Truck Driving Jobs Key Terms

Get behind the wheel of a new career by learning truck driving jobs terminology

By Harrison Howe

If you're considering a career as a truck driver, you might start by becoming familiar with truck driving jobs key terms. From finding out what you need to be a truck driver, such as a commercial driver's license (CDL), to being knowledgeable about certain trucking terms and acronyms, such as LTL (less-than-truckload) and TL (truckload), you'll find it beneficial to learn truck driving jobs key terms before you get behind the wheel.

Commercial driver's license (CDL)

A commercial driver's license, or CDL, is the type of license needed to land truck driving jobs. A CDL authorizes a truck driver to operate vehicles in a certain weight classification.
Try: The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers an in-depth look at the CDL program, including classifications and restrictions.

Over the road (OTR)

You might elect to become an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver. OTR truck drivers haul and deliver freight in the continental United States, as well as Canada. OTR truck drivers may be away from home for several days or several weeks at a time.
Try: CareersinGear.com gives a brief description of OTR truck-driving jobs.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier

LTL carriers take loads that are less than a truckload (10,000 pounds) and consolidate more than one of these loads on a truck to deliver to multiple local destinations or break them down into smaller loads for delivery on smaller trucks.
Try: Find a detailed explanation of LTL carriers at Hoover's.

Truckload (TL) carriers

Truckload, or TL, carriers transport full trailer loads from a shipper directly to a receiver. This can be for either local delivery or from state-to-state and even into Canada.
Try: IHS Global Insight provides a thorough explanation of TL carriers and how they're different from LTL carriers.

Common carrier

In the trucking business, a common carrier is one who transports a customer's freight from one location to another, either locally or between states. Common carrier will work for any company willing to hire them.
Try: Truck Writers of North America provides definitions of many truck-driving jobs key terms, including common carrier.

Owner operator

Owner operators are truck drivers who own their own trucks and take on independent jobs. Owner operators work under contract and are not employed by any single company.
Try: Everyowneroperatorjob.com explains what an owner operator is and how to become one.