I'm heading to Panther and i'm going have there doc to give me a physical,I'm little worry due to i'm a big guy and I was woundering if there doc is tough on that issue.I know some companies do check BMI does Panther's doc checks that?Is there any input you can give me about there physical test?Thanks
Panther's physical Question
- Thread starter armin88
- Start date
westmicher
Veteran Expediter
You aren't alone out there! Frankly, once companies start checking (and rejecting) higher BMI applicants, they might want to just close their doors. There aren't enough competent skinny drivers out there with experience. I don't know if Pather does, but they are trying to push peas up a rope if they do.
I've had the physical numerous times, [the latest for Load 1, who aren't known for taking shortcuts] and none have measured BMI.
The certificate includes height & weight, and a section labeled 'body system' that indicates specific abnormalities the Dr should note, one of which is 'marked overweight'. Even if that one is checked [for yes], the Dr can indicate whether it would affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. It'd have to be pretty extreme for that to be an issue.
The certificate includes height & weight, and a section labeled 'body system' that indicates specific abnormalities the Dr should note, one of which is 'marked overweight'. Even if that one is checked [for yes], the Dr can indicate whether it would affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. It'd have to be pretty extreme for that to be an issue.
If you have a valid DOT Medical card why would they want you to take a new physical with there doctor?
Because Panther told me it didn't matter if I already have one,they required there own DR to issue a medical card OR a approved medical service(cant recall there name) but the nearest one was like 4 hours from me,so I told them Ill take it when I get there.
I have the the long form,its from August this pass year(2011).What do you mean by ua??
I think the issue isn't how strict the examining Dr is, but whether the cert is genuine - there've been some stories about fraudulent certs obtained by drivers who couldn't pass a real exam. Can't blame any carrier who wants to be sure that the cert is genuine - unlike the drug screen, which is impossible to forge.
Revenue stream?If you have a valid DOT Medical card why would they want you to take a new physical with there doctor?
cableguymn
Seasoned Expediter
seems to me.. and I was with panther in 06 so my memory could be bad..
I didn't pay for it.
I showed up with 23 months left on a 2 year card. Their Doctors gave me a 90 day one due to "high blood pressure"
I had to go back to panther HQ at around day 80 or so and they did just my BP again and I passed. Never once had anyone tell me my BP was high since then either.
I did a brief stint with a local courier company who gave me the name/address of a chiropractor that did DOT check ups.. It was 25 bucks and I needed one..
I showed up, gave um 25 cash, he spent 15 seconds looking at me and signed a card.
That is why Panther does it in house.
Again. I don't recall paying for the panther one.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
I would find this as a very lame excuse for them to have an in-house dot done. I think there is an issue whether or not a failure can be deemed a problem for the company on the liability end of things - five doctors will certify "me" to drive but the company doctor says no ... so off to court "I" go because if the physical is done to the FMCSA/fed DOT specs, it is good enough.
cableguymn
Seasoned Expediter
How where you harmed by them turning you down because you did not meet their standards?
The dot/feds may set the bar but the company is allowed to set it higher.
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It's been my experience that it is more common for companies to have their doctors perform physicals. As you know UA's/**** Tests are required when you change or start employment. If you have high BP and are under medication for it, get your doctor to write a letter stating how long you have used the medication, if you have had any problems with it, and that you can operate a commercial vehicle while taking it.
I have no idea how much may have changed at Panther. I went to Orientation in August 2007. A few really big people were turned away for high blood pressure. More walked out when they announced the Urine test. The Doctor was a D.O. if your breathing and have normal blood pressure your in. At least then you were.
Did you win? I think a company should have every right to set higher standards than the DOT minimum if they choose, similar to a states rights kind of thing.