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Heavy Truck Driver Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Industry leader in Liquid Bulk Specialty Chemical Transportation.
- Ensured operational readiness of trucks and equipment.
- Developed vehicle maintenance schedules ensuring optimum equipment reliability.
- Conducted annual equipment testing, inspections, maintained and audited records.
- Performed staff evaluations and exercised for safety equipment proficiency.
- Handled safety investigations, performed environmental reporting, and coordinated hazardous waste collection and disposal operations.
- Recognized with driver of the year award on 2000 and 2001 and Flying J dedicated driver from 1999 to 2003.
- Selected to participate in Emergency First Responder’s Team.
0-5 years of experience
Maintained equipment at 98% readiness; prepared paperwork for maintenance of vehicles and maintained delivery receipts.
- Dispatched for local and long distance deliveries and arranged fuel for fleet during operations and maneuvers.
- Maintained good safety and driving record, and maintenance logs. Ensured timely delivery of products.
- Loaded/unloaded cargo at docks in various locations. Observed all safety operations during operation of trucks and forklifts at all times.
0-5 years of experience
Loaded and unloaded tanker with petroleum products following all company and government regulations and guidelines.
- Completed and submitted all paperwork in adherence to established company procedures
- Thoroughly conducted safety inspections on truck and equipment as required by company policy, ensuring proper operation.
- Reported any malfunctions, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to truck.
- Made sure to obtain receipts or signatures for verification of delivered goods.
0-5 years of experience
Skilled at performing welding fabrications and repairs.
- Performed all repairs — light field maintenance.
- Operated a Service Truck, Performed all repairs; light field maintenance, major field and shop overhauls.
- Maintained mechanical settings and records used for truck fleet; on behalf of a large service station company.
- Specialized in the maintenance of pickup trucks: delivery vans and short-haul trucks
- Conducted monthly 10% inventories generated by automated system; accuracy levels were consistently within standard.
- Produced various reports for department heads, and ensured record and receipt accuracy.
0-5 years of experience
Drove truck with capacity greater than three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations.
- Applied knowledge of commercial driving regulations and area roads.
- Secured cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders and covers.
- Maintained truck log, according to state and federal regulations.
- Performed basic vehicle maintenance tasks such as adding oil, fuel and radiator fluid and performing minor repairs.
- Transport soldiers in buses up to 53 seats to various locations per mission.
0-5 years of experience
Ensured safe operation and maintenance of all LOGCAP assets. Responsible for the safe and accurate movement of convoy equipment, personnel and cargo per customer requirements. Coordinated with other departments and customer POCs to expedite upload/download of freight to meet preset deadlines. Responsible for the organization and accuracy of all mission documents. Maintained good rapport with customer and fellow employees. Ensured that all Transportation Movement Requests (TMRs) were verified, loaded and transported to client requirements. Responsible for conducting mission preparation AHA/TSTIs for all personnel on the mission. Conducted training as mandated and maintained training records in accordance with HSE guidelines. Maintained 100% accountability for all personnel under my supervision.
- Promoted to Convoy Lead Jan 2008
- Earned the reputation as a valuable member of the organization by always putting personnel and the assigned task first
- Accomplished stand-out levels of performance and leadership by promoting safety, and caring about the personnel which I was assigned
- Decreased low morale through positive reinforcement of personnel and by raising the bar of how personnel under my supervision presented themselves while representing KBR.
- Inspired colleagues to advance themselves in the company by offering their service and making themselves available to be cross-trained, and stepping up to volunteer with other career fields.
0-5 years of experience
Operated tractor-trailer systems with capacity of up to 50 tons to move materials, tools, and equipment to and from work locations in support of construction and maintenance activities and/or deliver operating materials and supplies from one base to another.
- Observed emergency precautions ensuring safety of personnel and facilities.
- Read and interpreted instructions and documentation and planned work activities.
- Responsibilities included the uploading and downloading of cargo as specified on TMRs.
