Check Your Medical Card!
Topic 31163 | Page 1
Yeppp Thought my card expired next May 25th or so, nope its May 20th so its locked in memory, but I won't be driving by then, but will renew it to keep my CDL valid, even while living in the Philippines...Never know what the future holds, in case I come home and drive again for a bit
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Friday afternoon I received a call from HR. They told me my medical card was due to expire and we needed to get an appt setup with their chosen physician. The last couple physicals I've had expired in mid December so I thought I had time it turns out it expires today (Dec. 1st). I completely forgot that last year we got it done a couple weeks early with all uncertainty and increased demand from covid. Clinic was closed Friday and all weekend so HR wasn't able to setup an appt until Monday. First available appt was today at 9am. Thankfully I was able to get it but due to DMVs requiring appointments I'm unable to get it updated in person and instead need to email it. No big deal but given how close I am to expiration the states system will show I'm not qualified to drive and I'll likely receive a letter in the mail I'll be downgraded in 15 days because I doubt they'll get it updated by the end of today. I'm still legal to drive because I indeed have a new medical card (and will keep in my possession) but this could have turned very differently and costly.
Just thought I'd share my experience to serve as a reminder to NOT rely on office staff to keep track of our status. Its your career on the line and driving with an expired med card is NOT what you want. Not only will your career be negatively impacted but the fines and penalties are severe as well. Depending on your state you could be looking at a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 plus potentially a year in jail. And for those wondering there is no grace period for an expired med card and the covid exemptions ended yesterday (Nov. 30th 2021)
According to federal regulation that Dutch Maid Logistics has explained to us, it doesn't matter if you have a medical card in possession. It is required to be attached to your license with state agency. I wouldn't take a chance on it. Training manager here at Dutch Maid Logistics told us during orientation that he has seen a couple of drivers with the company who had gotten physical completed, but hadn't taken it in to the state agency yet when pulled over. The drivers were cited, had to arrange for transportation from where DOT officer had shut them down. Company had to pay for recovery of the trucks in both instances. I wouldn't take a chance on it. Risking your CDL isn't worth it.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
According to federal regulation that Dutch Maid Logistics has explained to us, it doesn't matter if you have a medical card in possession. It is required to be attached to your license with state agency. I wouldn't take a chance on it. Training manager here at Dutch Maid Logistics told us during orientation that he has seen a couple of drivers with the company who had gotten physical completed, but hadn't taken it in to the state agency yet when pulled over. The drivers were cited, had to arrange for transportation from where DOT officer had shut them down. Company had to pay for recovery of the trucks in both instances. I wouldn't take a chance on it. Risking your CDL isn't worth it.
Thank you for that Kerry, I just made a couple calls to my employer and they're doing some looking into it. Honestly I wouldn't be too sad If I get to stay home a couple more days while I wait on that 😁
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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.
Just got a response. Apparently 2 days ago FMCSA extended a grace period until February 28th of 2022. I will be able to run legal tomorrow.
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?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
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.
I had something similar happen with my hazmat endorsement background check. The state of Utah "disqualified" my CDL because my background check expired. It happened about 6 months before I thought it was supposed to do I was caught completely by surprise, and the gentleman who called to inform me was rather terse. I never received a letter from the state.
Fortunately I had a trainee with me at the time who I had do the driving. I went to a universal enrollment office and resubmitted everything and the state told me it would be up to 90 days before they reinstated my cdl, and I would have to pay a fee at that time.
I got very lucky and everything was fixed in 48 hours.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
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:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- 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
Friday afternoon I received a call from HR. They told me my medical card was due to expire and we needed to get an appt setup with their chosen physician. The last couple physicals I've had expired in mid December so I thought I had time it turns out it expires today (Dec. 1st). I completely forgot that last year we got it done a couple weeks early with all uncertainty and increased demand from covid. Clinic was closed Friday and all weekend so HR wasn't able to setup an appt until Monday. First available appt was today at 9am. Thankfully I was able to get it but due to DMVs requiring appointments I'm unable to get it updated in person and instead need to email it. No big deal but given how close I am to expiration the states system will show I'm not qualified to drive and I'll likely receive a letter in the mail I'll be downgraded in 15 days because I doubt they'll get it updated by the end of today. I'm still legal to drive because I indeed have a new medical card (and will keep in my possession) but this could have turned very differently and costly.
Just thought I'd share my experience to serve as a reminder to NOT rely on office staff to keep track of our status. Its your career on the line and driving with an expired med card is NOT what you want. Not only will your career be negatively impacted but the fines and penalties are severe as well. Depending on your state you could be looking at a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 plus potentially a year in jail. And for those wondering there is no grace period for an expired med card and the covid exemptions ended yesterday (Nov. 30th 2021)
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.