What are the differences between professional truck drivers and just truck drivers? -Well at first glance you might think there is not much of a difference.
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Some might even say it depends on all matters of issues to determine what the difference is, but believe me when I am saying, there is a big difference, and I am going to speak in this article and tell you all about that difference!
So first of all, let’s touch on a few key points about the overall truck driving job. These are the points that are obvious yet the same, regardless how one is classified. First and foremost is what is required to legally operate a commercial truck and what is even considered a commercial truck?
So to the second point first. The simplest answer is: a commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for official business. Further descriptions would say one that is used for and represents a company, organization, business, or other in any official capacity. Some examples are:
- Fire Trucks;
- Ambulances;
- Police Cars;
- Taxis;
- School Bus;
- Even the local lawn care truck.
I could list many more but these examples should be more than enough. After all we all have seen these either on the road, in our neighborhood, or flashing their lights in our review mirror.
Typically, to drive these vehicles you will need more than regular driver’s license. For some a chauffeurs license (might have a different name depending on your state) might be enough. But as you get into larger vehicles and one with airbrakes, or requiring special endorsements, you will need a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
That brings us back to the first point. Where do you get a CDL? What are the special requirements for a CDL? What do you need for a CDL?
Rules and Regulations for Becoming a Truck Driver
The Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers a lot of good information and answers to those questions. But here are some basic requirements:
- Each state is responsible for testing and licensing drivers in their state;
- Must be over 21 to drive across state lines (in a commercial vehicle);
- Have no felonies or other major violations;
- Take and pass all the required tests (like Air brake test);
- Pass the DOT physical;
- Get all the appropriate endorsements;
- Pay all the appropriate fees.
Now that you know the basics that are need in order to become a truck driver, what are the differences between professional truck drivers and truck drivers?
What is a Truck Driver?
Well they are not as drastic as you might think. After all a truck driver is anyone who has met all the obligations to get their CDL, in accordance with the FMCSA and their state of residence. Technically, anyone who operates a commercial vehicle (class B or Class A) is a truck driver.
It doesn’t matter the size of the company; it could be big or small trucking company. The number of trucks in the fleet is not important as well, the job title will still be truck driver. Of course some might call it a commercial vehicle operator or something else but the concept is the same.
So if it isn’t the trucking company they work that makes the difference, then what is it? Age, experience, gender!? – No, no, and still no.
When we better think about, none of that matters, or at least it’s not supposed to matter. There is another element, well actually several, that separates a regular truck driver with what can be labeled professional truck drivers! So…
What is a Professional Truck Driver?
Professional truck drivers, as stated above meet all the same basic requirements. They do the same basic job. But the first of many differences is how they became a truck driver. So what do I mean by this?
Well it is of a curtail importance if the driver went through a one day school or did they go to an official truck driving school? Did they just borrow or rent a truck or had they spent some time learning the truck and the rules?
Perhaps they were working in the trucking industry long before they got their CDL; maybe they were a truck driver in the Military?
The Difference Between Professional Truck Driver and Truck Driver
There could be million and one reason for somebody to be much more experienced truck driver from someone else that completed the exact same driving and training and have same miles under their belt.
It all depends from the different circumstances and environments of those two trainees and most important than that – the talent that one person can have for a spatial thing.
After all, it is not same when you are traveling down the open road on a major highway of 2000 miles straight line, and when you are on the middle of no were, on one of the most dangerous roads out there or when you are a ice road trucker! Heck, we all have some talents and not everybody have the driving skills talent!
Surprisingly enough I must say that there are still those people who do well from the one day school, but truthfully they are not the norm.
So allow me to sum this up: proper training, talent, hard work while practicing and attention to detail are some of the key elements to being in league with professional truck drivers.
Another one thing, something that isn’t taught in a truck driving school and you either have it in you or you don’t is the personal traits needed.
“And they are?” -I’m so glad you asked.
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Hey! I'm George J.Magoci and I will send you a FREE eBook where you can learn 12 secret steps how to make $950 more truck/month.
Characteristics of Professional Truck Drivers
Personal traits are the characteristics that one has. Most of us are born with a particular set. These we just seem to have, they come natural, regardless your background.
Then there are others which are taught and gained with hard work and dedication. These either come to us through our upbringing, our environment, or we just develop them over time.
