Truck Driver Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a truck driver. Feel free to use our truck driver job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a truck driver.
Who is a Truck Driver?
A truck driver is an individual who uses trucks to deliver items to various places. Truck drivers carry a variety of items like consumer products, machine parts, and building materials. This is a highly-demanding job. Although the primary job of truck drivers is to move items, they also perform additional tasks, including load and unloading the truck, as well as making sure it is safe to drive.
The term “local trucker” refers to a driver who is operating a big truck or van in an area that is relatively small in a county or city. Contrary to long-haul truck drivers, local truck drivers have working hours and schedules that are regular. Drivers can deliver furniture packages, boxes, or construction items to their local areas. A lengthy formal education isn’t typically required before becoming a driver on a local road. To be able to operate special or large-sized trucks, the driver might be required to complete an instructor-led truck driver course, and then obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Truck drivers frequently transport furniture, retail items, and food items to local restaurants and distributors. They collect shipments from warehouses, verify the quantity, load boxes and deliver them. When they arrive at their location, the local driver takes the load off and reviews the amount and quality of the goods together with store managers. Parcel truck drivers use the same procedure to deliver packages directly to the customers’ home addresses.
Local truck drivers who work for small companies and distributors could be required to generate sales. For instance, a driver of a local bakery may visit several grocery stores to discuss with the owners about carrying the bakery’s goods. The driver will bring samples of the bakery’s products to the store, negotiates price and quantities, and then arrange delivery dates with the store’s owners. The majority of route drivers are required to keep a meticulous record of their sales and deliveries to ensure high-quality customer service and precise payments.
Construction companies depend on drivers to collect and transport building materials to job locations. Local truck drivers load their trucks with wood, metal, or other substances and then unloads them at their correct destination.
The majority of companies do not have the strictest requirements for education or training for new drivers. New employees generally travel alongside experienced drivers for a couple of days or weeks to master the routes and procedures. Drivers who must conduct sales often receive training on customer service via videos and lectures in the classroom.
Truck Driver Job Description
Below are the truck driver job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a truck driver job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a truck driver include the following:
- Driving and operating a truck between a retail and distribution center or manufacturing facility to transport goods and other materials.
- Following the driving directions and road maps to precisely find their destination.
- Unloading and loading cargo from various places.
- Maintaining the vehicle’s condition and observing safe driving guidelines and laws.
- Inspecting the truck to ensure that it is operating safely.
- Completing the necessary documentation for each delivery
- Recording time spent on the road, all traffic violations, and other actions
Qualifications
The requirements for the truck driver are higher than for drivers of other vehicles. If you are a truck driver you’ll have to complete additional certifications and training before you can begin your career.
Education
To become the truck driver of your dreams, you generally require a high school diploma or GED. Sometimes, a hiring manager will let you skip this requirement based on your qualifications or experience. However, most employers will require this education.
Training
In addition to having a valid driver’s license, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will also be required. It is required for driving heavy vehicles. The CDL application process can differ in the region you reside. In the United States, you must be 21 years old or older to operate a commercial vehicle, however, in some other countries, you might be required to be between the ages of 18 and 20 years if you’re driving within the state. Additionally, you must pay a fee and pass an examination for medical reasons. You may enroll in an accredited driver’s school in preparation for the CDL test, however, this isn’t a requirement.
Certifications
Once you have obtained your CDL, you will be able to obtain certain certifications that will increase the variety of vehicles that you can drive and demonstrate your driving proficiency. A few of these certifications are:
- Endorsements
You may apply for endorsements on your license. Letter codes permit you to drive certain types of vehicles. For instance, the “P” endorsement permits the driver to operate automobiles for passengers “H” allows you to drive vehicles with hazardous substances and “X” permits the transport of dangerous substances like propane, gasoline, and Acetic acid.
- Driver Finishing Certification:
In the United States, the Professional Truck Driver Institute provides this certification to commercial truck drivers who want to improve their driving abilities. This certification is typically provided by trucking companies that would like to invest money into their staff.
- Professional Truck Driver Online Defensive Driving
This certification which is offered through the National Safety Council trains drivers on how to spot dangers in driving and the best way to avoid them.
Essential Skills
- Time management
You must adhere to the schedule to deliver items to the right place within the specified time. This includes considering traffic and road conditions that may hinder your arrival.
- Management of stress
When crises arise, it is important to be calm and focused. This is especially true when dealing with unexpected maintenance on your vehicle, unexpected dangers of weather, or traffic accidents.
- Problem-solving skills
Most of the time, you will be on your own, therefore it is important to be comfortable solving unexpected problems with no assistance.
