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What does a Truck Driver do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 3 min read

A truck driver is a person who drives a truck for a living.

Truck Driver job duties include:

  • Drive truck to transport goods and materials
  • Load and unload cargo
  • Check load for accuracy and stability
  • Inspect truck for mechanical problems before each trip
  • Plan route and ensure schedule is followed
  • Keep log of trip activities and mileage
  • Obey traffic laws and posted speed limits
  • Report any accidents or incidents to dispatch immediately
  • Comply with hours of service regulations

Truck Driver Job Requirements

Most truck drivers have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some companies may require a college degree. Many trucking companies require their drivers to have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Some states require CDL holders to have special endorsements on their license to operate certain types of vehicles or in certain conditions, such as hauling hazardous materials or operating a vehicle with air brakes. Some trucking companies may provide training to new drivers with no experience.

Truck Driver Skills

  • Time management
  • Being able to work long hours
  • Being able to work independently
  • Good physical fitness
  • Good eyesight
  • Coordination
  • Being able to stay calm under pressure
  • Quick thinking
  • Good problem solving skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Map reading

Related: Top Truck Driver Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Truck Driver

Truck drivers are an important part of the transportation industry. They transport goods and materials across the country, and sometimes even across borders. If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, there are a few things you should know.

First, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do this, you’ll need to pass a written exam as well as a skills test. The written exam will test your knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. The skills test will assess your ability to safely operate a tractor-trailer.

Once you have your CDL, you can start applying for truck driving jobs. Many trucking companies require drivers to have at least 1-2 years of experience before they’ll hire them. So, if you don’t have any experience, you may want to consider working as a driver’s assistant or “co-driver” first.

As you gain experience, you may want to specialize in a certain type of trucking. For example, you could become a flatbed truck driver or an tanker truck driver. Each type of trucking has its own set of challenges and rewards.

If you’re dedicated and safety-minded, becoming a truck driver can be a great career choice. It’s an opportunity to see the country and earn a good living at the same time.

Related: Truck Driver Resume Example

Related: Truck Driver Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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