| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
gsherm
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 46
Location: Sullivan, Indiana
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:15 pm Post subject: I've had a surgery |
|
|
| About 5 years ago I had a Back surgery and I've been wanting to go into The Trucking Industry....Now that most of the equipment is Air-ride...How bad is it for those of you that have or had back problems? |
|
| Back to top |
|
BanditsCousin
Joined: 05 Jun 2004
Posts: 3231
Location: Chicago, IL
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Shouldn't be sop bad. My dad has had 3 surgeries on his back and has been a trucker right around 30 years. The newer equipment is pretty ergonomic, so you should find it a comfortable work career if you can take the BS with it.
BOL |
|
| Back to top |
|
Uturn2001
Joined: 10 Jan 2005
Posts: 4623
Location: East Central IL between the corn and the beans
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
There is more abuse that your back goes through than just the ride. Coupling and uncoupling, adjusting the position of the trailer tandems to balance the load, and loading or unloading boxes that may weigh 75 lbs' or more are just some of the things you need to make sure you can handle.
One thing for sure. If you are unable to handle riding in your average car for 500-600 miles in 11-14 clock hours you will not be able to handle the rigors of driving a truck.
Just giving you some indicators/questions to ask yourself before you invest the time and/or money to pursue truck driving. |
|
| Back to top |
|
GMAN
Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 9393
Location: Tennessee
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I broke my back several years ago and I do just fine driving. I get a little stiff if I sit all day. Other than that, I don't have a problem. If I still had a spring ride truck, I am not sure. Air ride makes all the difference. If you don't have a lot of pain and problems with your back, you will probably do all right. You may want to stop every few hours and get out of the truck. |
|
| Back to top |
|
gsherm
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 46
Location: Sullivan, Indiana
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:36 pm Post subject: But what I want to really know is |
|
|
| Are there alot of companies that do mostly drop and hook I'd prefer not to have to off load for 2-3 hours at a time after the surgery for any frequency and being a potential rookie at this I'm just feeling out my options but the fact is I'm a Corrections Officer for the last 13 years and I'm completely Burned out with having 30 bosses breathing all over me and I'm looking for a changeI just drove from Terre Haute IN. to Jacksonville Fla. straight trough 13 hours...granted that was by car but I think I would love the freedom of the road...I just don't want to make the wrong decision....I would really appreciate some REAL honest imput on this cause it has always been an interest of mine. Thank you all who have and will respond! |
|
| Back to top |
|
kc0iv
Joined: 03 Feb 2005
Posts: 1099
Location: Kansas City, MO
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:40 am Post subject: Re: But what I want to really know is |
|
|
gsherm wrote: Are there alot of companies that do mostly drop and hook I'd prefer not to have to off load for 2-3 hours at a time after the surgery for any frequency and being a potential rookie at this I'm just feeling out my options but the fact is I'm a Corrections Officer for the last 13 years and I'm completely Burned out with having 30 bosses breathing all over me and I'm looking for a changeI just drove from Terre Haute IN. to Jacksonville Fla. straight trough 13 hours...granted that was by car but I think I would love the freedom of the road...I just don't want to make the wrong decision....I would really appreciate some REAL honest imput on this cause it has always been an interest of mine. Thank you all who have and will respond!
I had back surgery and never had a problem.
I guess I was lucky because I never load or unloader a trailer.
There is alot going on besides driving. Such thing as being gone most of the time. It takes years nornally to get job where you will be home every day. I tell people that driving is life style. And very few people can adjust to that life style.
kc0iv |
|
| Back to top |
|
gsherm
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 46
Location: Sullivan, Indiana
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 3:12 pm Post subject: Thank you ...to all who have |
|
|
| Responded, The "Being away from Home"part will not bother me as My Ex wife now lives about 100 miles from me so I only see my kids now every 2 weeks....I'm more concerned about the rigors of OTR driving when it comes to back problems, I had a few Vertebrae fused 5 years ago and was really wanting to go into Trucking before the surgery...I've given my back plenty of time to heal and I'm sick of my current job.....Is it more or less what Company you get on with as to the amount of loading and off loading or should I expect to have to ( no pun intended) Bust my Hump regardless of who I get on with...I'd really like some sound advise from you guys on this topic..Thanks |
|
| Back to top |
|
rubberducky
Joined: 09 Jun 2005
Posts: 212
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 3:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I drove for a company one time that had mack trucks with cheap seats. Just about the only thing these seats had were the air ride. They were completely flat and really hard like cinder blocks. The only adjustments they had were front to back for leg room. These were real back killers and butt killers I might add. I haven't worked for anyone else though that had these seats. |
|
| Back to top |
|
rubberducky
Joined: 09 Jun 2005
Posts: 212
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I drive tractor trailer end dumps but locally. I have seen some otr ones. There is no coupling/uncoupling or hand loading/unloading to this job. To unload you flip a couple switches to open the end gate and lower your air bags and then turn your pto on and raise your bed up and down. It's real easy. I haul coal and to load up they have an automated system: you swipe a card select what weight you want and where you are going, wait for a green light and pull under the chute. When you get your second green light you just pull up in low gear as slow as you can until the chute raises back up again. Pretty easy. Your almost always scaled out and if you aren't it's just a matter of hammering the throttle and hitting your brakes either forward or in reverse where ever you are heavy to get the weight off. |
|
| Back to top |
|
gsherm
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 46
Location: Sullivan, Indiana
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:05 pm Post subject: One more question |
|
|
| How thorough are the CDL exams ..as I have a pretty signifigant scar due to this surgery?Once again thanks for the replies. |
|
| Back to top |
|
movinit
Joined: 21 Apr 2006
Posts: 421
Location: Changes by the minute
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
Most CDL physicals require you to be able to bend forwards/backwards/side-to-side, touch your toes, stand on 1 foot without loosing balance, raise arms above your head, put them behind your back. They may have you lift a 75lb weight to see if you can.
