Long haul trucking involves transporting goods over thousands of miles using platform trucks. Private haulage and contract carrier companies use experienced drivers for long haul routes, with rest stops every few hours. Requirements for becoming a long haul truck driver include a commercial driver’s license, physical exams, and passing road and safety tests.
Long haul transport often involves transporting goods over thousands of miles or kilometers. Platform platforms are generally used in this form of trucking to carry loads such as tractor trailers, steel or tank trucks. Nighttime is usually the preferred time to transport such cargo as there is generally less traffic during the night. Because cargo and trucks are at a premium, more experienced drivers are usually assigned to long-haul routes.
There are two types of companies that use long haul trucks. Private haulage companies often have subdivisions of trucks within their companies that transport the products they manufacture. Contract carriers, also known as common carrier companies, typically transport products manufactured by other companies.
A long haul truck trip usually starts with a truck driver reporting to the truck terminal for the company they are working for. Once there, the truck driver is typically given a truckload along with destination information. Before the trucker embarks on the route, the truck’s cargo is usually inspected to make sure everything is secure. The truck itself usually needs to be checked to verify that it is working properly and that it has safety equipment such as flares and fire extinguishers.
Every few hours, a truck driver must make rest stops. Bunk beds are often included on these trucks so that truck drivers can sleep during these stops. When truck drivers arrive at their destination, they often need to complete the necessary paperwork. This paperwork often includes travel records. Records can include the location and length of each rest stop, the exact route the driver took, any breakdowns, repairs or accidents, and the general condition of the truck.
In order to become a long haul truck driver, there are certain requirements that an applicant may need to fulfill. A truck driver will first need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The US Department of Transportation stipulates that applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have vision that is at least 20/40 regardless of corrective eyewear, and have excellent hearing. Candidates will also need to pass several physical exams, which are usually paid for by employers of long haul trucks.
There are sometimes additional requirements for potential long-haul truck candidates. Local trucking experience is generally preferred. Drivers usually have to get used to the trucks used for long haul transport so they have to pass several road tests as well as written tests on safety regulations as part of their truck driving training. Taking auto mechanic courses during high school or at a community college can also be helpful for those who are interested in a long-term trucking career.
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