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Physical Exams

USPS employees who hold safety-sensitive positions are required to undergo Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams, in accordance with regulations, enacted in 1995. The physicals have been a frequent subject of discussion between the union and management.

DOT Physicals Are ‘On the Clock,’
Paid for and Scheduled by USPS

June 19, 1998 , Memo [PDF] to USPS Managers. USPS employees who hold Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) are required to have standard DOT CDL physicals at least every two years. The exams will be scheduled by postal management, occur on the clock at a USPS Medical Unit or Contract Medical Facility, and be paid for by the USPS. PS Form 2485 is no longer used.

June 14, 1996, letter [PDF] to APWU.

USPS Responsible for Initial Treatment
By Substance Abuse Professional

The APWU and the Postal Service agreed that the USPS is responsible for the cost of the initial treatment by a substance abuse professional of an employee who fail drug and alcohol tests, where management decides to retain the employee. A pre-arbitration settlement [PDF] dated April 18, 2006, resolved a dispute over the issue.

Cost of Additional Testing

March 21, 2003, letter [PDF] from USPS to APWU. Additional medical tests required, scheduled, and approved by the USPS in connection with a DOT physical will be paid for by the Postal Service.

Resolution of Medical Conflicts

Dec. 10, 1997, letter [PDF] from USPS to APWU. Drivers who are not certified for renewal of their licenses due to a medical condition may appeal the results of the physical to the next higher ranking Postal Service physician.

Medical Examination Report Form

Commercial Driver Fitness Determination [PDF] DOT medical form (2003).

Use of PS Form 2485

The use of PS Form 2485 for DOT medical exams, which the union considered invasive, is no longer required.

June 19, 1998, letter [PDF] to APWU. PS Form 2485 is no longer used for CDL medical cards.

July 10, 1997, letter [PDF] from USPS to APWU. Cover letter attached to American Trucking Association form, which is to be used for DOT physical exams.

April 7, 1997, letter [PDF] from USPS to APWU. PS Form 2485 will not be used for DOT physicals; American Trucking Association form should be used instead.

Oct. 4, 1996, letter [PDF] from USPS to APWU. New form to be created to meet DOT requirements; PS Form 2485 or American Trucking Association form will be used in the meantime.

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