Trucking is a lucrative career with very high demand. The benefits are great, and there is plenty of work to go around, but that doesn’t mean it’s not challenging.
Long hours on the road can get tiring, so it helps to have safe ways to stay focused and lessen the boredom that can set in at times.
Many truckers listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks to pass the time, but did you know that you might also be permitted to have a companion ride along?
Eligibility for driving a truck is typically a CDL license, and other regulations vary by state. This also applies to who can ride with you in the passenger seat.
In this post, we look closely at who can drive a truck and who’s allowed to ride along.
As mentioned, typically you need to pass a series of driving and physical examinations to earn your CDL license and start looking for trucking jobs.
Depending on the state, you can start locally driving by the age of 18 and start crossing state lines at 21. Best of all, trucking does not require a four-year college degree. All you need is a high school diploma or GED.
With this said, it doesn’t hurt to have a clean driving record and satisfactory work history. Some states require truck driving school, as well as a drug and alcohol screening.
With all of the benefits of trucking, one downfall can be the hours of isolation due to long travel. With this said, there are no regulations prohibiting a passenger in your semi, such as a spouse or loved one.
This way, the long hours can turn into quality time spent with a close companion you might not get to see often due to work.
Though there are no formal regulations, passenger rules do vary from company to company, so make sure you check with them before inviting a co-pilot.
Some companies even allow truck drivers to bring along a furry friend! Currently, there are no FMCSA regulations on pets riding along in trucks, but once again, rules vary between trucking companies so make sure you double-check before hitting the road with doggo in tow.
True Carriers Group is a non-asset based group of carriers that has been helping drive America’s supply chain for over 40 years. We offer a full range of logistics services, including Intermodal, Reefer, Van, Flatbed, Brokerage, LTL and Heavy Haul.
