Med Card Dilemmas

Topic 33800 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
Scott P CB handle Mainiac's Comment
member avatar

Got job offer at Performance Foodservice/Reinhart Foods. Entry level as I just got my CDL A. Now they are requiring me to get a med card through PFG group itself as they have a DOT team and such, dont ask me why. So PFG contracts with HireRight which contracts through MEExpress a DOT clinic. Went to ME Express multiple times all this week and just road block after road block. First off BP was slightly high. Normal BP is 140/90 I was 156/94 not alarming but it took literally five different associates to check and recheck BP. I failed to tell them that I consumed two Red Bulls prior so that’s why BP was spiking. Was then told to go to my primary doctor get BP recheck and have doctor sign a letter. So did that, BP was 124/78, normal range. Went back to ME Express, was told first DOT exam was voided. Huh?? So then they said I needed a full audiology report from my audiologist because I wear two hearing aids. I have a valid waiver on a med card that was issued on 8/30/23 to go to trucking school, but ME Express says need audiologist reports also to supplement this waiver. Then another DOT physical has to be done. Wow!!

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.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

"I failed to tell them that I consumed two Red Bulls prior so that’s why BP was spiking."

LOL What did you think was going to happen? And telling them that, as if it were a prescription medication, won't make a difference. The upper limit for DOT BP is 140. Above that, you may not get a 1 year medical card. And since you are in the hiring stage, the 90 day one (allows you to get it fixed and still have a job), might not be a green light either. Explain your situation to your regular physician and get your BP meds going. (I have had mine for years, and there are no noticeable side effects.)

My medical hearing check included the question "Do you wear hearing aids?" (Yes) and a snap of the fingers behind each ear. I have the hearing aid restriction on my license, and that is about as troublesome as the eyeglass one.

Now, your hiring company may have a stricter standard for their own purposes, which may be what you're running into here. So can you get past the medical exam?

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.

Klutch's Comment
member avatar

I would do whatever they need you to do, whether it’s a pain or not. Very good company and normally requires a minimum of one year of experience.

Trucker Kearsey 's Comment
member avatar

Also understand that almost every company will send you to their own doctor for a new physical. Most are urgent care clinics for driver convenience. And anytime you fail a physical, yes the old one is voided, you are no longer legal to drive. Everytime you get a new diagnosis or have surgery... you will need a new one.

It is quite possible to have several physicals a year.

Your shock of "dont ask me why i need a new card" and "huh? My old card is voided" is indicative of your inexperience. Trucking invloves lots of drug tests and phsyicals.

Page 1 of 1

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • 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:

Apply For Paid CDL Training