Can a Child Ride in a Commercial Truck?

As a commercial truck driver, you must be familiar with occasional loneliness that follows you on work trips. Working long hours and spending a long time out of town is something that comes with the job. And sometimes you might wonder if you can bring some of your family members along for the ride 一 your child, for example.

But can a child ride in a commercial truck? This is what we’re going to explore in this article. 

Is It Legal for Children to Ride in a Truck?

There is no federal law that prohibits having a child as a truck passenger. However, you still have to be cautious, as different states have their own policies that specify rules for transporting minors in trucks.

Truck driver passenger policy, issued by your trucking company, is what can be a decisive factor. Some companies don’t allow minors onboard at all, while others have specific requirements for you to do so. 

Carrier Permission, Passenger Policies and Insurance

To determine if a child can ride in a commercial truck, you have to carefully consider deciding factors.

As a driver for a trucking company, you must follow Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. They clearly state that truck drivers can have passengers on a commercial transport only with written authorisation by the carrier. The permit has to include the name of the passenger, itinerary, and the date the permit expires.

You also have to ask your carrier about truck driver passenger policies. They vary from company to company, so getting the right information is imperative here. And if the company’s policy says that a truck driver can have passengers aboard, provide the carrier with essential info for the permit.

Another important thing is insurance coverage. A trip with a child onboard requires additional insurance, which can be granted by the carrier or insurance company.

If you’re good on all three above, your next step is to make sure you follow child passenger transportation rules. You will need a trucking company’s permit, a child seat or a booster seat, and the belts must be used in most states.

A Pre-Trip Checklist for Traveling with a Child

Trucking with your child is a big responsibility. For a kid, it’s a big experience, but for you as a parent and a truck operator, it’s a trip that requires some preparation.

Make sure you’re ready:

1. Check in with federal semi-truck passenger laws and state requirements for child transportation in commercial trucks.
2. Check in with the trucking company’s passenger policy and get a written permit.
3. Properly install a booster or a child seat according to your state laws and manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Use shoulder or lap belts according to the state laws.
5. Plan your stops across the trip.

Check all these boxes to provide a safe and comfortable trip.

Can a Child Ride in a Single Cab Truck? 

For trucks that don’t have a back seat, children can be transported in the front one instead. This includes single-cabin commercial trucks. 

And while your child gets the front row to enjoy the view, a specialized seat is a must. You have to check your state laws first to verify which seat is required for what age. For example, in Massachusetts, you must install either rear- or forward-facing seats for children under the age of 7, but in Colorado, it must be a rear-facing one for children under 1, forward-facing for children aged 1-3, and a booster seat for kids under 8.

You also have to check the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) placement in your cabin. All trucks sold after September the 1st, 2002, have one. 

Booster Seats and Car Seats in a Semi Truck

When you secure the child seat, strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions and FMCSA guidelines. While the former can be slightly different from manufacturer to manufacturer, some instructions from FMCSA can be of help.

First, check whether the seat configuration is based on your child’s age, height, and weight, as well as your cabin seat. If it’s not, you have to find a suitable one.

For all types of seats, you have to find the LATCH lock placement.

For rear-facing seats, check in with car seat manual first to correctly identify anchors first. Then, place the seat in the rear-facing position and locate the lower anchors in the cabin. You have to put the lower anchor attachments into the lower anchors and double-check that the straps are not twisted. 

After you’ve connected the lower anchors, firmly press on the seat and adjust the straps to tighten them. It has to be tightly attached to the cabin. Finally, if your child’s age requires it, adjust the recline.

For forward-facing seats, the instructions are almost the same. Check the manual and follow it to find the tether and anchors, and then place the seat in the forward-facing position. Connect the lower anchors and check the straps to make sure the seat isn’t moving. In the end, locate the tether on the child seat and connect it to the tether anchor in the cabin, then tighten it.

The guidelines for booster seats give similar steps. Closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions, place your child in the seat, and then buckle the belts. Check the position of the lap belt, as it has to be placed across the lap and not the child’s stomach.

Key safety advice after the installation is universal: regularly check the seat attachment and seatbelt security during your trip.

Traveling with Children in a Commercial Truck

Even with all the precautions and with written authorisation, traveling with small children in a big commercial truck is not the safest option, as these vehicles aren’t built around safety norms required for child passengers. If an F-150 or RAM has a backseat that was constructed with that in mind, commercial trucks require more effort to make them safer for children.

Aside from safety precautions, you have to understand that a trip with a child is going to be much different from your usual rides. Kids have different needs and generally more energy than an adult truck driver, so it’s only essential you have to provide not only complete safety of the trip, but entertainment and comfort as well. 

While planning your route, take these factors into consideration. Make sure you have enough stops to provide proper nutrition according to the age, as well as hygiene and rest. Your child, if they are of school age, might want to stop for sightseeing 一 remember that for them it’s not a job like for you but a great entertainment. If your itinerary allows, you can make these stops to provide this experience and spend more quality time.

Conclusion

Taking your child for a ride in the truck is always going to be a special memory for you both. It’s also a great way to remain connected to your family while you’re working away for a long time!

At FleetCare, we put truckers’ well-being and safety at the top of our priority list. Our support team provides dispatch services and helps you achieve compliance with DOT and FMCSA guidelines. Whatever questions about trucking operations you have, our team is here to answer them.

FleetCare aims to assist you on the path to becoming a more successful and experienced truck driver. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with knowledge, resources, or support during your trucking journey, as we are always there for your new destinations.