Commercial truck drivers play a vital role in transporting goods and materials across the country, ensuring that products move efficiently from one destination to the next. Truck driving jobs come in various forms, but most share some core responsibilities.
Common Truck Driver Responsibilities
- Work more than the standard 40-hour workweek.
- Track movements and hours using an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or logbook.
- Verify the haul against inventory sheets to ensure accuracy.
- Load and unload cargo as needed.
- Maintain an inspection record for the truck and report any issues.
- Plan and map out efficient driving routes.
- Be prepared to spend extended periods away from home.
- Perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the truck is clean, safe, and in excellent condition.
The exact duties depend on the type of truck driving job you pursue. There are three main categories of truck drivers:
- Owner-Operators
- Own or lease their trucks.
- May work with multiple companies or commit to one.
- Company Truck Drivers
- Drive trucks owned by their employer, typically a larger trucking company.
- Deliver assigned hauls as part of their job.
- Independent Owners
- Own a small fleet of trucks or operate as individual drivers.
- Combine ownership responsibilities with direct hauling duties.
How to Become a Truck Driver
You can begin your truck-driving career with relatively short training. Many CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) schools and trade schools offer CDL programs to get you on the road quickly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Requirements to Get Started
- A high school diploma or GED (preferred by most employers).
- Be at least 18 years old to drive within your state and 21 to drive across state lines.
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Pass a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam every two years.
Steps to Become a Truck Driver
- Enroll in a CDL training program through a school or employer.
- Complete training, which typically lasts a few weeks to a few months.
- Pass your state’s CDL test and obtain any necessary endorsements (e.g., hazardous materials, tanker).
- Once hired, participate in additional on-the-job training to refine your skills.
Finding a Truck Driving Job
While industry reports may suggest moderate growth for truck driving jobs, the reality is a growing demand for drivers due to a significant shortage. Many seasoned drivers are retiring, leaving a gap that needs to be filled. If you meet the necessary qualifications and have the proper licensing, finding a trucking job should be relatively easy. Search here for truck driving jobs near you.
This is a great time to consider a career in trucking—whether you want to drive for a company, operate independently, or eventually become an owner-operator.
How Much Money Truck Drivers Make?
You have be able to support yourself and your family in order to survive. If you decide truck driving is for you, you’ll bring home an average salary of over $55,990. Entry level, you’ll earn around $37,440 (salaries based on the most recent BLS data). Once you’ve established yourself in the industry, you can make $76,780 per year or more. Some of the higher paying trucking jobs are ice trucking, liquid hauling, specialty car hauling, and team driving which all come with larger salaries.