CDL Drivers and Body Mass Index
January 29, 2010
SpinHacker
BMI, discipline, drivers, education, Employer, fleet safety program, FMCSR, Medical Examiners Certificate, overweight, Physical Qualifications, safety, Sleep Apnea
Pay attention. CDL drivers need to act accordingly or you may need to look for another occupation. Prepare.
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Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
- Enter your weight and height using Standard or Metric measures.
- Click on “Compute BMI” and your BMI will appear in the heart of the figure.
BMI Categories:
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
- Overweight = 25-29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
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[[[ Calculate your BMI ]]]]
[[[ Español ]]]
This calculator does not include the new ‘neck measurement noted below.
The BMI Tables
Aim for a Healthy Weight:
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We should become familiar with this federal medical requirement : http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov./rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm I have encountered two separate issues regarding the BMI (Body Mass Index) of drivers affect by these regulations.
When a CDL driver is required to renew their Medical Examiners Certificate, the driver will now be checked for complications with their bodies ability to exchange oxygen. If the driver appears to be overweight during their examination, a measurement of the neck circumference will be taken along with the height and body weight.
From that data their BMI will be established. If the examiner determines the driver is not in a safe range, the medical examiner may order a sleep study for “Sleep Apnea” before a certified renewal card can be issued. Thus, disqualifying an existing driver or a potential candidate from driving a CDL truck.
The medical examiner may choose to issue a temporary 90 day card and require the sleep study before the 90 days has expired. If the Study is NOT performed, the driver will not be issued a renewal card.
It is also rumored that sometime around 2012-2014, driver’s medical information will be electronically filed and stored with The Federal DOT. Pass or Fail.
THE POINT: Borderline CDL drivers need to improve and maintain their health. DOT studies show, people who suffer from Sleep Apnea are 2 to 7 times more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel if not treated.
DISCUSS:
If overweight is is possible to be disqualified by the Medical Examiner under . . . FMSCSR
The overall health of our employees is very important.
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Fleet D.O.T. & Safety Compliance 
Jul 08, 2010 @ 20:02:58
cite your sources! I can only find from my research that DOT/FMCSA were using BMI at physicals to determine a base at which to have drivers tested for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). I did not find anything credible (only people’s blogs) stating there were any proposed changes in regulations for whether drivers would be eligible to renew their CDL. — Google ethos, pathos, logos
Dec 15, 2010 @ 20:20:45
Here is the link to my source.
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services : National Heart & Lung Health Services
Jul 17, 2010 @ 13:26:29
I am 5 ft, 6 in. My neck measures 17.5 in. I weigh 195 lb.s The BMI calculator says I am obese. I lift weights and have low body fat.
This BMI stuff is pure B.S.
Jul 17, 2010 @ 16:10:37
You are right. The BMI does not take body building into account.
Nov 23, 2011 @ 19:39:42
I think I read that they will also measure your neck, and I’m sure it also includes just looking at you. The examiner is not likely to just go by BMI or even neck measurements if it’s obvious you’re muscle bound. I think people can breath easy that this will really only effect those really carrying an extra load if you know what I mean.
My dad’s a truck driver. I love drivers, but I have to agree I don’t want to be next to the guy having a heart attack who’s had sleep apnea for years due to poor diet, and lack of activity. Now i know it’s hard to have a good diet when you’re on a truck, but that’s just a problem, and there are solutions.
Dec 15, 2010 @ 20:17:05
Here is the source for the BMI at my site.
Dec 30, 2013 @ 15:01:17
I can totally relate I’m 6’2″ 18.5″ neck 305lbs. and a 13% body fat bench press 465lbs. Squat 700+ lbs….im a former linebacker turned powerlifter/Truck Driver and their telling im obese….No hypertension,no diabetes no health issues whatsoever, I’ve had a 18″ neck @ 17 years old at 32 years old a 18.5″ neck….sad part about since October I’ve dropped 23lbs. and had a 2 year certification at 330lbs…..its all about Insurance companies and doctors collecting money…..honestly its bull$h*+
Jan 29, 2015 @ 16:50:06
I had the same problem at my physical I had to demand that they take my BMI and my BIA and take the average.
