Truck driving can be a solitary gig, and many new drivers ask, “Can truck drivers bring their family and friends on the road?” While many companies allow passengers to accompany their drivers, every employer is different. It’s important to check your company’s rider policy, which will tell you what types of travelers are permitted and what you need to do to get approval.
Drivers are interested in bringing passengers on the road for a variety of reasons. For some, truck driving can be lonely without the added company of family and friends. Others want to spend more time with their spouses and children so they can be more involved in their lives at home.
There are currently no federal restrictions on passengers riding in commercial motor vehicles, but most companies have guidelines for who can ride with you and when. If you’ve just gotten your commercial driver’s license and are interviewing for a new job, ask companies what their rider policy is. Every company will have different standards, and if traveling with a spouse or loved one is important to you, you should find out what the rule is from the start.
For new drivers, there are usually more restrictions on having passengers on the road. Most companies have a waiting period before you’re allowed to bring anyone else in the truck with you. A common required wait time is six months. Employers want to see that you’re a safe driver and that you know the ropes before letting you drive with a passenger.
Some trucking companies only allow riders who are related to you by birth or marriage. This is important to ask about in case you have a partner or loved one who you’d like to bring along but are not married to. If you’re looking to bring your child along with you, it’s also necessary to check for your company’s minimum age requirements. Many employers will only allow children over a certain age to accompany their parents on the road.
And if your spouse has a CDL, consider team driving so that you can cover more ground, spend more time together, and make a higher salary.
Before you load up the cab, make sure you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork that your company requires for additional riders. There may be specific forms that you need to complete for insurance purposes to waive liability for any accidents that might happen on the road.
It’s also necessary to consider what life is like when you’re on a job. It may seem great at first to have your loved ones join you, but anyone who’s been on a long road trip can attest to how difficult it can be to stay in close quarters with family and friends for an extended period of time. And while you might like the company, it’s also important to make sure that your truck is outfitted to comfortably hold an extra person.
You should also check your route to plan your stops before inviting a loved one to come with you on a job. Some truck stops have family-friendly restaurants, and others are less suitable for young passengers. Also, consider whether there are other attractions or locations that you can stop and see on the way to help break up the trip for a spouse or a child.
If you’re looking to start a new career in an in-demand industry, Truck Driver Institute’s three-week intensive program can get you on the road fast. TDI has eleven campuses in seven states to make your training as convenient as possible.
To learn more about TDI’s CDL training course and life on the road, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us today.
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