We currently face a shortage of tens of thousands of drivers across various industries in the United States. The American Trucking Association expects that by 2030, the trucking industry could be short 160,000 drivers.1 The continued explosion of e-commerce means that shipping companies need freight and delivery drivers more than ever. Certified construction, oil and gas, and public transportation drivers are in high demand. Experts expect that the need for CMV drivers will continue to increase as older drivers retire.1
If you are in an industry that hires CMV drivers, you want to get drivers certified and on the road quickly. If you are an individual getting a commercial driver’s license for the first time or an experienced driver renewing your certification, you want to find a DOT medical exam that is convenient and quick so you can get back to driving.
Mobile DOT physicals are a convenient way to get DOT physicals for yourself or your workforce from FMCSA medical examiners. Mobile exams are a relatively new development, but they are gaining in popularity.
How Mobile Exams Work
A DOT mobile physical is the same as a traditional physical, except that the certified medical examiner comes to you. The mobile clinic can come to your workplace, a trucking terminal, or even your home. Here’s how it works:
- Set up an appointment. You can schedule an appointment for yourself, or if you are an employer, you can schedule a time and place for the clinic to set up for all of your drivers to use.
- The examiner comes to your location. The medical examiner will bring all the equipment needed for the exam. The exams can be conducted in a mobile unit, in a designated room or area, or even in a truck cab.
- The examiner completes the exam according to FMCSA requirements. Mobile DOT physicians are experts in DOT regulations. They will conduct all the necessary tests, the driver will walk out with their certification card, and the results will be uploaded directly to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: no stress or extra paperwork required.
The Advantages of a Mobile Physical
Of course, drivers can visit any CDL physical exam location to get a DOT physical. Still, there are a number of advantages to scheduling a mobile DOT physical for your workforce, especially as an employer,
Accessibility
Health checks are too important to ignore, but scheduling challenges, traffic, and work demands often make it difficult for drivers to schedule them on time. A mobile unit brings the doctor right to you or your workplace. This means minimal disruptions to your work schedule and no more excuses for your drivers.
Flexibility
Many mobile clinics allow drivers to schedule their own appointments. Truckers, commercial drivers, and workers in safety-sensitive roles have important, demanding jobs with irregular schedules. Sometimes, a clinic with 9-5 hours just won’t work. A mobile clinic lets you work around busy timelines and set up an appointment when it is most convenient.
Quick Results
If you are onboarding new drivers, you want them available to work as soon as possible. If you are a veteran driver, you don’t need the hassle of waiting for results. You’ll get results immediately when you use a mobile DOT physical. The certified medical examiners are experienced experts in DOT requirements and have mastered efficiency.
A Healthier Workforce
If you choose to bring a mobile medical unit to your workplace, you’ll bring wellness directly to you. Physical exams go beyond the DOT requirements to ensure your employees are healthy. A healthy workforce is a happier, more productive workplace. Instead of being a recurring hassle, medical exams can become an easy and positive part of your company routine.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements
The last thing you want is to go through all the hassle of getting a doctor’s appointment only to find that you missed a component of the DOT requirements and you have to start all over. Mobile DOT examiners are specialists in CDL physical exams. They will ensure that the exam meets all the regulatory requirements. One less thing for you to worry about.
Easy Recordkeeping
Employers are required by law to keep all DOT physical exam records for three years. A mobile DOT physical clinic will get you the records you require, but they will also keep those records on file so you can access them again any time you need. If you have a large number of employees, a mobile DOT physical will make certification and record-keeping easy.
How to Find a Mobile DOT Physical Near Me
If you are interested in scheduling a mobile DOT physical for you or for your workforce, TeamCME has a database of certified NRCME examiners near you. Once you find a mobile certified examiner, contact them directly to schedule an appointment.
Infographic
Mobile DOT physicals offer a convenient way for you or your workforce to receive exams from FMCSA-approved medical examiners. This growing trend has several benefits for employers. Learn more in the infographic.
1https://www.trucking.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/ATA%20Driver%20Shortage%20Report%202021%20Executive%20Summary.FINAL_.pdf
