Driver Terms Explained: A Simple Guide for New CDL Drivers
Whether you’re fresh out of CDL school or just getting into the industry, you’ll see a lot of trucking-specific terms that might sound confusing at first. This guide breaks down the most common driver terms you’ll run into during job applications, interviews, and orientation.
🔍 MVR (Motor Vehicle Report)
Your MVR is your driving record. Carriers use it to check for speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, or license suspensions. A clean MVR usually means no major violations within the last 3 years.
📆 DAC Report (Drive-A-Check)
This is a background report for commercial drivers, maintained by HireRight. It includes your job history, accident reports, rehires, and more. Many carriers report to DAC, and most recruiters will check it.
✉️ PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program)
A government report showing your safety record based on roadside inspections, DOT violations, and crash data. Managed by the FMCSA.
⛽ Fuel Surcharge
Extra pay added to loads to help drivers offset high fuel costs. Often passed from shippers to carriers to drivers.
🚦 Drop & Hook
A load where you drop your trailer and hook up to another one instead of waiting to be unloaded. Saves time.
🪓 No Touch Freight
Jobs where you don’t have to load or unload freight yourself. Great for drivers who want to focus strictly on driving.
⏰ Detention Pay
Extra pay for when you’re stuck waiting at a shipper or receiver past the scheduled time. Usually kicks in after 1–2 hours.
📅 Layover Pay
Compensation for when you’re stuck overnight somewhere due to a delay between loads.
🌏 TWIC Card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
Required for drivers who haul into ports or high-security areas. Issued by the TSA.
✉️ Endorsements
Extra certifications added to your CDL, such as:
- H: Hazmat (hazardous materials)
- T: Doubles/Triples
- N: Tankers
- X: Combo of Tanker & Hazmat
🚚 OTR vs Regional vs Local
- OTR (Over-the-Road): Long-haul, multi-state runs. Often gone 2+ weeks at a time.
- Regional: Typically home once or twice a week. Covers multiple states.
- Local: Home daily. Short hauls in your metro area.
✉️ FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the government agency that regulates trucking safety, inspections, and driver qualifications.
🚤 E-Logs (ELDs)
Electronic Logging Devices are mandatory tools that track your Hours of Service (HOS) to make sure you’re following legal driving limits.
🌿 Green Book
Nickname for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) handbook. Most carriers follow this to the letter.
✉️ Driver-Facing Camera
Some carriers use inward-facing dash cams. They’re often triggered by harsh braking or lane drift. Carriers use them for safety monitoring.
⚠️ CSA Score
Your safety score from FMCSA. Bad scores can limit job options or lead to more inspections. Good scores help you stay in high-paying jobs.
Need help understanding your MVR or DAC report? Contact our team at [email protected] — we’ll help break it down for you.
