AND a new CPAP user, would I need to wait the full 90 days? If so, I need to set a reminder on my calendar of the date lol
2. And now the one that is mostly curiosity. I have handicap plates on both my cars and a placard. Because I am listed at the DMV as permanently disabled (for my plates only, nothing on my driving record besides vision correction requirement), will this show up on my employment background checks and will it matter? Also would/should/could I take my placard with me in the truck (I don't think I've ever seen handicap truck parking, but I don't hang out in truck stops these days lol) I really don't need it anymore, I had a surgery years ago that fixed the problem, but since it's permanent at the DMV, it is what it is. (And no, I don't hardly ever use the handicap spots anymore. I can walk pretty much pain free now and fully appreciate that fact.)
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
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.
Dm:
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.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.