- Ensured secure loads for transport; checked and ensured the safety of loads throughout missions.
- Transported hazardous materials to various U.S. military bases.
0-5 years of experience
Completed 245 total missions with average weight transported per mission equaling 152,000lbs
- Supervised a crew of 31, attended military briefings, performed daily safety meetings
- Operated various types of equipment: trucks, HETS, fuel pumps, generators, and MHE loaders
- Ensure that all government manifests were in order and cargo accounted for and entered into SARS
- Ensured compliance with Military Regulations at all times
- Maintained an incident free record; Survived 43 ambushes with no loss of personnel or equipment
0-5 years of experience
Transported over 1000 tons of ammunition and fuel throughout IRAQ during combat operations
- Provided resupply support to an organization with over 1000 personnel assigned
- Transported cargo throughout IRAQ and Kuwait during operation Desert Storm
- Responsible for providing travel services and arranging travel accommodations for organization personnel and processed travel requests which included temporary duty and permanent change of station (PCS), and temporary duty (TDY) orders for personnel traveling within the US or overseas.
- Assisted newly assigned personnel in receiving and delivering inbound shipments of personal property.
- Advised travelers of any travel restrictions or allowances according to federal travel regulations and practices.
- Reviewed and verified the accuracy and validity of all orders and prepares application with supporting documentation and forward to the appropriate FISC/CPPSO/JPPSP (Personal Property Shipping Office – PPPO).
- Reviewed routing requests, discrepancy reports, government bills of lading (GBLs), commercial bills of lading (CBLs) and transportation control and movement.
0-5 years of experience
Transported supplies from Anaconda to outlaying FOBs within area of responsibility in a timely manner.
- Performed daily duties driving multiple sized and weighted vehicles, to include Tankers, Lowboy, and Flatbed Trailers on a daily bases for United States Armed Forces. Handled inspection of vehicle and equipment used, insuring that the maintenance supervisor was notified of any deficiencies found.
- Handled the safety of load and the equipment operated. Daily duties included the hauling of hazardous cargo, including Ammunition and Explosives. Provided leadership completion of daily TMRs and TSTIs.
- Coordinated incoming and outgoing shipments and inventory counts, location changes, and damaged stock.
- Operated equipment in receiving center loading/unloading with zero accidents; recognized for safety record.
0-5 years of experience
Truck Driver pulling a 75 ton 3 axle Lowboy hauling oversize and overweight loads for the military.
- Secured cargo for transport, using straps & ratchets, chains & binders.
- Inspected product load for accuracy, and safely move it to ensure timely and complete delivery
- Ensured SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) and stringent safety measures are followed in the uploading, transporting, and downloading of freight, cargo, vehicles and containers.
- Person of competence administering Road Test
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for pickup, inspection, loading, and delivery of goods to various locations in the Illinois – Indiana area.
- Occasionally operated fork-lift, boom-lifts, heavy duty lifts which included flat-beds, double, triple and single axle equipment.
- Assigned the responsibilities of collecting payment for goods delivered and delivery charges.
- Maintained truck log as per the state and federal regulations
0-5 years of experience
Operated 80,000 lb. tractor-trailer system safely picking-up, delivering and downloading materials.
- Loaded/unloaded and ensured timely delivery of products to commercial locations by flatbed trailer.
- Performed pre-trip inspection prior to driving period, and post-trip inspection at end of driving period.
- Followed State and Federal DOT hours of service regulations; maintain a CDL license with no points.
- Maintained on-going expenses and activity logs.
6-10 years of experience
Drove roll-off truck safely to and from customer sites
- Executed daily operations pre and post trip inspections
- Applied knowledge of commercial driving regulations and area roads
- Prepared receipts for loads picked up
- Collected payment for boxes delivered and also delivery charges
- Maintained truck logs according to State and Federal regulations
- Maintained telephone or radio contact with supervisor to receive delivery instructions and customers in need of pick ups
- Inspected truck equipment and supplies, such as tires, lights, brakes, gas, oil, and water
0-5 years of experience
Picked up, transported and delivered ammo and explosives using a 3 ton flatbed truck with a ‘piggy-back’ fork lift.
