I was listening to XM radio a little while ago, and heard a driver call in to the Trucking Bozo Show and state that the DOT rules have changed for physicals..
He went on to say that there is now a requirement for sleep apnea testing if drivers fall within a certain group.
The criteria is as follows:
Anyone with a neck circumference of 17 inches or larger
Anyone with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35% or greater
Also, a persons Height, weight and Age will be taken into account
If one falls within the criteria, he/she will only get a 3 month certification, and will be required to have rather expensive sleep lab testing done which was speculated that most insurances will not cover.
This testing will cost (possibly out of pocket) $3,000.00 to $5,000.00.
I have attempted a web search on the rules, and have not found any concrete evidence to the fact.
A little food for thought for you fellow drivers to nibble on.