Yes, virtually all dump truck drivers need DOT physicals. Under 49 CFR Part 391, commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR require driver medical certification. Standard dump trucks—whether single-axle, tandem, or tri-axle—typically exceed 26,001 lbs GVWR, requiring both CDL and DOT physical.
| Dump Truck Type | Typical GVWR | CDL Class | DOT Physical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle dump | 26,001-33,000 lbs | Class B | Required |
| Tandem dump | 33,001-54,000 lbs | Class B | Required |
| Tri-axle dump | 54,001-70,000 lbs | Class B | Required |
| Super dump (7+ axles) | 70,000+ lbs | Class B | Required |
| Dump + pup trailer | Combined 80,000 lbs | Class A | Required |
| Transfer dump | Combined 80,000 lbs | Class A | Required |
Charlotte’s position as one of America’s fastest-growing metros creates massive demand for dump truck services:
Residential development: New housing throughout Union, Cabarrus, and Iredell counties requires foundation excavation, backfill, and landscaping materials.
Commercial construction: Uptown high-rises, suburban office parks, and retail centers demand continuous aggregate delivery.
Road construction: NCDOT projects on I-77, I-485, and local roads require asphalt, gravel, and base materials.
Early starts: Construction schedules often begin at dawn. Sleep apnea management is important.
Repetitive operations: Multiple loads per day means constant vehicle entry/exit and equipment operation.
Dust exposure: Aggregate hauling involves significant dust, making respiratory health evaluation important.
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, our FMCSA-certified medical examiners—Dr. Alan M. Tebby and Dr. Lemuel Byrd—evaluate all commercial drivers using federal standards:
Vision: Minimum 20/40 acuity in each eye, 70-degree peripheral vision, and color recognition for traffic signals.
Hearing: Must perceive forced whisper at 5 feet.
Blood pressure: Below 140/90 for 2-year certification. Higher readings receive shorter certification periods.
Physical fitness: Neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and respiratory assessment.
Urinalysis: Screens for underlying conditions like diabetes—separate from drug testing.
| Health Status | Certificate Duration |
|---|---|
| Healthy, all standards met | 24 months |
| Treated Stage 1 hypertension | 12 months |
| Insulin-treated diabetes (with exemption) | 12 months |
| Sleep apnea with CPAP compliance | 12 months |
| Conditions requiring monitoring | 3-12 months |
Drivers managing sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension can obtain certification with proper treatment documentation.
Convenient for dump truck drivers throughout Charlotte metro: Pineville, Matthews, Ballantyne, South Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Indian Trail. Easy access from I-485, I-77, and I-85.
Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (704) 544-3494 or visit 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte NC 28226.
Learn about requirements for other commercial drivers at our Driver Types Hub, including construction vehicle operators, CDL Class B drivers, and owner-operators.
Yes, virtually all dump trucks exceed 10,001 lbs GVWR, requiring DOT certification. This applies to single-axle, tandem, tri-axle, and larger configurations.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate regardless of truck size or CDL class.
Most dump trucks require CDL Class B. If pulling pup trailers where the trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs, CDL Class A is required.
Yes, owner-operators must maintain valid DOT certification regardless of employment status.
Yes, many diabetic drivers maintain certification. Diet and oral medication-controlled diabetes can be certified by any examiner.
Healthy drivers receive 24-month certificates. Drivers with managed conditions receive 12-month or shorter certifications.
Standard dump trucks hauling aggregate asphalt need regular DOT physicals. Hauling liquid asphalt in tanker configuration may require tanker endorsement.
Yes, with documented CPAP compliance. Early start times make sleep apnea management particularly important.
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Yes, we welcome multiple drivers from the same company or quarry operation.