Trucker Job Title Slang: Who's Who
Truckers have creative nicknames for everyone in the industry — from the “travel agent” (dispatcher) to the “bear” (police) to the “steering wheel holder” (company driver). This guide covers every major trucker job title nickname, where it comes from, and how it is used on the CB and in conversation.
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O TruckingTrucker Job Title Slang: Who
Complete Trucker Job Title Slang Guide
Here is every major trucker nickname for people and roles in the industry:
| Slang Term | Meaning | Origin / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Agent | Dispatcher | Humorously implies the dispatcher “books your trips” |
| Seat Cover | Passenger / attractive person in a car | They “cover the seat” without driving |
| Road Jockey | Truck driver | Rides the road like a jockey rides a horse |
| Steering Wheel Holder | Company driver (derogatory) | Implies they just hold the wheel — no business decisions |
| Bear / Smokey | Police officer | From “Smokey the Bear” — campaign hat resemblance |
| County Mounty | County sheriff / deputy | Rhymes; “mounted” county officer |
| City Kitty | City police | Rhyming slang for local law enforcement |
| Evel Knievel | Motorcycle cop | Named after the famous motorcycle daredevil |
| Lumper | Warehouse unloader | Person who “lumps” (unloads) freight at the dock |
| Lot Lizard | Truck stop solicitor | Person who solicits at truck stop parking lots |
| Gear Jammer | Truck driver (often a fast one) | Refers to aggressively shifting gears |
| Bull Hauler | Livestock hauler | Literally hauls bulls and livestock |
| Swamp Donkey | Tow truck driver | Pulls trucks out of ditches (“swamps”) |
| Pedal Pusher | Driver who drives fast | Pushes the accelerator pedal hard |
Context Matters
Related Slang Guides
For more trucker slang organized by category:
Trucker Slang for Companies
What truckers call carriers, brokers, DOT, FMCSA
Trucker Slang for Loads & Freight
Hot load, gravy load, suicide load, and more
CB Slang for Dispatchers
Terms every dispatcher should know
Travel Agent (Glossary)
Full glossary entry on the dispatcher nickname
Learn the Lingo to Build Trust
Trucker Job Title Slang FAQ
Questions about trucker nicknames and CB slang for people
What is a travel agent in trucking slang?
A 'travel agent' is CB slang for a truck dispatcher — the person who books loads and tells drivers where to go. The humorous name implies the dispatcher is 'booking your travel.' See our full travel agent glossary entry for details.
What is a seat cover in trucker slang?
A 'seat cover' is trucker CB slang for a passenger riding in a vehicle — typically an attractive person in a car. The term implies the person is just 'covering the seat' rather than contributing to driving. It was commonly used on CB radio to point out passengers in passing vehicles.
What is a steering wheel holder?
A 'steering wheel holder' is a somewhat derogatory term for a company driver who just follows orders without making business decisions. Owner-operators sometimes use it to contrast themselves with company drivers, implying they just 'hold the wheel' while someone else runs the business. It is not a compliment.
What do truckers call police officers?
Truckers have many CB slang terms for police: 'bear' (from Smokey the Bear hat resemblance), 'Smokey,' 'county mounty' (county sheriff), 'city kitty' (city police), 'plain wrapper' (unmarked police car), and 'evel knievel' (motorcycle cop). See our bear CB slang glossary for the full list.
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