- Prepared inventory receipts for accountability of material distributed or picked up.
- Maintained truck log in accordance with state and federal regulations.
- Maintained telephone and radio contact with supervisor to receive delivery instructions.
- Loaded and unloaded truck.
- Conducted inspection of truck equipment and supplies.
0-5 years of experience
Ensured that all daily reports are completed correctly, and are distributed to all authorized recipients by the required time.
- Assured that drivers are properly conducting daily inspections and reporting any conditions requiring service and repair.
- Controlled loading, unloading and prompt release of equipment to avoid demurrage or detention charges.
- Provided transportation management relating to the commercial transportation of persons and freight of all kinds, including contracted services.
- Promoted to Supervisor.
0-5 years of experience
Ensured that all daily reports are completed correctly, and are distributed to all authorized recipients by the required time.
- Assured that drivers are properly conducting daily inspections and reporting any conditions requiring service and repair.
- Controlled loading, unloading and prompt release of equipment to avoid demurrage or detention charges.
- Provided transportation management relating to the commercial transportation of persons and freight of all kinds, including contracted services.
- Promoted to Supervisor.
0-5 years of experience
Heavy Truck Driver for the Sewage Waste Water Department operating Heavy Vacuum trucks.
- Conducted Pre and Post-trip inspections of vacuum trucks, hoses, fittings and valves.
- Hauled and disposed of Sewage Waste Water and followed Customer and Company safety guidelines’.
- Assisted with the training and mentoring of newly assigned drivers
- Completed work route assignment tickets and maintained inventory of fittings and hose connections.
- Conducted Safety Inspections as required to ensure safe operation of the Vehicle.
- Operated all intake and discharge valves and wore proper PPE while preforming all duties.
- Maintained a satisfactory customer service rating.
0-5 years of experience
Drove 18 wheelers 1200 miles monthly in all weather conditions accident and ticket free throughout North America while consistently meeting all deadlines for pick up and delivery.
- Loaded and transported a variety of commodities ensuring items were properly stacked for a well balanced load.
- Operated on board computer system to maintain communication and dispatching data
- Maintained, transported and operated conventional trucks across 48 states delivering a wide variety of commodities while observing all safety rules.
0-5 years of experience
18 months of safe and efficient transportation of various oilfield equipment
- Conducted thorough pre trip, en route, and post trip inspections
- Ensured cargo and equipment were secure
- Planned trip logistics and obtained necessary documents to transport loads
- Complied with all local, state, federal, and traffic laws
- Maintained a strict adherence to all DOT, EPA, FMCSA, and OSHA regulations and standards
- Prepared bill of ladings, daily vehicle inspection reports, run tickets, and trip reports
- Use of electronics and or paper to accurately record logs
0-5 years of experience
Assigned the tasks of driving truck with the capacity of more than 4 tons to deliver and transport cargos.
- Maintained truck log as per the state and federal regulations.
- Performed the tasks of maintaining proper record of products and items for transport.
- Responsible for cleaning, inspecting and servicing vehicles.
- Handled the tasks of operating equipment on vehicle to load, unload as well as disperse materials.
0-5 years of experience
- Operated an 18-wheel tractor trailer rig for mail running from Kuwait to Iraq.
- Ensured drivers performed the pre- and post-destination vehicle inspections.
- Conducted daily briefings on convoy routes; facilitated safety measures (locked doors and windows).
- Enforced reporting of on-site accidents/incidents.
- Verified that documents and manifests were correctly filled out.
- Provided Ground Guide and ensured T-S-T-I was given.
- Ensured Quality Com procedures were following
0-5 years of experience
Drove trucks with a capacity greater than three tons, transporting materials to and from specified
destinations.
- Operated dozer, scraper, frontend loader and compactor.
- Inspected truck equipment and supplies, such as tires, lights, brakes, gas, oil and water.
