I want to start driving a truck, bigger the better. I want to be paid to train/get CDL.

We got a short dude that played semi pro football got failed because of his neck size.

There's a chart on height vs neck size. If you hit the # off you go for sleep study. He's not fat, he's just built like a tank.

If you are on perscriptions, don't tell them.

My dude had to go get sleep study done and now has to wear fighter jet mask when he sleeps that has a computer report.

Don't even consider being an owner operator until you can dedicate 30K in a savings account on hold to repairs and you've priced your own insurance (vehicle+health). Then imagine running your own accounting every quarter, trying to manage investments like 401K or HSA or IRA, etc.

Do your first year or two with one of the big guys like swift or JB, or XPO etc.

Then find a local outfit doing tankers, bulk powders, concrete, refrigerated gases, crain company, hoist trucks, etc. They'll get u home every night and pay for your healthcare.

You dont wanna do cross country shit unless it's year #1 and they're covering your training...... you'll destroy your health, family, marriage, sanity, etc.

 

Probably see more of them driving cars, and they didn't even get a physical.

 

That’s crazy that you have to be able to touch your toes to pass a physical.

I’m a healthy individual that has worked out my entire life. I used to be a competitive runner. But I’m not super limber and I have long legs/shortish arms, and as such I can’t touch my toes.

So you’re saying someone like me wouldn’t pass a physical, but the fat slob drivers I often see would pass it?

 

It varies from doctor to doctor.

I had one place ask me to squat and walk like a duck. I explained why I would not (both knees), and they picked another exercise.

Had another doctor ask about possible concussions after I admitted to breaking my collarbone in 1985, more than 30 years ago at that time. After that, I learned to volunteer no information.

 

This sounds like aviation medicals 5 years ago. Now they cross reference everything and will yank your medical in a heartbeat if you exclude anything.

 

It's not far away from the CDL world at all

Michigan already computers all the shit to the state. It's electronically on your license already whether you have the card with you or not.

That being said....there's already a driver shortage. I don't see it getting better.

 

Not sure my 57yo knees will let me duck walk either, lol.

 

How the hell do you not notice the increase in drag with that in the dump position and going highway speeds?

On a side note, how much more do you get paid to drive hazmat? What's the process to get to the 'so I drive nuclear fuel around' level of driver?

 

Exactly. We all see truck drivers at rest areas and truck stops and you think how in the hell did that guy ever pass a physical.

 

i mean, my sprcial ‘chiropractor’does check your bp, eye chart test, and 02 sensor test on your finger.

what else is needed to drive a truck?

eyesight - check
Oxygen level -check
BP- check

 

If you can get a dedicated route, it's actually a good gig. A relative has a dedicated daily route from Kokomo to Chicago and back and is contracted through Stelantis. He's been doing the same run for at least 10 years. Makes great money, home every night.

The school systems have been in such a shortage they've started paying more and offering benefits so seeing alot more people driving school buses

 

Wow, Thanks for all the replies- yes, I read all of them.

My Background? Im an Advanced Practice Provider- like a physician- but paid less, and do the same things. Been doing it 30 yrs- I'm about done with it.

I also HAVE my DOT license to perform and sign off on the DOT physicals. I haven't have a job in at least 4 or 5 yrs to use it though.
So I do know something about this- since I'm certified to perform the DOT physical for drivers.

I'm really serious about this. I'm in great shape, 64 y/o, etc.
I"d easily pass the DOT physical, etc.

I'll start calling/looking online again today.
about 3-4 years ago I felt this way, and had a company ready to put me in another state and pay me, train me and i'd have to give them a commitment, etc.
I"m looking to go this route.

I'm tired of saving peoples lives by recognzing atypical MI's, and/or finding abnormal physical exam and xray results and they have tumors, jaundice, lung masses, liver masses, etc. But less than 1% are not happy about following evidence based medicine and blast you on local social media FB groups. FT

 

Can someone attach the link to thread that @dtalbott started a few years ago when he started driving. It changed my outlook on the position. Isolation being one the issues and being on the road for holidays and special occasions.

Good Luck!

 

You ok working 70 to 90 hours a week, with some of that discounted or unpaid hours?

You like to shower every day?

Any family?

New car?

 

https://forums.13x.com/index.php?threads/from-the-road.332625/

 

It was also mentioned when you aint driving, you're not making money and you're sleeping.

 

They would like for you to be sleeping whenever you aren't driving, but I haven't figured out how to do that.

 

That's why you don't want a per mile job

Better off driving s hoist truck in the city or doing tankers and getting commission on gallons plus an hourly

I'd take a union job doing a trash truck before I did that per mile bullshit

The per mile stuff is good for husband wife teams that are semi retired and have big sleepers

 

When I was in the Navy one of the guys that worked with me was like the first or second alternate or some shit for his weight class for the 1988 US Greco-Roman wrestling team. Not a single ounce of fat, but dude's neck was YUUUUUUGE.

The formula the Navy used had him in jeopardy of being discharged for failing the physical fitness requirements.

Some situations require a little bit of logic.

 

Is there another way to get a cdl physical without you or your employer paying for it?