- Safety driving
Safety in driving is the main goal for truck drivers and the businesses they work for. Making sure everyone is secure is vital especially when operating large vehicles. A lot of practice will teach you the correct techniques on how to operate the truck. A vast amount of company training and certifications will give you the required knowledge to be able to drive the truck.
- Focus
As a truck driver, you must remain focused for long periods. Concentration is essential not just for driving at night, but also during the rush hour of the day. You should think about strategies to remain focused (i.e. avoiding distractions and planning your journey before your journey).
- Responsibility
Responsible truck drivers prepare for their trip in a manner that is appropriate. This means making sure you have enough food on hand, checking the condition of your truck, and familiarizing yourself with the map. The responsibility for your actions shows that you are prepared to take on your work.
- Organizational skills
The ability to organize is essential for truck drivers due to the documentation you have to complete. Examples include logging into work and describing your journey. The majority of companies require truck drivers to keep meticulous records to ensure that they are driving in a safe and responsible manner
- Mechanical understanding
Most likely, you’re driving by yourself. Being knowledgeable about mechanics can help to solve issues without help from others.
- Cleanliness
The cleanness of your truck indicates that you are an honest driver and you are also a responsible employee. As a truck driver, It is crucial to maintain orderliness and cleanliness by cleaning up trash and regularly loading personal items. You should consider keeping a broom on hand to clean up the dirt that builds up over time.
How to Become a Truck Driver
Although being a truck driver does not require a lot of time, you must be able to meet certain criteria for this job.
The following are steps you can follow to become a truck driver
- Meet the minimal requirements
Before you go to truck driving classes or obtain a driver’s permit, you must pass a series of basic tests. You must meet these standards before pursuing this profession.
In most states, you need to be 21 years old or legally qualified to be employed in the United States as well as in the state in which you live. Also, you need to have an excellent driving record free of any DUIs or reckless driving. Furthermore, most employers and schools require applicants to possess a graduation certificate from high school or GED before applying for the truck driving school. But, as certain employers employ truck drivers with no degree from high school, it’s essential to check the requirements for the job to make sure you meet all.
- Take a truck driving class
Register for an educational program for truck drivers in your region. Find a school that provides both classroom and practical training. You’ll not only learn the laws and regulations governing truck driving and regulations, but you’ll also have direct, hands-on experience driving commercial vehicles. While some programs run between a month and 10 weeks, some programs run for one year.
- Pass the licensing test
When you’ve completed the truck driving course, you can take the state’s commercial driver’s exam. Although every state has its examination, it is required to be able to pass the writing test and the road test. The written test evaluates your knowledge of the rules and regulations for safety that pertains to truck driving.
- Pass your Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) test
If you have passed the licensing test, you can take the FMCSA test. The exam consists of a writing and physical portion. The written portion of the test examines your understanding of federal law and the physical part examines your vision and comes with a brief hearing. Be aware that although you aren’t required to retake the writing portion once you’ve passed, you must retake the physical portion of the test every two years.
- Seek out an entry-level job
Once you have passed all your tests, begin with your search for a job. A lot of truck driving schools offer jobs placement services that can help you find a driving job. In reality, several truck driving companies have relationships with trucking firms. It is also possible to contact trucking firms directly and inquire about vacant jobs. You can apply for entry-level positions that you are interested in and are in line with your experience and qualifications.
- Take your time to complete your orientation
After you have been hired, most employers may require you to go through a couple of days of orientation. The typical orientation session covers what you should be aware of about the company and its policies. Some employers may require you to fill out some forms as well as take a drug test as well as pass a physical examination.
- Complete the on-the-job training
Once you’ve completed the orientation program of your employer and orientation, you’ll probably need to complete a course of instruction. This is when you’ll get acquainted with your company’s processes and procedures for filing. The time can range from several weeks or even months.
- Take the road test of the company.
When you’ve completed your period of training, you will need to pass the employer’s trucking test. While it’s generally an exam on the road, some tests have a written part. If you’re able to pass the exam you’ll probably get a vehicle assigned to you and a route to do independently.
Where to Work as a Truck Driver
Truck drivers spend a lot of time in their vehicles. Although some rules limit the amount of time that truck drivers can drive, however, it’s not uncommon to see drivers spend up to 10 hours behind the wheel. Drivers could be required to drive at night or in the early hours of the day to make sure they are on time for their delivery. Regulations dictate the frequency at which drivers must rest, however, there are rarely scheduled stops. Drivers can take the advantage of rest zones, truck stops, and motels to rest.
Truck Driver Salary Scale
The type of truck you use will affect the amount you make. The level of your experience and driving history can assist you in negotiating a better amount.
The average salary truck drivers earn in the United States is $61,711 per annum.