- Applied knowledge of commercial driving regulations and area roads.
10+ years of experience
Maintained truck log according to state and federal regulations.
- Executed daily operations of pretrip heavy equipment.
- Assisted in loading and unloading truck manual.
- Kept record of materials and products transported.
- Was instrumental in all street maintenance.
- Trained and managed from 1 to 7 people in park maintenance and achieved significant improvements in their productivity.
- Cleaned, inspected and serviced vehicle.
- Operated equipment on vehicle to load, unload and disperse cargo and materials.
- Drove truck with capacity of more than 3 tons to transport and deliver cargo.
- Maintained radio and telephone contact with base and supervisor to receive instructions and be dispatched to new location.
- Obtained customer signature and collected payment for goods delivered and delivery charges.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for providing convoy support outside the wire.
- Duties include loading and unloading military supplies and driving outside the wire.
- Responsible for safe and timely delivery and carrying of equipment for on base missions.
- Completed pre trip inspections and ensured vehicle service maintenance was properly performed timely to ensure the mission succeeded
- Ensured the cargo arrived safely and secure
- Followed all convoys to ensure safety and maintain load integrity
- Prepared reports and information in order to write proper and timely reports.
0-5 years of experience
Followed standardized procedures when operating government vehicles such as weight limitations, logging mileage, vehicle inspections, maintenance and preparing reports
- Transported military and non-military personnel to various destination
- Delivered supplies, official records, laundry, food, equipment to required destinations in support of troops
- Completed trip tickets and logs to ensure up to date vehicle records
- Prepared manual transportation invoices and logistics documentation
- Operated shuttle bus, tankers, tracker trailers vehicles in accordance with Army regulations and host nation traffic regulations to meet established procedures
- Monitored, categorized, and maintained property books and military vehicles
- Preformed preventive maintenance checks and services of assigned vehicles according to established regulations
- Ensured that required logs, records, and work orders were kept updated and prepared reports required by multiple agencies
- Ensured that supplies and equipment were in serviceable condition and ample supplies stocked
0-5 years of experience
Assigned the tasks of driving truck with overweight loads to deliver and transport
- Maintained truck log as per the state and federal regulations
- Performed the tasks of maintaining proper record of products and items for transport
- Handled the tasks of operating equipment on vehicle to load, unload as well as disperse materials
0-5 years of experience
Operate all Services Vehicles in the department.
- Proposed and initiated ideas to get maximum utilization from equipment and personnel.
- Respected all piers in department.
- Knowledge of all security and safety procedures.
- Completed routes on time and consistently daily at various sites.
0-5 years of experience
- Assigned the tasks of driving truck with the capacity of 80 000lb to deliver and transport cargos
- Maintained truck log as per the state and federal regulations
- Performed the tasks of maintaining proper record of products and items for transport
- Responsible for cleaning, inspecting and servicing vehicles
- Handled the tasks of operating equipment on vehicle to load, unload as well as disperse materials
- Familiar with the principles and methods for moving goods and people by road in 49 states
0-5 years of experience
- Operated an 18- wheel tractor trailer reefer van to and from different warehouse
- Ensured daily inspection on the food product and tractor trailer
- Scanned and loaded the 52′ tractor trailer daily delivery
- Operated a straight truck to delivered there orders directly to their homes
- Unloaded and stock returns with a hand truck or forklift
- Fill out a daily logged to keep track of vehicles and miles
- Completed Defensive Driving Class (10/98)
6-10 years of experience
Managed training for 300+ personnel.
- Operated 8 different military vehicles to deliver supply and fuel.
- Coordinated 600 convoys including maintenance actions and fleet/personnel/materialsecurity.
- Recorded appointment orders, shortage annexes, authorization memos, and requests for support.
0-5 years of experience
- Accountable for providing and maintaining a SAFE work environment.
- Accountable for transporting a 15 passenger van or Pickup truck/SUV to transport soldiers and/or employees in and around training areas, work sites, and to the Alexandria International Airport.
