Trucker Health
June 24, 2014
This year, professional drivers will be required to take a new kind of physical. The physical will have to be performed by an FMCSA-approved medical examiner, who will fill out DOT forms covering six main areas of trucker health:
- Heart disease, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Digestive system
- Respiratory health, including sleep apnea
- Weight and nutrition
- Joint and back pain
Truckers suffering from any of these health problems won’t necessarily be denied their licensing, however, they may be issued temporary medical certification cards.
The goal is to encourage lifestyle changes that improve the health of commercial drivers. Truck driving is a high-risk occupation, both because of dangers on the road and dangers to overall well-being.
That’s why we will be featuring weekly tips for improving health while on the road. Things such as diet, fitness and simple hydration can make a world of difference.
Come back next week for our first Healthy Trucker Tip of the Week: Take 10,000 Steps!
Medical Examinations
May 29, 2014
Besides the studying, the CDL test, the training and the job search, truck drivers must also pass a medical exam. However, due to a shortage of qualified medical examiners, this year may prove especially difficult. See the full story here:
E-Log Study Shows Lower Crash Rates
May 13, 2014
The FMCSA has released a study on e-logs, which shows that carriers using electronic logging devices have lower crash rates. However, the study is skewed to bigger carriers. See the full story here:
Comments on Electronic Logging Devices
April 5, 2014
The fine folks at Overdrive Magazine look at the mixed positive and negative comments regarding mandated Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). Truck drivers have been debating the issue on open forums, public dockets and websites for months now, and the staff at Overdrive have heard their voices loud and clear. See the full article here:
http://www.overdriveonline.com/eld-rule-public-comments-mixed-with-renewed-focus-on-hours-rule/
The FMCSA’s E-Log Mandate
March 23, 2014
On March 13, the FMCSA released its official proposal to improve safety and reduce the paperwork burden for both truck drivers and fleet managers. Read the full story here:
http://eobr.com/eobr-news/eobr-mandate/e-log-mandate-trucking-industry-takes-another-step-forward/
FMCSA Cracks Down on Bus and Trucking Operations
March 20, 2014
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the immediate shut-down of four motor carriers today: two passenger carriers and two trucking operations. The violations ranged from failing to test for drugs and alcohol to improper maintenance and repairs, to driving without a commercial drivers license.
So far in 2014, the FMCSA has shut down five passenger carriers, two property carriers and four commercial drivers because of imminent hazards to the public. Additionally, the FMCSA is working on the behalf of consumers to provide data on passenger carrier safety records. The FMCSA’s “Look Before You Book” app is a free way to view these safety records, and can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/saferbus.