Trucking Fun Facts
What do you do if a driver's CDL is expired?
Ask the candidate about their most recent CDL-A driving experience to confirm they meet the position qualifications. If they do, let them know their application will be placed on hold until their license status is verified and all applicable licensing requirements are met.
What is First Advantage used for in CDL-A recruiting?
First Advantage provides employment screening services, which may include background checks and employment verification. The recruiter tracks the screening status and follows up on outstanding items.
What famous singer worked as a truck driver before becoming famous?
Elvis Presley. Before becoming famous, he worked as a truck driver for the Crown Electric Company in Memphis, Tennessee.
What helped the trucking industry gain momentum in the 1930s after World War I?
The expansion of road construction and improved highway infrastructure helped the trucking industry grow by making transportation of goods by truck easier and more efficient.
What is the average age range of truck drivers?
Truck drivers are generally middle-aged, with many falling between 45 and 54 years old.
What is coffee often called in the trucking industry?
“Diesel fuel,” because many truckers rely on coffee and caffeine to help them stay alert on the road.
What does gravy lane mean in trucking terms?
Smooth, easy driving conditions.
What does green stamp mean in trucking terms?
A rest area.
Approximately how many professional truck drivers work in the U.S., and how many additional people work in trucking-related jobs?
Approximately 3.5 million professional truck drivers and another 8.9 million people in trucking-related jobs.
If all 15.5 million U.S. trucks were lined up end to end, how far would they reach?
They would reach the Moon
What do many truck drivers listen to more often than CB radio communications?
Audiobooks and podcasts.
What is driver turnover, and why does it matter?
Driver turnover measures how frequently drivers leave a company. High turnover can increase recruiting costs, onboarding expenses, and operational disruptions.
What is a preventable accident in trucking?
An accident classified under a company's or reviewing organization's criteria as one the driver could reasonably have prevented.
If a driver has a violation in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, can they automatically be hired?
No. The employer must determine whether the driver is prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions. A driver with an unresolved violation must complete the applicable return-to-duty process before resuming those functions.
What is a driver qualification file (DQF)?
A required collection of records demonstrating that a commercial driver meets applicable qualification requirements. The specific required documents depend on federal regulations and the driver's circumstances.
What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
It is a federal database that allows employers to check for information about CDL and commercial learner's permit holders' violations of DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
How long must a motor carrier generally retain a driver's record of duty status and supporting documents?
Six months under the federal hours-of-service recordkeeping rules.
What is the difference between a tractor-trailer and a straight truck?
A tractor-trailer consists of a power unit pulling a separate semitrailer. A straight truck carries its cargo on the same chassis as the cab and power unit.
What is the difference between a preventable accident and a DOT-recordable accident?
A preventable accident is classified based on whether it could reasonably have been avoided under the applicable review criteria. A DOT-recordable accident is one meeting specific federal reporting criteria. An accident can be one, both, or neither.
What is the difference between a driver who meets FMCSA minimum requirements and a driver who meets a carrier's hiring standards?
Meeting federal minimum requirements does not guarantee employment. A carrier may apply additional lawful, job-related qualification standards, such as experience, driving history, and equipment-specific requirements.
What is the purpose of the FMCSA's Safety Performance History investigation?
It helps an employer investigate a driver's previous commercial-driving employment and relevant safety-performance history as required by federal regulations.
Can a driver be qualified to hold a CDL-A but still be disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle?
Yes. A driver may hold a CDL-A but be prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle because of a disqualification, an unresolved DOT drug or alcohol violation, or another applicable restriction.
What is the difference between a carrier's safety rating and an individual driver's MVR?
A carrier safety rating evaluates the motor carrier's safety compliance under the applicable rating system. An MVR records an individual driver's licensing and driving history.
Approximately how many miles can a long-haul truck driver travel in a year?
A long-haul driver can travel around 100,000 miles per year, depending on routes, schedules, and time on duty.
What is the name of the famous trucking route that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles along historic U.S. Route 66?
Historic Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” though modern freight traffic generally uses interstate highways for long-distance routes.