DOT physical for sprinter

coastline · Apr 20, 2018

I have been involved in passenger transportation for 19 yrs. I am looking to change to sprinter/cargo van service.
What companies do not require a DOT physical for Sprinter/Cargo van work? DOT regs do not require physicals for GVW >10,000 but it appears many companies do.

Thanks in advance.

ntimevan · Apr 20, 2018

Please see Classifieds.. Company listings .. Call them ..
Any Big Reputation Worthy company will require DOT med card ...

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Turtle · Apr 20, 2018

Some carriers require a CDL regardless of the vehicle. Others require a DOT physical for van drivers at least initially, but not every year or two after the initial physical.

terryandrene · Apr 20, 2018

A CDL holding driver that fails a DOT physical with one carrier is not likely to get a non-CDL driver role with any of the reputable carriers. Consider the liability issue if your malady created an adverse situation for you, the public, the carrier or its customer's freight.

xmudman · Apr 21, 2018

terryandrene said:
A CDL holding driver that fails a DOT physical with one carrier is not likely to get a non-CDL driver role with any of the reputable carriers. Consider the liability issue if your malady created an adverse situation for you, the public, the carrier or its customer's freight.

You assume that the disqualifying condition is unstable. Not always the truth. I can’t get a med card because of an eyesight deficiency in one eye. That’s a lifelong problem that is no more unstable than anyone needing a new prescription every couple years.

My diabetes is hard to control out on the road, I admit, but I’ve never had a hypoglycemic episode.

I understand, and actually support the fact that people in larger vehicles need to be held to a higher standard, but these are vans we’re talking about. Pardon me for not buying your argument hook line and sinker, but I need to make a living.

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terryandrene · Apr 21, 2018

xmudman, you are correct. I made a reasonable assumption in the situation of coastline that he/she was unable to pass a DOT inspection, could not get a waiver and had eyes on one of the well known companies of which I am aware. I also erred in my comment about "reputable" companies. I had no intent in suggesting that a company that didn't require a DOT card was not reputable. I stand corrected.

xmudman · Apr 22, 2018

I’m sure it’s a lot easier for companies such as L1, FDX, etc who have trucks in all classes, to hold all drivers to the same standard. I’m not sure how requiring a vanner to have a CDL affects the insurance, though....

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coastline · Apr 23, 2018

Terryandrene Thank you for assuming I failed to pass a DOT physical. I have not failed any physical. Xmudman, thank you for questioning and clearing up assumptions people have.
I'm looking to get into the expediting / sprinter business for the first time. From reading the DOT regs, It's my understanding the sprinter >10,000 GVW vehicles are not required to be DOT compliant however, I am finding that many companies for whatever reason ARE requiring a DOT physical.
I was DOT compliant in passenger service for 15 years. My reasons for switching industries are personal.

BigStickJr · Apr 23, 2018

There’s nothing wrong with someone assuming you failed a DOT physical.
Although your question could have been academic, almost anyone asking that question does it because they can’t pass a physical.,
It’s a major reason older/experienced drivers look at under 10,000 lbs.

BigStickJr · Apr 23, 2018

If I operated under 10,000 lb vehicles, I’d want my drivers to pass a physical.
It’s a piece of mind thing. It can bring issues to light that may be overlooked if the physical wasn’t required. And it could be a positive in any court proceeding.

On the flip side, A guy I knew passed a physical, stopped and had one beer, went home for dinner, and died prior to dinner, probably less than 3 hours after passing the physical. He was a dispatcher.

TheHardinsI · Apr 24, 2018

My husband and I have been Expedite Dtrivers for almost 12 years. Some states require you to have a Class C license. Most states your regular license is all you have to have.. Not saying a Company won't require more.. Asking about a Physical there is other options in who you drive for.. you can bid and drive for yourself instead of working for a company.. Best Wishes

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MrHopeful · Jul 2, 2018

From the thread title, I was hoping this thread would answer my question. But there seems to be debate.

I'm in SC (Charlotte metro area) and am looking at starting up with my own van (as in, getting a van in order to start up). Do any major carriers, like BOLT (seems to be a good option from other posts), not need the DOT physical?

I don't mind anybody making assumptions : )

EDIT: I'm still talking about Sprinter/Promaster vans.

Treadmill · Jul 2, 2018

MrHopeful said:
From the thread title, I was hoping this thread would answer my question. But there seems to be debate.

I'm in SC (Charlotte metro area) and am looking at starting up with my own van (as in, getting a van in order to start up). Do any major carriers, like BOLT (seems to be a good option from other posts), not need the DOT physical?

I don't mind anybody making assumptions : )

EDIT: I'm still talking about Sprinter/Promaster vans.

Your best bet is to just call the carrier of your choosing and ask them if they require one or ask one of their drivers about it. Nice and easy.

tumbleweeds · Jul 3, 2018

MrHopeful said:
From the thread title, I was hoping this thread would answer my question. But there seems to be debate.
My friend drives for Bolt. They do not require a cdl but still require a physical. It’s an insurance deal.
I'm in SC (Charlotte metro area) and am looking at starting up with my own van (as in, getting a van in order to start up). Do any major carriers, like BOLT (seems to be a good option from other posts), not need the DOT physical?

I don't mind anybody making assumptions : )

EDIT: I'm still talking about Sprinter/Promaster vans.

tumbleweeds · Jul 3, 2018

There are team drivers that transport dogs around the country. Some don’t require a physical or cdl.

Treadmill · Jul 3, 2018

MrHopeful said:
From the thread title, I was hoping this thread would answer my question. But there seems to be debate.

I'm in SC (Charlotte metro area) and am looking at starting up with my own van (as in, getting a van in order to start up). Do any major carriers, like BOLT (seems to be a good option from other posts), not need the DOT physical?

I don't mind anybody making assumptions : )

EDIT: I'm still talking about Sprinter/Promaster vans.

Talked with a Bolt driver last night and asked him your question. He said that you need DOT med. card.

MrHopeful · Jul 3, 2018

Hey thanks, Treadmill.

If you deal straight with brokers, instead of working with a company, it isn't needed right? but then, dealing straight with brokers is harder (in that I have to find my own loads) and generally pays less, right?

Turtle · Jul 4, 2018

MrHopeful · Jul 4, 2018

he he. Thanks. Happy BDay America.

Treadmill · Jul 4, 2018

MrHopeful said:
Hey thanks, Treadmill.

If you deal straight with brokers, instead of working with a company, it isn't needed right? but then, dealing straight with brokers is harder (in that I have to find my own loads) and generally pays less, right?

I don’t deal with brokers, so i don’t the answer to that question. Maybe somebody will come upwith the answer. I do know that its not easy to make tons of money off the load boards.