Courier & Delivery Fleet DOT Physicals Charlotte NC | Last-Mile Services

Medical Review by Dr. Lemuel P. Byrd, Jr., D.C., FMCSA Certified DOT Medical Examiner
Charlotte DOT Exam Center | Published: January 2026 | 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226

What Are Courier and Delivery Fleet DOT Requirements?

Courier and delivery fleet DOT requirements are the FMCSA medical certification standards that apply to drivers operating commercial vehicles over 10,001 pounds GVWR in delivery operations [1]. While many last-mile delivery vehicles fall below FMCSA weight thresholds, larger box trucks, cargo vans, and step vans used by courier services often require DOT physical certification under 49 CFR 391.41 [2]. Charlotte DOT Exam Center serves Charlotte-area courier companies, delivery services, and last-mile logistics providers with fast, affordable DOT physical examinations.

Which Delivery Vehicles Require DOT Physicals?

Vehicle Type Typical GVWR DOT Physical Required?
Cargo Van (Sprinter, Transit) 8,550-10,360 lbs Usually no (under 10,001 lbs)
Large Cargo Van 10,050-14,050 lbs Yes if over 10,001 lbs
Step Van (P700-P1000) 10,000-14,500 lbs Yes
Box Truck (16-26 ft) 12,500-26,000 lbs Yes
Straight Truck 16,000-33,000 lbs Yes (CDL required over 26,001 lbs)

Important: Check your vehicle’s door placard for the actual GVWR. Many popular delivery vehicles have GVWRs just above or below the 10,001 lb threshold depending on configuration.

Courier and Delivery Services We Serve

  • Same-Day Courier Services — Medical, legal, and business couriers
  • E-Commerce Delivery — Amazon DSP, OnTrac, and regional carriers
  • Food and Beverage Distribution — Restaurant supply, beverage delivery
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Delivery — Lab specimens, pharmacy delivery
  • Furniture and Appliance Delivery — White glove delivery services
  • Parcel Carriers — Regional parcel services and freight consolidators
  • Catering and Event Services — Food service delivery operations

Fast Turnaround for High-Turnover Operations

Delivery companies often experience higher driver turnover than traditional trucking operations. Charlotte DOT Exam Center offers services designed for fast-paced hiring:

  • Same-Day Appointments — Get new drivers examined quickly
  • Walk-In Availability — When scheduling isn’t possible
  • Combined Services — DOT physical + drug test in one visit
  • Same-Day Certification — Qualified drivers leave with medical cards
  • Electronic Documentation — Records delivered within hours
  • Affordable Pricing — $70 per DOT physical examination

DOT vs. Non-DOT Physicals for Delivery Drivers

Requirement DOT Physical Non-DOT Physical
When Required Vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR Vehicles under 10,001 lbs GVWR
Examiner Must be FMCSA National Registry certified Any licensed healthcare provider
Standards 49 CFR 391.41 specific requirements Company policy
Certification Period Up to 24 months Per company policy
National Registry Submission Required Not applicable
Cost at Charlotte DOT Exam Center $70 $70

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all delivery drivers need DOT physicals?

No. Only drivers operating vehicles over 10,001 pounds GVWR require DOT physical certification. Drivers of smaller cargo vans (under 10,001 lbs) may still need physical examinations per company policy, but these would be non-DOT physicals with less stringent requirements.

How do I know if my delivery vehicles require DOT physicals?

Check the vehicle door placard for GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). If any vehicle in your fleet exceeds 10,001 lbs GVWR, drivers of that vehicle need DOT medical certification. Many step vans and box trucks used in delivery operations exceed this threshold.

Can you handle high-volume new hire examinations?

Yes. We regularly serve delivery companies with high turnover and seasonal hiring needs. We can schedule multiple drivers per day and offer priority scheduling for fleet accounts. Contact us to discuss your hiring volume and scheduling needs.

Do you offer DOT drug testing for delivery companies?

Yes. We provide DOT-compliant 5-panel drug testing per 49 CFR Part 40 [3]. Pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing can be scheduled the same day as DOT physical examinations.

Contact Charlotte DOT Exam Center

Charlotte DOT Exam Center
8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: 704-544-3494
Email: appt@tebbyclinic.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-12:00pm

References

  • [1] 49 CFR § 390.5 – Definitions (Commercial Motor Vehicle). eCFR.gov
  • [2] 49 CFR § 391.41 – Physical qualifications for drivers. eCFR.gov
  • [3] 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing. eCFR.gov
  • [4] FMCSA. Physical Qualifications for Drivers. FMCSA.dot.gov

Courier Delivery DOT Physicals Charlotte Map