However, some companies may go further and require you to lift up to 100lbs. My buddy just went to Transport America and he said they required you to lift a milk crate with several weights in it and place it in the back of a trailer several times, starting with a lower weight and working up to the maximum of 75-100lbs. Then you had to climb into the back of the trailer. You then had to wheel the fully loaded crate on a hand truck the length of the trailer and back. After that they made him squat with both knees out to the side and walk (while squatting) like you would under a trailer for a distance of about 10 feet. They also required him to step up and down on a set of stairs for 3 minutes to a steady beat in order to check his pulse. I just changed companies also (not Transport America) and they only had us do the minimum requirements and lift a box with 75lbs once, so it all depends on the company.
The best advice for you would be to gather up your records regarding the surgery. Get a letter from you physician stating you have no restrictions in regards to work duties. Then make an appointment with a qualified CDL doctor for a physical, it may cost you $45-75 but that will be cheaper than quitting your job and finding out later you can't qualify. Even if you pass this physical always have those records handy for most doctors will be reluctant to sign off on you if they have a question that cannot be answered right away.
Also, strength training with weights for your back prior to starting this job can be a great help.
Good Luck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
golfhobo
Joined: 16 Oct 2005
Posts: 3967
Location: the 19th hole / NC
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 4:17 pm Post subject: Re: I've had a surgery |
|
|
gsherm wrote: About 5 years ago I had a Back surgery and I've been wanting to go into The Trucking Industry....Now that most of the equipment is Air-ride...How bad is it for those of you that have or had back problems?
I almost passed this one by. Thought it was about a sex change or somethin'! :lol:
I think... unless someone wants to object... that I MAY be the "back problem" specialist on this board. I have a degenerated disc in my lumbar area. A disc that never fully developed, and is therefore "loose" amongst the cartilage and muscle in the lower back area.
I've had back pain due to "slipped disc" syndrome all my life. I've been going to Chiropractors ALL my life! The Air Force threatened to "fuse" my backbone together in order for me to pass my flight physical! I told them, "No Thanks!" It is a MUSCLE control issue, and I KNOW how to control my problem. They "waived" me, and passed me. I flew in a much less comfortable seat on aircraft for several years after that.
For you... it's too late. You've already HAD the fusion "medical" FIX. But... managing your new 'frame' will ALSO be a muscle control issue. There are several simple exercises for this. But, hard work is a good substitute.
As for Trucking? I think it will HELP you! I find (with Air Ride Cabs) that the 'minimal' amount of bouncing and vibration actually RELAXES the muscles around my lumbar region, thus allowing for a "constant adjustment" being made to the area. Sleeping on your SIDE, with outside leg raised over the other, puts you in the "adjustment" position while the vibrating truck beneath you relaxes the muscles, and lets the spine "realign."
Just remember to change sides each time you wake up. NEVER sleep on your back, if you can help it! The stomach is okay, but may require a small pillow under the pelvis to take the strain off your lower back.
Oops, sorry! MOST of this technique ONLY works if you drive TEAM like I do. When I DO drive Solo, the vibrating effect is lessened, but still beneficial.
Get the proper equipment necessary, (can be homemade) to be able to do "inverted - or flying- situps." Bowed over a fulcrum at the waist/hips with your feet anchored to keep you from flipping over. You are above the ground and let your torso "fall" straight to the floor, then raise it up level with your lower body. You are using the lower back muscles to do this. Hold it as long as you can, longer each time, then SLOWLY lower yourself back to the floor. Don't "swing!"
This will HURT at first! :lol: Stay with it and don't overdo it! Gradually, you will get to where it doesn't mean a thang! At THAT point, YOUR back will be better than MOST on the road!
Best of luck to you. If you want more info you can PM me.
Hobo |
|
| Back to top |
|
Niagarafallss1
Joined: 25 Jun 2005
Posts: 515
Location: Western New York State
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: But what I want to really know is |
|
|
gsherm wrote: Are there alot of companies that do mostly drop and hook I'd prefer not to have to off load for 2-3 hours at a time after the surgery for any frequency and being a potential rookie at this I'm just feeling out my options but the fact is I'm a Corrections Officer for the last 13 years and I'm completely Burned out with having 30 bosses breathing all over me and I'm looking for a changeI just drove from Terre Haute IN. to Jacksonville Fla. straight trough 13 hours...granted that was by car but I think I would love the freedom of the road...I just don't want to make the wrong decision....I would really appreciate some REAL honest imput on this cause it has always been an interest of mine. Thank you all who have and will respond!
Transport America ;)
My loads were mostly drop n hooks. Averaged 600 miles a day. :)
You'll love the Scottsburg facilty for orientation ! I had a blast there:) |
|
| Back to top |
|
gsherm
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 46
Location: Sullivan, Indiana
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:36 am Post subject: Thank |
|
|
| every one for their insight into this!!!!I mean that, you have given me an option...I was not sure that I had(with my back and all)It is one thing for me to think I can do something...I'm Hard-Headed....I'll get through it!!! ....I REALLY want to thank everyone!!! that has contributed...( Jeez, I almost have spelling and punctuation down!!!???LOL I'm a Hoosier...good bad or ugly...I still wants to thank EVERYONE that has chimed in with this topic. |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