Oct 13, 2010 @ 08:48:31
Hi. Here are several general facts to read regarding Weight Loss, Mens Health, Cholesterol and Osteoporosis.
Dec 27, 2010 @ 22:06:22
When did/does this BMI testing start and what chapter and verse can i find the regs in? I have read Part 391.41: Physical qualifications for drivers. – and can not find anything pertaining to BMI or a call for its testing.
Jan 31, 2015 @ 20:29:44
When you go update your Med Card….it has started already n then you have to register your Med Card at State Patrol
Mar 02, 2011 @ 06:18:03
Jun 21, 2011 @ 11:03:37
My name is Craig G. i was driver for a very well known less than truckload carrier here in Pennsylvania. In January of 2010 i was failed on my D.O.T. physical for being to far outside the acceptable range on the BMI scale and subsuquently put out of my job. I had no other medical issues and was being treated for sleep apnea through the use of a CPAP machine. I have since lost almost 200lbs thanks to a program called Take Shape For Life. I unfortunately still do not qualify for a D.O.T. medical card and the rules are getting tighter and tighter. It is predicted that by 2014 almost 250,000 drivers will be put out of work.
Aug 14, 2011 @ 17:38:45
DOT regs and Company policies are not the same. As noted here, “Currently fleet owners use a BMI of 39 or higher to screen and disqualify driver applicants.”
Good overview articles here,
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Commercial Driver Risk?
http://dotphysicalutah.com/faq/articles/obstructive-sleep-apnea-commercial-driver-risk/
Sleep Apnea & Trucking Conference
http://www.satc2010.org/
National Health Control Begins | Freedom, Liberty & Recovering our Conservative National Voice
Aug 26, 2011 @ 15:23:54
Feb 20, 2012 @ 00:22:54
i need a CDL driver if you are interested call me at 503 403 9052 [Note from this site’s author/cut and paste-er blogger. . I have not called this number. In the ideal world there’s no problem here. . . that’s . . . in the ideal world . . . I’m just saying. Be wise.]
Apr 26, 2012 @ 23:29:03
this new requirement is bs people come in all body shapes big bone big muscle small frame etc. i have been lifting weights and workingout for 33 yrs and if i went by the bmi index i would be nothing but skin and bones these people who sit behind adesk and make new regulations dont have a clue on that some people have a high bmi and r in great shape.why r they discriminating against cdl drivers.
May 24, 2012 @ 02:17:07
I think this is unfair I am a weightlifter and they are saying because of my BMI being over 35 that I have to loss weight. I don’t think that this is fair it is just another way for the gov to control what we do.
Sep 05, 2013 @ 22:29:00
Your right and they are beginning to realize they are wrong in this particular regard.
Sep 02, 2012 @ 15:29:38
The last physical I had the nit wit insisted that I have a chest xray because I had a congestion issue going on. He would only give me a 30 day card unless I did so. Tell me it’s not all about the MONEY. Oh yeah, and if they or even you think that this will end the issues around the trucking industry and tired drivers then I will just sit here and continue laughing. The only thing that will correct the problem no matter what your physical condition is to pay a driver for 40 hours of work like anyone else. When you have to work 70 hours a week for the same pay as a person that works 40 you get tired. It’s a no-brainer. Let’s not forget about the people who are giving the physical – most are not even doctors.
Sep 05, 2013 @ 22:26:24
Excellent point.
Oct 11, 2012 @ 04:08:38
250,000 Drivers out of work is not acceptable. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! Our society is headed for MEDICAL DISCRIMINATION and a MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE STATE sponsored by good old UNCLE SAM and if you say to yourself “this won’t affect me” you live in a DREAMWORLD!!!!!!! Next they will take your right to work and you’ll wake up under a bridge after loosing everything and ask the question – WHY DIDN’T I LISTEN AND TAKE MY COUNTRY BACK WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE?.
