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What is a Trucker?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

A trucker is a professional truck driver. A trucker makes his or her living driving a vehicle in order to deliver specific goods to a specific destination. Truckers may be short haul or long haul operators and drive vehicles and carry cargo classed either as "heavy" or "light."

According to the United States Department of Labor, heavy truck drivers such as tractor-trailer drivers operate vehicles that carry a minimum of 26,000 pounds (11,793.402 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Heavy truckers carry cargo such as livestock and vehicles. Most heavy truck drivers and tractor-trailer drivers are long distance, or long haul, drivers and some work in pairs on runs called "sleepers." One trucker drives while the other sleeps in the area behind the truck cab.

Truck drivers who transport fuel must be trained in the proper shipping of flammable liquids.
Truck drivers who transport fuel must be trained in the proper shipping of flammable liquids.

Light truck drivers such as delivery service vehicle drivers operate vehicles that weigh less than 26,000 pounds (11,793.402 kg) GVW. These light truckers often do regular pick ups and deliveries in a certain area or on a specific route. A light trucker may do a lot of loading and unloading work.

A trucker has many more responsibilities than just driving. He or she must frequently inspect the truck to be sure brakes, lights and wipers are working properly and that fluid levels are maintained. Truckers also have to make sure they carry their cargo securely and safely and follow all regulations. Truckers must also keep a record of all of the maintenance done on the truck as well as any accidents they had.

A heavy truck driver will operate a large vehicle like a tractor trailer.
A heavy truck driver will operate a large vehicle like a tractor trailer.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is often needed to be a heavy trucker, but not always for a light trucker. Different states have different licensing requirements, but those wanting to become truckers always need a regular driver's license in good standing. The minimum age to be issued a CDL is 18 in some states, but since many states have the minimum at 21 years of age, interstate truckers must be 21 to be issued a CDL. However, many trucking companies have a policy not to hire drivers that are under 23 or even 25 years of age.

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    • Truck drivers who transport fuel must be trained in the proper shipping of flammable liquids.
      By: majeczka
      Truck drivers who transport fuel must be trained in the proper shipping of flammable liquids.
    • A heavy truck driver will operate a large vehicle like a tractor trailer.
      By: steven Husk
      A heavy truck driver will operate a large vehicle like a tractor trailer.
    • Long-haul truck drivers often travel for several hours or days, covering great distances between pick-ups and deliveries.
      By: torugo
      Long-haul truck drivers often travel for several hours or days, covering great distances between pick-ups and deliveries.
    • Truckers may be gone for weeks at a time transporting goods across the country.
      By: Gilles Paire
      Truckers may be gone for weeks at a time transporting goods across the country.
    • Trucks may be used to ship cattle across the country.
      By: branex
      Trucks may be used to ship cattle across the country.
    • Truckers who are part of a convoy utilize CB radios to communicate with each other.
      By: Marc Xavier
      Truckers who are part of a convoy utilize CB radios to communicate with each other.
    • Many companies have a policy of not hiring truck drivers younger than 23.
      By: Arsel
      Many companies have a policy of not hiring truck drivers younger than 23.