10 Bits of Interesting Trucking Trivia for Real Road Warriors

Post Date - Jan 19, 2024

Whether you're a seasoned trucker or a newbie hitting the open road, there's always something new to discover about the fascinating world of trucking. In this blog, we'll rev up your curiosity with a mix of entertaining and informative trivia about the trucking industry – from historical milestones to quirky culture tidbits. So, buckle up and let's hit the road with some trucking trivia!

  1. World's Longest Truck Convoy: Imagine being part of a convoy with 590 trucks stretching over 20 miles! In 2015, Alberta, Canada, set the Guinness World Record for the longest truck convoy, all in support of the Special Olympics. Now that's a convoy worth remembering.
  2. The First Semi-Truck: Take a trip back to 1898 in Cleveland, Ohio, where Alexander Winton crafted the very first semi-truck. With a 20-horsepower engine and a 5-ton payload capacity, it laid the foundation for the modern rigs we see on the roads today.
  3. CB Radio Lingo: Truckers have their own language when it comes to CB radios. "10-4" means "message received," and the classic "breaker, breaker" is a surefire way to grab someone's attention on the airwaves.
  4. Ice Road Truckers: Ever heard of hauling freight over frozen lakes and rivers in the Arctic? That's the daily grind for the truckers featured in the TV series "Ice Road Truckers." It's a job that demands nerves of steel and a serious love for adventure.
  5. Biggest Truck Stop: For a pit stop like no other, head to Walcott, Iowa, home to the world's largest truck stop – the Iowa 80 Truckstop. With 220 acres of amenities, including a movie theater and a trucking museum, it's a trucker's paradise.
  6. Highway Hauling Stats: Did you know that in 2020, trucks moved a whopping 72.5% of the nation's freight by weight? That's over 11 billion tons of goods rolling down the highways, showcasing the crucial role of truckers in keeping the wheels of the economy turning.
  7. Convoy Song: C.W. McCall's "Convoy" became a hit in the 1970s, telling the tale of truckers protesting government regulations. The song's popularity even spawned a movie, immortalizing the rebellious spirit of truckers on the big screen.
  8. Truckers' Coffee: When it comes to caffeine, truckers take it seriously. Many truck stops offer "bottomless" coffee cups, and in the trucking world, coffee is often referred to as "diesel fuel." Keep that java flowing, and the wheels keep turning!
  9. Longest Truck in the World: Picture a truck over 300 feet long with 79 trailers – that's the Guinness World Record holder set in the Netherlands in 2002. It's a sight to behold and a testament to the incredible engineering behind these colossal rigs.
  10. Trucker Slang: Every subculture has its own language, and truckers are no exception. From "gravy lane" (smooth, easy driving conditions) to "chicken coop" (weigh station) and "green stamp" (a rest area), the trucker slang adds a unique flavor to life on the road.

Another interesting fact for you: Freymiller is always hiring professional truck drivers who want to grow their career in a family atmosphere, backed by industry-leading pay, top equipment, and benefits you won’t find anywhere else. Connect with us today to learn more about how you can get started on the journey of a lifetime.