Sep 05, 2013 @ 22:25:24
Body mass is not everything. I just put what the DOT is doing. Be more involved in America’s voting process and things can change, slowly. Try http://www.govtrackus.com or http://www.volvox.com or http://www.freedomworks.com
Oct 11, 2012 @ 04:24:35
I see this site is TOTALLY BIASED against the working man.
Sep 05, 2013 @ 22:21:16
Why do you say that?
Oct 18, 2012 @ 21:56:34
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Oct 19, 2012 @ 20:43:27
what about everyone else with it…why target truckers???? a passenger car is just as dangerous to the outside world…they need to test EVERYONE or not at all…it’s just a money game
Sep 05, 2013 @ 22:20:21
Excellent point.
Jul 16, 2013 @ 17:36:10
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I’ll
forward this post to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
Sep 05, 2013 @ 22:11:17
At this site we focus on 10k to 26k GVWR trucks which are doing a max of 3 days a week. We don’t even apprach the rules you are dealing with. I suggest you check a professional service company for that answer. Bottom line: Fatigued? Stop.
Nov 01, 2013 @ 17:38:02
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Nov 05, 2013 @ 21:52:14
Most of the Medical Examiners want to renew, otherwise they go out of business but they can’t pretend Sleep Apnea isn’t an issue. They really don’t need any fancy tools to recognize someone with a BMI over 35 – it is pretty obvious.
They want to renew your ticket, but they also don’t want to get sued. If you are overweight, the ME is better off to give you a temp and ask you to prove you don’t have sleep apnea.
Just because you are overweight, does not mean you have sleep apnea. Home sleep tests are readily available, they cost between $200 to $300. If the ME asks you to prove you don’t have sleep apnea and you have the test with you the ME can check off that you are OK.
If you do have sleep apnea. Still not the end of the world. If you are treating sleep apnea the ME will still be able to approve your renewal.
The only time you will get into trouble is when you go do nothing. Take a look in the mirror. . . if you have significant Dunlaps disease, check into a home sleep test before you show up looking to renew your CDL>
Nov 09, 2013 @ 12:47:00
Any bus drivers have a problem, because of BMI, not getting their medical card signed off on by an IDOT doctor?
Dec 05, 2014 @ 15:15:03
I am a bus driver, for 20 years. I was given 6 months to lose weight or take the sleep study test. I am now waiting on the results of the test and was inform by the IDOT doc that now my card will only be good for a year from the original expiration date. I have no high blood pressure or diabetic. They never measured my neck, which by the way, is small. I am 20 lbs too heavy is all. So now I have to go through the stress and expense AGAIN in six months. What scares me is I am seeing a lot of drivers taking the “quick” way by getting gastric bypass surgery to pass the medical exam. Not realizing the high risks and lifstyle changes that come with it.
Oct 08, 2015 @ 01:15:21
Good story Gail. Bottom line. We have to take responsibility for the decisions we make. It is good to get info from various sources, experts and those who have tackled the problem and won the long race. They are out there, you just have to find them.
Sep 17, 2015 @ 02:55:23
I actually had my neck measured by the medical examiner. I was surprised that the doctor was checking for it. My neck barely passed, but that was because my neck became more narrow when I got older. If I had been tested when I was 21 years old and with a more muscular neck, I would not have passed the DOT. BMI and neck measurement are not a good way to determine sleep apnea. In fact, the reason why drivers are tired all the time, is because of the 8 hour rule. In one motor carrier, it would take me an hour to get to work and an hour to get home, and this is without me sacrificing additional time to do a pre trip inspection, that I’m not going to be paid to do. If you don’t get 8 hours of sleep everyday, then you’re going to get tired and exhausted. It’s not because of Sleep Apnea, it’s lack of recovery time.
