First time poster

Long story short ( if you and believe that )

I'm 48 yrs old been been in the glazier for the past 29 years.
In 2004 I had surgery on my back after exhausting all other treatments at the time.( that didn't work ) Just recently Spinal decompression was offered in my area. Well guess what, it's working, leg pain, glut pain is gone and back pain is almost gone ( hardly feel it ). Tho I'm getting better I'm not allowed to return to my line of work ( it's classified Heavy / Heavy through L & I )

The only thing that bothers me is standing for more than 4 hours ( tolerable but bothers me ) Sitting for hours on end doesn't bother me neither does driving my motor home for 10 hours in a day.

My question is.... "anyone ever have back surgery here and still drive a truck, will companies hold this against me?" I've talked to 2 recruiters 1 said he advise aginst driving ( which boggled me because it dosn't bother me to drive ) the other said it was ok as long as I had a Doctore release ( which I do from 1 and waiting on the other to do the same and I'm sure he will )

I've talked to a few truckers and plan on talking to more that have told me in 3 years working for there company they have NEVER unload a single truck. Is this true?

 

You don't have to disclose medical information like that ... it is not the army ... if you pass the physical exam (sucks) you should be good to go.

Don't bring it up ... they do not even have the right to ask you if you are married, kids, religion, race, country of origin, anything of that nature as long as you provide documentation that you are who you say you are and that you are legally able to work and drive in the US.

"Never miss a good opportunity to shut up"

 

that sounds all good except I've been looking at apps and they ask for employment history for the last 3 to 10 years. I've been on L&I for the last 2 from my last employer. One question asked is "would you rehire this person", and I know there answer would be "No" due to my injury.

Kinda hard to cover up 2 years of unemployment isn't it?

 

There are companies who have driver assist on some loads. If that is a problem, then stay away from any of them who require help with unloading. You could also tell them that you won't unload and they need to hire a lumper. Companies have a concern about workers comp claims for injuries. If you get a release letter from your doctor, that should be enough for most carriers.

 

Buy yourself a big truck. Problem solved.

 

MY Dda has had several back surgeries and STILL is a bedbugger at 54. THe only thing you may face is higher workman's comp insurance. My dad is in what they call a "high risk" pool, and pays more.

 

yaffro...what exactly is a DDA?

District Defense Attorney??? :?

 

my buddy who is getting into driving right now has had 2 back surgery's and also has spineabifita (spelling???) and hasn't had any problems with finding a job. he has told all his employers about his situation and got a note from the doc saying all was good as long as he doesn't take a direct hit to the back (could kill him or permanently paralyze him)

 

I'm still learneing how to type. Kinda like Austin Powers....

"Da Fasia!!" Goldmember

"The Farger?"

"OH! You mean FA-THER!" Dr Evil

 

Loading and unloading within reason wouldn't be a huge problem ( meaning 50lb boxes or so ) I can lift more just don't want to push it.
Most of the place's I've been looking at say " lumpers paid... unload x dollars...assist unload x dollars " Does this mean I have the option to unload or not to unload?

I'd like to start out at .28cpm or better, looking in my area it doesn't look a problem. Example Gordon trucking starts out at .30cpm

But when I went to http://www.classadrivers.com/index.p...ing&StateID=WA

to compare companies... Swift ( whom I've heard horror stories ) got a better rating than Gordon. Does anyone here work for or know someone that works for them so I can talk to them?

Also what is the difference between Hub miles and practical miles? I know the 3rd is shortest miles and want to try to stay away from that