Qualified Big Rig Truck Drivers

The history of qualified drivers for tractor trailer trucks is a fascinating story that dates back to the dawn of the industrial age.

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The trucking industry has played an integral role in the development of the American economy, providing an essential service that is essential to the movement of goods and services across the country. From the early days of horse-drawn wagons and primitive motorized vehicles, to the modern semi-trucks that are so familiar today, the trucking industry has evolved dramatically over the years. Along with this evolution, the qualifications, licensing, and regulations that are necessary to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists have also changed. In this article, we will explore the history of trucking and the qualifications required for qualified drivers of tractor trailer trucks.

The Beginnings of Tractor Trailer Trucks

Tractor trailer trucks have been around since the late 19th century, but the first motorized versions of these vehicles were not common until the 1920s. Prior to this, the most common form of freight transportation was horse-drawn wagons, which were often slow and inefficient. As the automotive industry began to develop in the early 1900s, however, the tractor trailer truck began to rise in popularity, as it was able to move much larger loads than the horse-drawn wagons.

By the mid-1920s, tractor trailer trucks had become a common sight on US roads and highways, and the first commercial trucking companies were formed. These early companies typically used only a few tractor trailer trucks, and often hired drivers who were not formally trained or qualified. As the trucking industry continued to grow, however, it became increasingly important for truck drivers to have a formal qualification in order to be able to safely and legally operate these large vehicles.

The Rise of Qualified Drivers

The lack of qualified drivers in the early days of the trucking industry led to a number of serious accidents and incidents. As a result, the US government began to take steps to ensure that only qualified drivers were allowed to operate tractor trailer trucks. In 1935, the US Congress passed the Motor Carrier Act, which required all truck drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This new law also established the US Department of Transportation (DOT), which had the responsibility of setting minimum qualifications and standards for commercial drivers.

The first set of minimum qualifications that the DOT established for commercial drivers included basic safety knowledge, such as the proper use of safety equipment and the ability to properly maneuver a vehicle. As the trucking industry continued to grow, the DOT’s requirements for commercial drivers became more stringent, and by the 1950s, truck drivers had to obtain a formal training program and pass a written exam in order to be qualified to operate tractor trailer trucks.

The Evolution of Regulations and Qualifications

As the trucking industry continued to evolve, so did the regulations and qualifications that were necessary for qualified drivers of tractor trailer trucks. In the late 1960s, the DOT began requiring truck drivers to obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license in order to operate tractor trailer trucks. This new license was designed to ensure that only drivers with the highest level of skill and knowledge were allowed to operate these large vehicles.

In addition to the new licensing requirements, the DOT also began to impose stricter regulations on the trucking industry. These regulations included a variety of measures, such as limits on the number of hours that drivers could operate a vehicle, mandatory rest stops, and inspections of vehicles before they were allowed to be operated on the road. These regulations were designed to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists, as well as to reduce the number of accidents that were occurring due to fatigue or mechanical issues.

The Modern Trucking Industry

Today, the trucking industry is highly regulated, with a wide range of qualifications and regulations that must be met in order to qualify as a commercial driver. In order to obtain a Class A commercial drivers license, drivers must meet a variety of standards, including passing a medical exam, completing a certain number of hours of on-the-road training, and passing a written exam. Additionally, most states require drivers to obtain a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to maintain their license.

In addition to the licensing and training requirements, the DOT also requires truck drivers to adhere to a variety of safety regulations. These regulations include the use of safety equipment, such as seatbelts and airbags, as well as the proper use of lights and turn signals. Additionally, truck drivers must adhere to speed limits, and must not use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.

Conclusion

The history of qualified drivers for tractor trailer trucks is a fascinating story that illustrates the evolution of the trucking industry and the importance of safety regulations. From the early days of horse-drawn wagons, to the modern semi-trucks that are so familiar today, the trucking industry has changed dramatically over the years. Along with this evolution, the qualifications, licensing, and regulations that are necessary to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists have also changed. Today, truck drivers must meet a variety of qualifications and regulations in order to legally and safely operate tractor trailer trucks.