Nov 21, 2013 @ 22:35:18
can anybody tell me if they are going to inforce the neck size in 2014
Feb 01, 2014 @ 03:02:17
I just went for a drug screen and physical for a new job. To my surprise I was turned down and was told I would have to get tested for sleep apnea. I have been unemployed and turned back to trucking because that is all I could find. Now the delima, no insurance to pay for a costly test which means no job which means no money. Catch 22. I am extremely overweight. I swim at least 3 times a week, stretch, yoga ball and light weights and eat extremely healthy without being able to lose weight. I am not sure how this makes sense when there are drivers of auto that are extremely over weight. Are they not a danger also? If my late husband was still alive he would have past the physical because his bmi was perfect. Except he smoked 3 packs of cigerettes a day, ate extremely poor and never exercised. Hmmmm?
Feb 20, 2014 @ 06:08:58
I’m a 43 year old FedEx driver into my 17th year of service and last October when I went to renew my 2-year DOT card, I was granted only a 6 month because as the doctor told me, I’m too obese. I thought he was joking but he said that I am 6′ tall and weigh 275 pounds and my BMI is 36% and that is unacceptable to drive a FedEx vehicle. He told me that by this April they will need to see positive weight loss or I will be ordered to get a sleep apnea evaluation that costs over 2000 dollars out of my own pocket. I cannot believe that I face losing a 47K a year job because I’m too fat? These new regulations are completely out of control and I see it as nothing more than another way for the gov’t to seize more control over us and to help line the pockets of the insurance companies. I have never been treated for sleep apnea nor do I have it and now my job is in jeopardy. I don’t drive a large truck, but a small Ford E-150 van. This makes NO sense to me.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 01:51:50
It’s the government. Soon we will be eating Soyulant Green.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 20:27:38
Matt, I am sorry to read about what you are up against. I struggled with my weight for years and it was starting to affect my health and every day life. I lost 70 lbs in 8 months and have kept it off for over two years. Check out my website to see before and after photos and learn more. I would be honored to help you improve your health and hopefully keep your job.
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Feb 23, 2014 @ 15:02:49
I am 53 yrs old been heavy all my life with no medical problems at all as my doctor has said i come from a history large family by the way who all have lived into there eights and one to 106 yrs old i work hard i pull a flatbed for the last 26yrs of 28 yrs of driving i also farm and can out work these high school kid when we bale hay. i am six ft four in tall weigh 390 with 18 in neck so sounds like i will not have my company much do to the new rules sorry not fair.i will go on disability ,welfare ,food stamps let them take care of me for a change .PEOPLE are not all the same . WAKE UP AMERICA
May 02, 2014 @ 17:06:22
There are many factors that can put you at risk for sleep apnea, and a larger neck size is one of them. You could be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if you are a man with a neck size of 17 inches or more or a woman with a neck size of 16 inches or more.
https://www.wakeuptosleep.com/blog/2013/04/what-is-the-correlation-between-neck-size-and-sleep-apnea.html
May 13, 2014 @ 09:08:33
I realize how old this article is, but, as a point of interest, my husband who runs dispatch for a bus transit, was just informed earlier this week by his bosses that ODOT passed info down that as of 2015, in order to renew their CDL, drivers will have to be in the normal range of the BMI chart, have a neck that measures under certain amount of inches, and have blood pressure in check. These are confirmed changes that are going to take place nation wide at a federal level effective 2015.
Jun 27, 2014 @ 18:17:15
Hi, just wanted to say, I loved this blog post. It was practical. Keep on posting!
Jul 18, 2014 @ 17:57:10
I was grandfathered in when the CDL law went through. I hated the CDL law. I knew it was the beginning of a never ending list of Regulations. ( Gov. involvement ruins everything ). I know the doctors hate the Gov. Regulations as much as us drivers. I own a small trucking company and my doctor has quit giving physicals because of the Regs. Just ask one how much they have to go through and what it costs them to be a Dot doctor . It is ridiculous. We drivers have less to complain about then they do. You can’t fight the Gov. Do your best to get along and try to stay out of reach of them.
