Truckers drive heavy or light vehicles to deliver goods to specific destinations. Heavy truckers transport cargo like livestock and vehicles, while light truckers do regular pickups and deliveries. They must inspect the truck, transport cargo safely, comply with regulations, and keep records. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often required for heavy truck drivers, and the minimum age to receive a CDL is 21 for interstate truckers.
A trucker is a professional trucker. A trucker makes a living by driving a vehicle to deliver specific goods to a specific destination. Truckers may be short or long haul operators and drive vehicles and transport cargo classified as “heavy” or “light.”
According to the United States Department of Labor, heavy truck drivers, such as tractor and trailer drivers, operate vehicles that carry a minimum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,000 pounds (11,793.402 kg). Heavy truckers transport cargo such as livestock and vehicles. Most heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul, or long-haul, drivers and some work in pairs in careers called “sleepers.” One trucker drives while the other sleeps in the area behind the cab of the truck.
Light truck drivers, like delivery service vehicle drivers, operate vehicles that weigh less than 26,000 pounds (11,793.402 kg) GVW. These light truckers often do regular pickups and deliveries in a certain area or on a specific route. A light trucker can 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 make sure the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers are working properly and that fluid levels are maintained. Truckers must also ensure that they transport their cargo safely and comply with all regulations. Truckers must also keep a record of all maintenance performed on the truck, as well as any accidents they have had.
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often needed to be a heavy truck driver, but not always for a light truck driver. Different states have different licensing requirements, but those who want to become a trucker always need a normal, current driver’s license. The minimum age to receive a CDL is 18 in some states, but since many states have the minimum at 21, interstate truckers must be 21 to receive a CDL. However, many trucking companies have a policy of not hiring drivers under the age of 23 or even 25.
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