Oslo, Norway — Norwegian professional driver Bernie Bergan has demonstrated that physical disability does not preclude a career in heavy vehicle operation. Since becoming a paraplegic in 2018, Bergan has documented his daily routine through a series of videos that show how he manages the physical demands of trucking while using a wheelchair. His content provides a transparent look at the adaptive techniques required to maintain a full-time schedule in the industry.
The core of Bergan’s operation relies on specific equipment modifications and rigorous personal discipline. In one widely shared clip, he illustrates the mechanical process of transitioning from his wheelchair on the ground into the driver’s seat of a commercial truck. This maneuver requires precise body control and trust in the vehicle’s stability. Following the entry demonstration, he explains the operation of hand controls for the accelerator and brake, a standard accommodation that allows drivers without lower-limb function to meet safety standards for vehicle control.
Beyond basic driving, Bergan addresses the operational challenges of logistics and weather. He provides step-by-step guidance on chaining up tires in adverse conditions, a task that traditionally requires significant lower-body strength to position and tighten chains. He also covers the loading and unloading phase, showing how he secures cargo and manages the physical environment of the dock. These segments highlight that the job is not just about driving, but about the entire workflow of moving freight safely.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL-A driver applicants and experienced OTR truck driver professionals, Bergan’s routines underscore the importance of vehicle adaptability. Fleets that invest in hand controls and accessible cab modifications can expand their pool of qualified candidates, including those with disabilities who possess the necessary cognitive and upper-body strength for the role. Owner-operator and company driver alike must understand that safety protocols remain identical regardless of physical ability; the method of execution changes, but the standard of care does not. Understanding these adaptations helps fleet managers ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations regarding vehicle operation and driver physical qualifications.
Industry Reaction
The trucking sector has historically struggled with driver retention, making any story of long-term dedication and adaptation highly relevant to recruitment strategies. Trucking companies hiring for dedicated or regional routes are increasingly looking at diverse talent pools, recognizing that skills in problem-solving and safety awareness often outweigh physical limitations that can be mitigated with technology. Advocacy groups for disabled workers in transportation point to such examples as proof that the industry is becoming more inclusive, provided that the necessary infrastructure and equipment are available. This visibility helps normalize the presence of drivers with disabilities in a field that has long been defined by physical endurance.
Key Points
- Bernie Bergan has been a paraplegic professional driver since 2018.
- He uses hand controls for both the accelerator and brake pedals.
- His videos cover specific tasks like chaining tires and loading freight.
- He maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @berniebergan.
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