Aug 13, 2014 @ 02:07:29
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Aug 28, 2014 @ 22:35:13
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Mar 26, 2015 @ 13:44:19
I’m a school bus driver for a very small district. We would lose all but 2 of our drivers to this law. It is hard enough to find school bus drivers to start with. We will get kids home about 11:30pm if we had to run only 2 buses.
Oct 08, 2015 @ 01:18:26
Somehow the numbers aren’t adding up.
Aug 16, 2014 @ 16:57:35
I do not know what to do? I got a medical card 3MONTHS I have two weeks till I am screwed! lose my job? APNEA NURSE told me I have to get TESTED? I told her when asked if I had APNEA that I was told I had APNEA 20YEARS AGO IN a SLEEP STUDY I TOOK for money. I made a mistake telling her that,now I am screwed,no money soon lose job! Me and my BIG MOUTH! NO MONEY ALL ABOUT MIGHTY DOLLAR SCAM PERIOD/ MAYBE I WILL DO DISABILITY? I AM A DRIVER THATS MY LIVELYHOOD! CHRIS DO NOT KNOW WHAT 2 DO? PISSEDOFF!
Aug 22, 2014 @ 07:17:34
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Feb 01, 2015 @ 17:56:22
I heard this law has been rescinded because it is unconstitutional. Any truth to this, I can’t find any information on it? GO SEAHAWKS!!!
Oct 08, 2015 @ 01:17:32
I have heard the rumor. It could be true. Have you found any definitive resource that backs up the ‘rescind’?
Jul 31, 2015 @ 16:39:39
Here’s the deal. You go in for your DOT re-cert physical. If you BMI is over 35% and/or your neck is over 17″, the examiner will give you a 90-day cert. If you’re WAY over 35, they may not recert at all until a sleep study.
You must then schedule a sleep study with your doctor. If its determined you have sleep apnea, you will be prescribed a CPAP. You go back to the doc and mark “yes” by “sleep disorders”, list the onset date, prescribing doctor and you should be recerted for at least 1 year. Other notes: This machine must be used at least 70% of the time which equates to 4hrs/day, 5 days a week. My company takes it a step further and requires a 30-day print out showing these numbers along with the O51 form (California DMV Physical form). Experience: Manager of 21 DOT drivers for a large trucking company. Hope this helps.
Jul 31, 2015 @ 16:45:18
Correction to my above comment (sorry!). I forgot to add the minimum 30 day of CPAP usage before going back for recert and the max recert with sleep apnea is 1 year.
Jan 16, 2016 @ 04:21:42
My husband recently went to have his physical, he was told that he had to go have the testing done for sleep apnia and was given a temporary 3 month card. I work as a dispatcher for a local school district who was unaware of this bmi and sleep disorder testing. I immediately went to the driver trainer for our district to find out the laws regarding this as we could potentially lose many drivers. Our driver trainer went to a meeting involving many local school districts and this was discussed. So the results are that this is not federally mandated yet, nor state mandated in the state of Washington. This will be mandated eventually but in the meantime the dr’s are taking it upon themselves to do this testing. I sent my husband to a different clinic that is not screening for this yet and he passed with flying colors. ALWAYS get a second opinion if you are flagged for this testing before you get diagnosed. Once diagnosed it is extremely difficult to keep your medical certification. I suggest calling around to find clinics that are not testing for this currently.
Feb 07, 2016 @ 05:38:50
I was over 300 pounds and lost 40 pounds, I retested and still at 36 BMI my efforts were in vain because regardless of the weight loss and my personal doctor saying I don’t need a sleep apnea test the DOT doctor still failed me saying if your over 35 BMI you have to get the test done no matter what, this is BS and to make matters worse I only drive an Armored truck not a big rig which requires a CDL, I’m a class C driver WTF, this is Ridiculous and pointless
Dec 16, 2016 @ 16:09:43
Question: You say, “. . . I was over 300lbs” . Have you brought your weight down? If so, congratulations. Either way, bringing your weight down will be beneficial for you life and those who care about you, regardless of regulations. Joyful Life Early39 and thanks for your contribution.
Aug 06, 2016 @ 15:47:15
Damn nanny state.