DOT/BMI/MEDICAL DISCRIMANATION
Topic 4827 | Page 1
I was born in califas move from that God for saken state buy a double size house for a fourth of the cost and get your cdl 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.
Steve, losing your occupation all of a sudden like that really sucks! But sleep apnea has been all the rage for several years now and this couldn't have hit you completely out of the blue. I know Prime Inc has been requiring sleep apnea tests for anyone with a BMI over 39 (I think it's 39) for several years now and several other companies have been doing the same.
Sleep Apnea is the new drug testing. Clinics and medical device makers are looking to cash in....no question. In fact we even have an article called The Sleep Apnea Witch Hunt.
But at the same time this is a very real, life-or-death thing we're dealing with here and people who have been diagnosed and treated have found it to be a major life-changing experience - literally.
Luckily for you there's one really simple solution to this whole thing and you know exactly what it is. The question is simple.....do you want to jump through hoops for the rest of your trucking career and hope to God you don't have to hang it up permanently or do you want to lose a few pounds and get out of that sleep apnea test range? Your choice. You can call it descrimation. You can call it unfair. You can write your Congressman. Or you can lose a few pounds, feel like a million bucks, and get back to work.
I know it's upsetting to have to deal with this all of a sudden but you're really lucky in a way because you have a problem that's easy to solve. Soooo many people would give anything to be able to say 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.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
Brett the bmi test is a joke though. I am muscular have a thick muscular neck (19.5") and I have a 36" waste and weigh 230 lb so according to bmi I am over weight at 5'10"
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.
Brett the bmi test is a joke though. I am muscular have a thick muscular neck (19.5") and I have a 36" waste and weigh 230 lb so according to bmi I am over weight at 5'10"
Even the lowest testing threshold I've seen is like 37. You'd have to be 260 pounds to be tested according to BMI. I'm not sure what they take for neck measurements as a minimum.
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.
Sleep apnea is not limited to those who are overweight; although weight does exacerbate the condition. My boyfriend and I are preparing to get into team trucking. He is considerably overweight, and has already accepted the fact he will need a sleep study and more than likely have to use a CPAP. In his particular case, I think he does have sleep apnea. He's getting the ball rolling in advance of going to school to prevent any delays in getting his CDL.
To reiterate what Brett said, in my research I've found that many who were resistant to the testing and machine realize afterwards that the CPAP really does help them. This won't necessarily be the case for you, but it's worth a try. I'm sorry to hear your license was downgraded. No one should have to lose their livelihood.
At this point the best advice I can give is to comply with the requirements and get your license back on track. While it's not ideal, there probably isn't a lot anyone can do to change it. The DOT and insurance companies have decided this is what's best for the industry.
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.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Brett, good thing DOT doesn't include a Spelling Bee with medical. We would both fail. (Discrimination) I try not to live looking through rose colored glasses, but the only way I would know there were changes was until I took my physical. There was no mention of BMI two years ago at last physical. I work for a family owned manufacturing company and my main focus is being a safe, courteous operator and a loyal employee. This is the first time I've ever gone online to a truckers site seeking answers. Our shipping mgr. was not notified of any changes. I'm 59, I have a physical annually with my personal doctor. Blood work, blood pressure, cholesterol and prostate check! I'm healthy and strong. This simply is the way God made me! I don't feel it's necessary for me to change my physical appearance or makeup for my livelihood. I challenge you to go to any truckstop and ask who is aware of BMI check. And estimate how many drivers would not pass. "Sorry drivers. No biscuits and gravy this morning. DOT says you're FAT!" Thanks for your advice. I will use the CPAP and will stay up to date with regulations. But, this is DISCRIMINATION.
Steve, losing your occupation all of a sudden like that really sucks! But sleep apnea has been all the rage for several years now and this couldn't have hit you completely out of the blue. I know Prime Inc has been requiring sleep apnea tests for anyone with a BMI over 39 (I think it's 39) for several years now and several other companies have been doing the same.
