Knight Training At Last.

After a couple week delay due to CPAP machine not producing the required (company) compliance report. Looks like my journey finally begins. Scheduled for Top Gun, Memphis on the 31st. Weather looks to suck but I now have brand new ResMed 11 CPAP :). Will try and update as next week progresses.

Flatbed or vans for your start?

Flatbed or vans for your start?

Flatbed, out of Gulfport terminal. Dedicated account, I’m being told Delhi to SE locations. Just glad to finally be moving forward.

Congrats on your progress ! Im trying to get my ducks in a row to get started with my CDL training. My question to you. Ive got a VA supplied CPAP that's in the middle of a huge recall process. Manufacturer as well as VA told me not to use it until its repaired/replaced. I was in total compliance till i had to shut it down. I can pull the reports from the app that show compliance when I go for my DOT physical. Did it seem your Dr. was willing to work with you or was it a total shutdown?

thanks !!

Congrats on your progress ! Im trying to get my ducks in a row to get started with my CDL training. My question to you. Ive got a VA supplied CPAP that's in the middle of a huge recall process. Manufacturer as well as VA told me not to use it until its repaired/replaced. I was in total compliance till i had to shut it down. I can pull the reports from the app that show compliance when I go for my DOT physical. Did it seem your Dr. was willing to work with you or was it a total shutdown?

thanks !!

The Dr doing the company DOT exam was cool. She stated that I was “Compliant”. However, company Safety Dept would not waiver on the compliance report or the ability to monitor remotely. Like you I had the same machine only mine died while waiting on the replacement (VA estimated June 2022). I was using a machine from 2001 which would not produce the reports or availability for remote monitoring. I picked up the new machine (paid for by TRICARE) signed the release for them to monitor. Once the machine updated with the previous nights results and they reviewed them the hiring process started moving forward. Based on my experience would recommend obtain a prescription for a new machine. Then ordering one through one of the medical supply companies in your area. The old machines that were recalled are not capable of being monitored via cellular or Bluetooth technology. If replaced with a repaired model of the same machine your still stuck 10-15 yr old technology. The 2 major carriers I tried to work with both wanted the ability to monitor. The supplier I used moved me up the list when they found out I needed it for a DOT physical to work.

Bottom line is going to be: Are you compliant it’s a yes or no question. On another note the new ResMed 11 is awesome 👏 wish I’d upgraded years ago.

Good luck with it, especially if going through the VA.

Thanks for the reply. I still don't have an ETA on getting my unit replaced/repaired. I even asked about getting a different model and was told no dice. Thats sort of frustrating. My unit is like 3 years old and does have all the remote reporting capability to the VA as well as the app which syncs with Bluetooth on my phone. I will probably be parked for 30+ days before I start CDL training if the Dr is a hard-ass and wants data because I will have to buy a new unit out of pocket. I have lost nearly 20 pounds since i stopped using it cuz my wife was all over me about my weight. Maybe I don't bring it up if they don't after they poke and prod me and dont see a reason to order a sleep study. Then I press on once I get my replaced/repaired unit in hand.

Thanks for the reply. I still don't have an ETA on getting my unit replaced/repaired. I even asked about getting a different model and was told no dice. Thats sort of frustrating. My unit is like 3 years old and does have all the remote reporting capability to the VA as well as the app which syncs with Bluetooth on my phone. I will probably be parked for 30+ days before I start CDL training if the Dr is a hard-ass and wants data because I will have to buy a new unit out of pocket. I have lost nearly 20 pounds since i stopped using it cuz my wife was all over me about my weight. Maybe I don't bring it up if they don't after they poke and prod me and dont see a reason to order a sleep study. Then I press on once I get my replaced/repaired unit in hand.

I tried the buying one out of pocket route myself. Could not find one in stock. As far as omitting during medical exam IMO don’t. Yes, there are probably people who cheat the system everyday no doubt. However, if discovered it could end your career before it ever begins and permanently at that. Not trying to tell you what to do, the below is copied from FMCSA’s web page. It just wasn’t worth the risk to me.

“The FMCSA medical certification process is designed to ensure drivers are physically qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely. Each driver is required to complete the Health History section on the first page of the examination report and certify that the responses are complete and true. The driver must also certify that he/she understands that inaccurate, false or misleading information may invalidate the examination and medical examiner’s certificate.

“FMCSA relies on the medical examiner’s clinical judgment to decide whether additional information should be obtained from the driver’s treating physician. Deliberate omission or falsification of information may invalidate the examination and any certificate issued based on it. A civil penalty may also be levied against the driver under 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(b), either for making a false statement of for concealing a disqualifying condition.

In addition to what is clearly stated by the federal government, general legal principles apply. As a truck driver, you owe it to the public to refrain from driving if you cannot do so safely. As soon as an accident occurs, lawyers will be combing through your medical records. In 2015, a driver was involved in a fatal crash in Minnesota. He had denied his diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea to his medical examiner on multiple occasions. His lying to medical examiners contributed heavily to his ultimate sentence of 3 years in prison. Courts have ruled that If they can prove that you had a medical condition contributing to an accident that was not documented in your DOT physical you will be held criminally responsible. It is not worth it to lie or omit facts on your DOT physical. Just don’t do it”

Dedicated account, I’m being told Delhi to SE locations.

Congratulations Glenbob!

As you know, I am running loads out of Delhi also. Don't count on just staying in the Southeast. Any place East of a line drawn straight down from the Western borders of North and South Dakota is fair game on this account. I just got back from Minneapolis, MN and I am headed now for North Collins, NY.

I love this account. It has worked very well for me. We have guys come and go all the time. I know that is the way it is in trucking, but I have done so well on this account I just don't get it when people quit so early on. Hang in there during that tough first year as a newbie. There is some great opportunities here. I wish you the best, and look forward to meeting you!

Congratulations and good luck. As a rookie flatbed driver for Knight, I will be following

Congratulations and good luck. As a rookie flatbed driver for Knight, I will be following

Thanks I've been following you since I signed on. Your documentation of experience has help me more than you know. I have had the discussion about going out with a dry van trainer the "shadowing" a FB driver for a cupule weeks. I stood firm that was setting me up for failure. My conversation ended with I'll drive what I train in. I was promised a FB trainer we'll see how that goes. I did get to go to the Top Gun course hopefully my backing will not go down the drain with split tandems :).