CORRECTION: Thanks to Paul, one of our readers, it has come to our attention that it will not be required by law for all drivers to have a sleep apnea test in order to pass a DOT physical. Drivers who do need the test, however, must go to one of the providers listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, who have been given a set of guidelines for screening drivers for sleep apnea. Drivers who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea will only receive a one year certification and must carry CPAP machines in their trucks to record usage and sleep patterns. Thanks for the clarification, Paul! We really appreciate it.
Our guest contributor for today’s Thought for the Weekend is our Senior Carrier Sales Rep, Pam Pickral:
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY. It was my first time at the show, which is billed as the largest trucking event in the world, and they weren’t kidding! With more than 1070 exhibitors spanning three massive showrooms, it was truly awe-inspiring. I’ve never been around that many people at one time. There were more than 70,000 attendees which is nearly twice the size of Danville, VA, the town where I live!
There are lots of great things about MATS: the opportunity to see the latest products and services, gain insight into current hot topics in our industry, and network with attendees and exhibitors. I saw everything and anything from cleaning products to trucks dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness.
I also learned a lot, not just from walking around the show, but from attending the seminars. For example, did you know that sleep apnea is a common problem for truck drivers? Drivers are now required to pass a sleep study test conducted by a physician registered with the FMCSA. Subsequently, drivers must carry a medical card to prove they have safely passed the test. Drivers can lose their jobs if they cannot furnish the card that proves they do not suffer from sleep apnea.
I had plenty of time to talk with other owner/operators as we stood in line to meet people like country music artists Sara Evans and Craig Morgan and the star of Deadliest Catch, Edgar Hansen (who is quite the catch himself)!
Although I didn’t sit for a Mack dog tattoo from Ami James (celebrity tattoo artist of Miami Ink) at the Mack Truck exhibit, I did have one badge of honor to show for my time at the show: I walked so many miles and spent so much time standing that I literally rubbed my heels raw. My sore, tired “dogs” hurt more than any tattoo!
On Saturday, the crowd swelled, including my own “plus two”, my co-worker Tammy Brown and her husband who rode in on their bikes and joined me for lunch. After lunch, I returned to the show for more walking and more lines.
Two weeks later, my aching feet are now a memory and the April 15th tax deadline is looming (will you be doing your taxes this weekend?). Both tie in perfectly with this moment witnessed at the show:
A group of guys were waiting in line to meet the Chrome and Elegance calendar girls, when one suddenly started massaging the back of the man in front of him. Surprised, the man in front turned and snarled, “What on earth do you think you are doing?”
“Well,” said the guy behind him, “You see, I used to be a massage therapist and I could see that you were tense, so I had to massage your back. Sometimes I just can’t help practicing my skills!”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!” the man in the front replied. “I used to work for the IRS. Do you see me screwing the guy in front of me?”
Watch your back this weekend,
~Pam and Bob
