Blood Pressure

Note From TruckingTruth: We have a ton of great information about blood pressure and the DOT physical requirements. Check this out:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice
• Blood Pressure Requirements For The DOT Physical

I have read over the years that one cannot have high blood pressure to drive in trucking. If one is under a doctors care and has it under control with meds, does that work? Or are you still ruled out? Thanks.

It depends on how high your BP is. If you fall in a certain ranges they will issue you a medical card but require you to renew it more often. •140-159/90-99 for 1 year certificate •160-179/100-109 for a 3 month temporary certificate at examiners discretion •Greater than 180/110 is disqualifying

Still in the dark here. Are these maximums when under care of a physcian (taking prescribed meds)?

Also, I a totally new to trucking and am a recent retiree from State of TX (20+ yrs). Am thinking of applying with Schneider National. I am wondering if I wish to become a Regional driver and stay around home is that a goal one can obtain right off the bat? Or is there a waiting period a new driver has to go through(do some otr driving)?

Thank you.

Dave, as long as your meds are keeping it under control you're good to go. I've seen people even up their dosage a few days before their physical just to make sure it's all good when their checked.

Regional jobs usually require some experience, but with Schneider having so many divisions you may get lucky and slip right in. They will let you move to another division once you've proven yourself though. So I think a big company like that is where you want to start at if regional is your goal.

Those numbers are for either case. You will have to get a DOT physical before you can get a CDL permit. The physician who does your DOT physical has to follow 49 CFR 391.43(f) regarding BP. I don't believe exemptions are possible.

As for the job. That is a good question for your Schneider recruiter. I would try to get it documented before you go to orientation if he promises a regional job. I would also suggest you try other companies in your job search. Nothing against Schneider but you would have more opportunities to find the right job for your area and situation.

Hey Dave S., welcome aboard!

Just to make sure we're clear on this, you can drive a truck while on blood pressure medication if the medication is approved for commercial driving. What that means is it can't cause any drowsiness or cloud the mind. If by chance you are on medications that would not be approved, it's usually easy to have your doctor switch you over to one that is acceptable. Any doctor who gives DOT physicals can tell you with a quick phone call whether or not the medication you're on will work. But lots and lots of drivers are on blood pressure medication so it's normally not a concern.

As far as finding regional work, a lot of companies require a little experience to qualify for those positions - maybe 6 to 12 months - but not all. There are a number of companies that can get you home on weekends straight out of school. You have to do a little hunting around to find which ones have those opportunities. I know off the top of my head that TMC and Maverick both have that option for students straight out of school. I've heard Schneider does in some circumstances, and so do companies like Swift and US Xpress.

If you're looking to go regional, I would focus on dry van and flatbed companies. They tend to have the most regionalized freight where refrigerated companies tend to do a lot more coast to coast hauls and they don't normally have opportunities to get home every weekend.

Thank you for the replies. Especially Brett (also i am enjoying your book). This has been extremely helpful. I will forge ahead with my exploration of working as a truck driver. Thanks again to all.

Hey a table spoon of Apple cider vinegar a day helps keep b/p down .team that with oderless garlic tabs and watch your sodium intake really really helps .

Hey a table spoon of Apple cider vinegar a day helps keep b/p down .team that with oderless garlic tabs and watch your sodium intake really really helps .

Now that's good info! Thanks!

Hey a table spoon of Apple cider vinegar a day helps keep b/p down .team that with oderless garlic tabs and watch your sodium intake really really helps .

Now that's good info! Thanks!

And info that could easily kill you. Your blood pressure is high for a reason and using the above suggest will only hide the symptoms but not take care of the underlying issue that is causing the high BP in the first place.