Truck drivers have to meet certain minimum qualifications in order to be able to qualify as a truck driver under the federal laws. Truck drivers have to, first of all, be at least 21 years old. They have to be able to read, write, and communicate in English. They must be able to read and understand all traffic control devices. The trucker, of course, has to be able to be physically capable of handling the truck. The trucker has to have a commercial driver’s license.
They have to provide the trucking company with a list of any prior moving violations. To qualify as a commercial trucker, the trucker must hold and maintain a valid commercial driver’s license. They must also provide a listing to the trucking company of any prior moving violations as well as accidents. Of course, the trucker also has to pass any and all valid tests of the jurisdiction where they obtain their license.
Commercial truck drivers have to have knowledge of a few things. Their knowledge must include safety regulations, commercial motor vehicle safety control systems, safe vehicle operations and controls, the relationship of cargo to vehicle control, vehicle inspection procedures, minimal hazardous materials knowledge, and airbrake operations and control. Entry-level truck drivers have to have knowledge of hours of service, driver wellness, as well as whistleblower statutes.
If you have questions about whether the trucker was fully qualified in your particular case, please call my office at 770-792-1000.