DOT Physical
Topic 5496 | Page 1
I don't know much but it is a concern... but hey if your better now I would think you be fine.
I'm not an expert, but my experience was that I fell into a good height to weight ratio and was clear of not having to do the sleep test. I'm 155 lbs, 5' 11".
I'm not an expert, but my experience was that I fell into a good height to weight ratio and was clear of not having to do the sleep test. I'm 155 lbs, 5' 11".
Well my days of 155 were over about 25 years ago...lol
The only company I have any info on is Roehl. No matter what the doctor says when you have your DOT physical, if your BMI is over 35 you will be required to have a sleep apnea test done at the companies expense.
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.
Yeah, Jimbo, they are going to go by your Body Mass Index measurement and from that they will decide if you should be tested or not. But understand that it does not limit your opportunity at getting a job. This is more of a game of CYA at this point, you have to realize that most trucking companies feel like they have a big red target painted on them. Just take a look at all the billboard advertisements for attorneys wanting to help you sue a trucking company.
There are lots of drivers using the machines, no company that I know of does not hire because of sleep apnea , they just want to make sure that if you do have it that they have taken care to make sure you are able to get your proper rest.
Also, just so you know, I have never seen a trucking company application ask the question of whether you have ever been tested or not, nor have I seen them ask if you have sleep apnea. They usually have a series of questions that might give them a clue about your sleep habits that might indicate a possible need for the test.
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.
Body Mass Index:
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.
Great advice...thanks. According to a BMI calculator my index # is 28. Considering I don't have a gut and my neck size is 16, from what I've been reading I should be just fine.
Thanks again
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.
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DOT Physical Health Concerns Sleep Apnea
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Question for anyone who may have the answer to this. I'm starting school in December and was told that they require you to get the DOT physical and blood test done within 30 days of starting. Don't have a concern with any of it but my question is in regards to sleep apnea.
Back in 2008 I was heavy into weighlifting and weighed in at 235lbs. A shoulder injury put the kabosh on the heavy lifting so I went in another direction and lost 45lbs. During that time, I got tested for sleep apnea and was told I had "moderate" sleep apnea, got the machine, etc, etc. Once I lost the weight however, I quit the machine because I felt a hell of alot better in the mornings.
Considering all that, and I'm assuming they ask if you have ever been tested. Will they require I get tested again even though I'm still weighing in at 195 vs my former weight? And if they did, and I got tested and was told that I still have sleep apnea for some odd reason, would that make it tough getting a job with any companies? Just trying to cover all the bases and eliminate any surprises.
Thanks everyone!
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.