Trying To Get Back Into A Rig
Topic 33918 | Page 1
Hi Rose!
I feel your pain. I have really bad knees and back issues that keep me from walking very far without a rest. That being said, my current issues were not as bad when I got my CDL in 2018. My company is aware of my limitations but doesn’t care as long as I can get my job done. It helps that I get to spend so much time sitting down.
Can you pass the DOT physical and get your card back? If so, then you have a good chance. Having to stop and rest during a walk around should not disqualify you.
On a regular basis at customers and truck-stops I see men and women drivers in worse shape than me and struggling to walk into the office or the truck stop store. There are a few in this category at my company.
No one here can say for sure because we can’t see you in action. But I think the chances are good if you can get your fed med back.
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.
Hi Rose! Welcome to Trucking Truth!
I think BK covered commenting on ability issue and med card part pretty well, I don't have anything to add there. I do want to add, however that so long as you can get a new med card, you should check with your state's DMV office what would be necessary to re-instate your CDL A. You haven't mentioned what state your located, and I don't see it listed in your profile.
Just for reference, Years ago when I moved to Florida, I had no need for my CDL then, so I let it get re-classified to a Class C. Years later when I wanted to return to driving, all I had to do was get a new med card. Made an appointment with the DMV, I showed them my med card and they happily re-instated me back to a shiny new Class A CDL. I only had to pay the $85 fee the DMV charged for processing. On top of the $100 fee for the medical exam that is.
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.
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.
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So was injured in 2013 on the job. Was unable to work and was put on disability because the dr.s couldnt figure out what was wrong with me. Fast forward 10 years finally got the part of the issue fixed. I still have siatica all it does is makes me take my time walking distances. I would love to climb back in a rig, but lost my medical card and cdl while i was trying to get fixed. My question is because of all the rule changes that have gone trough. I know i have to re test for everything, but could i be failed if I have to take small breaks during my walk arounds? I know trucks are hard on the back as it is and that is why i'm so slow now. I would like to know if it is even worth starting back up.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: