What does a Truck Driver do?
Learn all about Truck Driver duties, skills and much more. Get expert advice on how to become a Truck Driver.
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.
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