Medical Certificate Pickle

Hi everyone! I'm 23 and have about 7 months experience in trucking,

recently I just joined a new outfit and I ran into a bit of a weird situation. I was given a 3 month medical certificate by the clinic this company sent me to (they would have taken my old certificate, but western express was giving me the run-around and wouldnt give it to me, freaking jerks) and now they (my job) want me to get evaluated again by the SAME clinic branch.

Well, I don't want to jump through all these hoops and pay for doctors or whatever crap out of pocket. I'm thinking I'll just go back to the Dr that gave me my original physical (I had 3 done so far. Him, through Western Express, and this new one) and take it again, cuz I know there is nothing wrong with me and this clinic is just trying to make life a pain in my ass. Problem is, I think I'll probably come to heads with the "health / safety department" of this company, which is a shame. But I want to protect my license, its so dumb. I've had 2 physicals before and they BOTH gave me 2 year cards no issue, so I want a second opinion, since I feel like something isn't right.

So I'm planning on getting this 2 year med card from my OG doctor, then tell my company "Look, I got a 2 year card, just not through that stupid clinic branch" - I wonder how they'll react? Does anyone have experience with this? I just want to get back to work, I don't want to have to pay for doctors and all this hoopla when I'm perfectly healthy and daily I see 600 pound meat sacks riding big rigs. Doesn't seem very fair to me, seems like beurocracy is getting in my way YET AGAIN.

But why is this company insistent on me only seeing this branch of clinic? I didn't even mention Im gonna do this to them, Im just gonna do it and if they terminate me or whatever, I'll just jump to another company, cuz seriously how are they gonna terminate me for having a 2 year med card? Seems stupid. Am I overthinking this?

Thanks,

Johnny

Welcome.

1. What do you mean WE woulsnt give you the card? It is yours and you should have been driving with it.

2. Not all companies have the same requirements. Some do not accept certain meds. Some required sleep studies, some give agility tests. It is up to the company.

3. They should be paying for it if you are a company driver.

4.they can avsolutley require you to go to their doctor.

5. You must take a physical if asked whenever you change employment, have surgery, or are diagnosed with something.

6. Get used to taking physicals, if nothing is wrong, you should be fine. No big deal.

7. The 3 months card was for a reason. They had to tell you. I had a 3 month due to needing a sleep study.

I am too tired to keep going. But please re read your post. Then think really hard of what it says.

Even when she is tired, Kearsey nails it. That is good advice.

I kinda' stopped at "7 months experience in trucking" and ""... joined a new outfit".

What's the rush? Why are you bailing on the company that gave this newbie a job? Quick moves like this is a flashing red light to many companies. A job-Jumper isn't worth the time to hire.

What does this mean? (I had 3 done so far. Him, through Western Express, and this new one)" Have you had three DOT physicals in your 7 month career? If this is a result of Kearsey's #5 - whenever you change employment, you have bigger problems.

Thanks Erroll

I read this again...

Problem is, I think I'll probably come to heads with the "health / safety department" of this company, which is a shame. But I want to protect my license, its so dumb

So at 23 with 7 months experience at your second company... you think you have the standing and knowledge to go head to head with a safety supervisor who probably has decades of experience?

Also... if your first company was WE which is usually a last resort company for most drivers... why would you want to cause waves at your current company?

Wanted to add, some safety depts "could" call this "doctor shopping".

Although everyone, is legally entitled to a 2nd doctors opinion.

As the FMSCA manual/rules state, "doctor shopping', is when you go to Multiple doctors, 3-4-5-6.. etc...until you find 1 gives you what you seek.....Been there, done that before!

I just don't even get this one. Here's one of his many statements during this immature rant...

I just want to get back to work

That in itself sounds good, but he spends most of his post showing us his terrible attitude, and includes all the steps he is going to take to keep himself from being able to get back to work. It makes no sense! This is youth and ego on full display.

Johnny, if you were my son, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. You would have already learned the basics of decorum when trying to land a job. One of those basic rules is: you do what the employer asks of you. It is that simple. These companies are supposed to get a new physical on you when you change employers. They are allowed to send you to their preferred clinic. Just do it and drop your child-like attitude. It is not befitting of a professional tuck driver.

In addition, like many others here, I think it is very premature for you to be switching companies right now. Your experience is very limited, and you are only hurting yourself by not learning what it takes to face the demands and rigorous challenges of this career by showing some resolve and tenacity as you develop yourself into a professional driver. What happens next when you don't like the way things are going at your new choice?