What New Truck Drivers Need To Know About The Department Of Transportation (DOT):
The top priorities at DOT are to keep the traveling public safe and secure, increase their mobility, and have our transportation system contribute to the nation's economic growth.
As a part of their stated mission, all commercial drivers (we're assuming that's why you're here), must pass a DOT physical examination.
DOT Mission Statement:
"Serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future." The happiness of the population, and to a larger extent, the economy in general, depends on freedom of, and safety in, movement. Truck drivers, ummm, "drive" the economy. Everything anyone buys in the store depends in part on how quickly and efficiently commercial vehicles can get from point A, to point B.
DOT Main Activities
In addition to overseeing the airways, the railroads and the highways, more specifically to the concerns of truck drivers the DOT also administers the FMCSA , governing all commercial vehicle traffic in the U.S. Mainly, large trucks, buses, tractor-trailers, and their drivers. You.
DOT Physical Examination:
In order to be allowed to drive commercial motor vehicles, CDL holders must pass a DOT physical. Driving truck is a very physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding way for one to make a living, and the FMCSA , under the DOT guidelines, is tasked with making sure that all commercial drivers are free from physical and mental issues that might make them dangerous or unpredictable behind the wheel.