Truck Driver (Tractor Trailer)
PrintWork Tasks
TRUCK DRIVERS (TRACTOR TRAILER) operate gasoline or diesel powered trucks to transport goods and materials from one part of the country to another. They usually make the initial pickup from factories, consolidate cargo at terminals for inter-city shipment, and deliver goods from terminals to stores and homes. Before leaving the terminal, they check their trucks to make sure everything is working and loaded properly. Truck drivers cover distances ranging from hundreds to thousands of miles. They frequently drive at night and may be on the road for days or weeks at a time. The satellite linkup also allows the dispatch to track the truck's location, fuel consumption, and engine performance.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $44,500 average per year ($21.50 per hour)
- A very large occupation (1,466,700 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.3% per year)
Entry Requirements
TRUCK DRIVERS (TRACTOR TRAILER) must comply with federal and state regulations. Drivers of trucks that carry over 26,000 pounds must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Applicants must pass a test on written rules and regulations, and show they can drive a truck safely. They must be over 21, pass a physical exam, have 20/40 vision (corrected) and see colors, have use of arms/legs (waiver may be obtained), normal blood pressure, speak, read, and write English, a good driving record, pass a road test and an exam on safety rules. Many vo-tec schools offer tractor-trailer driver training programs.