Sleep Apnea is the new drug testing. Clinics and medical device makers are looking to cash in....no question. In fact we even have an article called The Sleep Apnea Witch Hunt.
But at the same time this is a very real, life-or-death thing we're dealing with here and people who have been diagnosed and treated have found it to be a major life-changing experience - literally.
Luckily for you there's one really simple solution to this whole thing and you know exactly what it is. The question is simple.....do you want to jump through hoops for the rest of your trucking career and hope to God you don't have to hang it up permanently or do you want to lose a few pounds and get out of that sleep apnea test range? Your choice. You can call it descrimation. You can call it unfair. You can write your Congressman. Or you can lose a few pounds, feel like a million bucks, and get back to work.
I know it's upsetting to have to deal with this all of a sudden but you're really lucky in a way because you have a problem that's easy to solve. Soooo many people would give anything to be able to say 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.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Actually, its both discrimination and the doctors trying to do thier job or at least making people think they are. Im a big guy. Not going to hide it by any means. I went in for my new card. Passed every test with flying colors. Vital signs were perfect, BP 128/74 Pulse was 62, the whole nine yards. She comes in and says whats your neck size and your bmi makes you a risk for sleep apnea. Welcome cpap machine. Welcome one year card. Here is where I found things odd, after she new I went to a new company and didnt have health insurance yet, she calls me three days later and says she had a colleague who does sleep studies and for a small fee I would be good to go.......
So what you're telling me is, I get it up the rear, you get a cut of his small fee.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
The only ones i know of that were looking into this and fighting it is ooida and ata, if ya dnt know what ooida is its a group for owner ops very strong like the teamsters union, and ata haha yea African trucking association they did and never will do anything for the American truck driver they are a weak organization. so in short if ur not an owner op , ya might as well do as many have done and bend over and well you know right from the Obama nation.
OOIDA:
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
Who They Are
OOIDA is an international trade association representing the interests of independent owner-operators and professional drivers on all issues that affect truckers. The over 150,000 members of OOIDA are men and women in all 50 states and Canada who collectively own and/or operate more than 240,000 individual heavy-duty trucks and small truck fleets.
Their Mission
The mission of OOIDA is to serve owner-operators, small fleets and professional truckers; to work for a business climate where truckers are treated equally and fairly; to promote highway safety and responsibility among all highway users; and to promote a better business climate and efficiency for all truck operators.
All I know is when I was asked if i ever had sleep issues or apnea i simply said no and that was the end of it. I have a 2 year med card right now, so I guess I am in the clear for a few years.
However they will end up getting sued for discrimination by ONLY testing people of a certain size as sleep apnea can and does effect ANYONE regardless of size. It is really no different then not hiring someone because they have a tattoo or funny colored hair. The thing is it just takes a large enough group of people to start complaining and calling them out on it being discrimination.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
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Took my physical in CA. Same old ridiculous elementary test a Rhesus monkey would pass.EXCEPT, the examiner apologized and state they now have a BMI standard and we also need to measure your neck circumference. Little did I know it would be for the fitting of the noose that was soon to follow! He said the max BMI is 35. I came in at a whopping 37! I was impressed. What did I win? A 30 day medical card he said. Huh? Yes. You hve 30 days to get a referral from your PCP to take a sleep study and if you have apnea you have to get CPAP , use itfor at least a week then take CPAP back to sleep center to download SMI card to prove you've been using it! Then bring the results back and we'll give you med clearance for a year. I knew this process would take more than given time. My test results showed mild apnea. I requested an extension from DOT: Denied. DMV: Denied. My sterling CDL of 25 years turned into a lowly class c midnight 8/15/14. I am not working today. I have been the same height and weight for 20 years. My wife says I don't snore and have no interruptions in my breathing. Oh, and my noose, er, neck has been the same size since I was fitted for my wedding tux. Discrimination? I'd say yes. Our 'leader' enacted this bill in one week! I have contacted my State rep and the Atty Gen offices. Is there an entity in the trucking industry that is researching this irresponsible action? God Bless and good luck. Especially to all my Paisans!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
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:
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.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
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.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.