What are my options?

Yolo · Jan 12, 2015

I'm unable to obtain a CDL, I would like a career in trucking. I've thought about purchasing a truck and hiring drivers, but a lot of truckers say it's best to start as an owner operator. I'm interested in logistics any advice as to how I should start?

GrassHopperr · Jan 12, 2015

Lets start with as to why arent you able to get cdl?

Yolo · Jan 12, 2015

Medical (sleep apnea, breathing problem)

paullud · Jan 12, 2015

Yolo said:
I'm unable to obtain a CDL, I would like a career in trucking. I've thought about purchasing a truck and hiring drivers, but a lot of truckers say it's best to start as an owner operator. I'm interested in logistics any advice as to how I should start?

What about a job as a dispatcher?

danthewolf00 · Jan 13, 2015

Why not just get a under 26k straight truck and start from there.

tknight · Jan 13, 2015

Won't he have the same problem with a medical card Cdl or non Cdl ?

mss1963 · Jan 13, 2015

Under 26,000 Still need medical card.

danthewolf00 · Jan 13, 2015

Yes but at least he can drive a under 26k with out a cdl...

crich · Jan 13, 2015

danthewolf00 said:
Yes but at least he can drive a under 26k with out a cdl...

but the point is nythin over 10000 needs a med card and the sleep disorder keeps him from getting one.

Jenny · Jan 13, 2015

Ummmm there are people who have sleep apnea and still drive with the cpap in the truck. I'm confused

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Yolo · Jan 13, 2015

You are absolutely right Jenny most diagnosed with sleep apnea are able to drive, I drove a bus before with a cdl b. However my physician won't clear me medically due to the medical problems that have accrued due to apnea. Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and asthma.

crich · Jan 13, 2015

you may be right I will see what I can find out. I think from what I read on the fmcsa the decision is made by the med examiner. and what type of prescription drug they take for it. if op can get a med card.I stand corrected.

beachbum · Jan 13, 2015

All this and Congress has told the FMCSA they cannot test for sleep apnia because it isn't in the rules they have for medical. Congress has also told the FMCSA to tell the doctors this, therefore doctors aren't suposed to test for it in the first place.

Yolo · Jan 13, 2015

As I said, there are cdl drivers with sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea before driving a city bus. There are complications with my health that (according to my doctor) at this point won't allow me to hold a medical card.

RoadHouse · Jan 13, 2015

There are companies that will hire you to drive a van without a medical card. You just need to get your own van, cargo insurance, and find a smaller outfit to drive for. You can also try and get a second opinion from another doctor. If your blood pressure is under control, and your rapid heart beat can be controlled properly with beta blockers, what's the problem? Is your high blood pressure uncontrollable? That could be why your doctor feels you cannot drive. Please seek the advice of a second doctor before you make any decisions!

Yolo · Feb 1, 2015

Definitely going the fleet owner route, I can not get clearance to drive. I'll start small and work from there. If it fails, well it's my money. If it's a success, GREAT! Either way, I won't know unless I try.

rollincoal · Feb 1, 2015

Yolo said:
You are absolutely right Jenny most diagnosed with sleep apnea are able to drive, I drove a bus before with a cdl b. However my physician won't clear me medically due to the medical problems that have accrued due to apnea. Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and asthma.

Go to another doctor and don't mention your sleep apnea diagnosis. The whole issue of forcing drivers on cap machines is a bogus money making scam anyways. People with sleep apnea can function.

cheri1122 · Feb 1, 2015

rollincoal said:
Go to another doctor and don't mention your sleep apnea diagnosis. The whole issue of forcing drivers on cap machines is a bogus money making scam anyways. People with sleep apnea can function.

That's what's known as "doctor shopping", and it's one of the reasons we have to use only docs on the 'approved' list. It's unethical to withhold info you know is pertinent, and it probably wouldn't help in this case anyway, as the issues are secondary to apnea, and they're still unresolved, apparently.

xiggi · Feb 2, 2015

I think doctors now have to report failed tests so they can now track doctor shoppers.

Yolo · Feb 2, 2015

I'll risk losing my money on a truck or two over the risk of having a heart attack and killing a family of four. I understand some are sicker than me and drive professionally, and good for them.I'll play it safe.