Lesson 1.2. Trucks and drivers

1.

2.

3. A day cab truck is a type of semi-truck that does not have a sleeper compartment behind the driver’s seat. It is designed for

short-haul trips where the driver returns home at the end of
the day, hence the name "day cab."

4. A sleeper cab truck (or sleeper truck) is a type of semi-truck that has a built-in sleeping area behind the driver and

passenger seats. It's designed for long-haul trucking, where
drivers spend multiple days or even weeks on the road and
need a place to rest or sleep without leaving the truck.

5.

6. "Power only" refers to when a trucking company or driver provides just the truck (tractor) and not the trailer. The customer

"Power only" refers to when a trucking
company or driver provides just the truck
(tractor) and not the trailer. The customer
supplies the trailer, and the truck is used to
haul it.

7. "Bobtailing" means driving a semi-truck without a trailer attached. It happens when the truck is: Heading to pick up a trailer

"Bobtailing" means driving a semi-truck without a trailer
attached. It happens when the truck is:
Heading to pick up a trailer
Returning after dropping off a trailer
Driving to a service location or terminal

8.

9. The Freightliner Cascadia is one of the most popular and advanced heavy-duty semi-trucks in North America. It's widely used in

The Freightliner Cascadia is one of the most popular and
advanced heavy-duty semi-trucks in North America. It's
widely used in both long-haul and regional trucking due to its
fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and advanced safety features.

10. The Volvo VNL is a premium line of heavy-duty trucks built for long-haul and regional transportation. Known for its safety,

comfort, and fuel efficiency, the VNL is one of the top
competitors to the Freightliner Cascadia in the North
American market.

11. The Kenworth T680 is a top-of-the-line Class 8 heavy-duty truck designed for long-haul and regional freight. Known for its

aerodynamics,
driver comfort, and reliability

12.

13.

14. A company driver is a professional truck driver who is employed directly by a trucking company (as opposed to being an

owner-operator or independent contractor). They
operate a truck owned, insured, and maintained by the
company and receive a regular paycheck and benefits.

15. A lease truck driver is a driver who leases (rents-to-own) a truck from a carrier or leasing company. They operate as

A lease truck driver is a driver who leases (rents-toown) a truck from a carrier or leasing company. They
operate as independent contractors, not employees,
and typically handle their own expenses.
How It Works:
You sign a lease agreement
(usually 1–5 years).
Make weekly or monthly
payments on the truck.
You may buy the truck at the
end of the lease ("lease-toown").
You usually choose your loads,
but sometimes you're leased
onto a carrier.
Income Potential:
Higher than company
drivers (because you're
self-employed).
But you pay all expenses,
like:
Fuel
Maintenance
Insurance
Taxes

16. Rental truck drivers are typically short-term or occasional drivers who rent trucks by the day, week, or job, usually for:

Rental truck drivers are typically shortterm or occasional drivers who rent
trucks by the day, week, or job, usually
for:
Moving companies
Local delivery work
Temporary contracts
Expedited freight

17. An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns and operates their own truck as an independent business. They are essentially

small business owners who contract with
shippers or carriers to haul freight.
Key Characteristics of Owner-Operators
Own their truck and trailer (or lease/purchase them)
Operate as independent contractors (not employees)
Responsible for all business expenses:
Truck payments (loan or lease)
Fuel
Maintenance and repairs
Insurance
Permits and licenses
Taxes and compliance
Choose their loads or work through brokers/carriers
Manage their own schedules and routes
Keep the majority of their revenue after expenses