Most CDL physicals require you to be able to bend forwards/backwards/side-to-side, touch your toes, stand on 1 foot without loosing balance, raise arms above your head, put them behind your back. They may have you lift a 75lb weight to see if you can.

However, some companies may go further and require you to lift up to 100lbs. My buddy just went to Transport America and he said they required you to lift a milk crate with several weights in it and place it in the back of a trailer several times, starting with a lower weight and working up to the maximum of 75-100lbs. Then you had to climb into the back of the trailer. You then had to wheel the fully loaded crate on a hand truck the length of the trailer and back. After that they made him squat with both knees out to the side and walk (while squatting) like you would under a trailer for a distance of about 10 feet. They also required him to step up and down on a set of stairs for 3 minutes to a steady beat in order to check his pulse. I just changed companies also (not Transport America) and they only had us do the minimum requirements and lift a box with 75lbs once, so it all depends on the company.

The best advice for you would be to gather up your records regarding the surgery. Get a letter from you physician stating you have no restrictions in regards to work duties. Then make an appointment with a qualified CDL doctor for a physical, it may cost you $45-75 but that will be cheaper than quitting your job and finding out later you can't qualify. Even if you pass this physical always have those records handy for most doctors will be reluctant to sign off on you if they have a question that cannot be answered right away.

Also, strength training with weights for your back prior to starting this job can be a great help.

Good Luck!

 

I almost passed this one by. Thought it was about a sex change or somethin'! :lol:

I think... unless someone wants to object... that I MAY be the "back problem" specialist on this board. I have a degenerated disc in my lumbar area. A disc that never fully developed, and is therefore "loose" amongst the cartilage and muscle in the lower back area.

I've had back pain due to "slipped disc" syndrome all my life. I've been going to Chiropractors ALL my life! The Air Force threatened to "fuse" my backbone together in order for me to pass my flight physical! I told them, "No Thanks!" It is a MUSCLE control issue, and I KNOW how to control my problem. They "waived" me, and passed me. I flew in a much less comfortable seat on aircraft for several years after that.

For you... it's too late. You've already HAD the fusion "medical" FIX. But... managing your new 'frame' will ALSO be a muscle control issue. There are several simple exercises for this. But, hard work is a good substitute.

As for Trucking? I think it will HELP you! I find (with Air Ride Cabs) that the 'minimal' amount of bouncing and vibration actually RELAXES the muscles around my lumbar region, thus allowing for a "constant adjustment" being made to the area. Sleeping on your SIDE, with outside leg raised over the other, puts you in the "adjustment" position while the vibrating truck beneath you relaxes the muscles, and lets the spine "realign."

Just remember to change sides each time you wake up. NEVER sleep on your back, if you can help it! The stomach is okay, but may require a small pillow under the pelvis to take the strain off your lower back.

Oops, sorry! MOST of this technique ONLY works if you drive TEAM like I do. When I DO drive Solo, the vibrating effect is lessened, but still beneficial.

Get the proper equipment necessary, (can be homemade) to be able to do "inverted - or flying- situps." Bowed over a fulcrum at the waist/hips with your feet anchored to keep you from flipping over. You are above the ground and let your torso "fall" straight to the floor, then raise it up level with your lower body. You are using the lower back muscles to do this. Hold it as long as you can, longer each time, then SLOWLY lower yourself back to the floor. Don't "swing!"

This will HURT at first! :lol: Stay with it and don't overdo it! Gradually, you will get to where it doesn't mean a thang! At THAT point, YOUR back will be better than MOST on the road!

Best of luck to you. If you want more info you can PM me.

Hobo

 

Transport America

My loads were mostly drop n hooks. Averaged 600 miles a day.

You'll love the Scottsburg facilty for orientation ! I had a blast there

 

every one for their insight into this!!!!I mean that, you have given me an option...I was not sure that I had(with my back and all)It is one thing for me to think I can do something...I'm Hard-Headed....I'll get through it!!! ....I REALLY want to thank everyone!!! that has contributed...( Jeez, I almost have spelling and punctuation down!!!???LOL I'm a Hoosier...good bad or ugly...I still wants to thank EVERYONE that has chimed in with this topic.