- Assisted in loading and unloading of baggage (required to be able to lift up to 65lbs.).
- Operated radio or similar device to communicate with base station or other vehicles to report progress of service/travel.
- Operated forklift with capacity up to 15,000 lbs. in various types of environments and spaces having received proper safety training and certification.
- Maintained records daily of vehicle inspections, routes, passengers, and equipment.
- Performed other duties when not driving such as, custodial and building maintenance tasks.
6-10 years of experience
Operate tractor-trailer systems with capacity of up to 40 tons to move materials, tools, and equipment to and from work locations in support of construction and maintenance activities, and/or deliver operating materials and supplies from one location to another.
- Participate in Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) and Total Safety Task Instruction (TSTI) focusing on loading/unloading, proper ground guide procedures, and safety procedures and policies.
- Supervise truck drivers’ activities and keep transportation mission in order; appointed as foreman assistant and supervised department in the absence of incumbent.
- Designated department Competent Person providing road evaluations for heavy straight and tractor-trailer combination units to Transportation personnel.
6-10 years of experience
Resale dispatcher for multi-million dollar company – supervised 30 drivers, 40 trucks, and 5 plants.
- Scan status charts to determine which units were available – dispatch appropriate personnel or equipment.
- Record and maintain records, all calls, dispatches, and other services on computers.
- OSHA, Safety and Quality Control certified.
- Nationwide certification to test concrete ACI.
- Operated mixer truck and tanker truck – responsible for loading & unloading of trucks.
- Loader operator – responsible for loading dump trucks & moving material.
- Mechanic – responsible for changing oil, checking batteries, repairing tires and tubes, oil moving parts, adjusting brakes, aligning wheels, tightening bolts & screws, take apart and put back together internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, and transmissions.
0-5 years of experience
Responsibilities included operation of 80,000 lb. tractor-trailer system safely picking-up, delivering and downloading materials.
- Coupled and uncoupled trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air and electrical lines, and manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
- Exchanged information with shippers and receivers to verify correct Bill of Lading.
- Checked all load-related documentation to ensure that it was complete and accurate.
- Followed State/Federal DOT hours of service regulations; maintained CDL license with no points.
0-5 years of experience
Maintained truck log according to state and federal regulations.
- Executed daily operations of parking trailers.
- Assisted in loading and unloading trucks manually.
- Kept record of materials and products transport.
- Positioned blocks and tied rope around items to secure cargo for transport.
- Cleaned and inspected service vehicles.
- Operated equipment on vehicle to load, unload and disperse cargo and materials.
- Maintained radio and telephone contact with base and supervisor to receive instructions and dispatched to new location.
- Obtained customer signature and collected payment for goods delivered and delivery charges.
0-5 years of experience
- Primarily responsible for transporting 6000 – 9000 gallons of fuel and water to various military camps to replenish supply
- Responsible for setup of equipment to upload and/or download fuel and/or water
- Responsible for the safe replenishment of fuel in camp power generator
- Responsible for safe operation of vehicles in accordance with standard military operating and safety procedures and protocols
- Performed other duties as assigned by camp leadership in support of U.S. military operations and allied forces
0-5 years of experience
Transport various cargo to and from yards within KAF base. Hauling fuel to various destinations.
- Interpret instructions and plans precisely within daily safety guidelines.
- Operates straight and combination trucks with capacity up to 30 tons to move containers and M- wrap.
- Supported civil and military missions in Afghanistan.
- Coupled and uncoupled trailers; connected or disconnected air and electrical lines and manipulated fifth- wheel locks.
- Class V Ammunition driver
- Relocated ammunition from the supply point to and from flight line and various locations on KAF.
0-5 years of experience
Direct and coordinate activities of the transportation of fuel tankers, flatbeds, and reefer in order to obtain use of equipment, facilities, and operations for military.
- Plan, organize and supervise the work and staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with in requirements.
- Conduct employee safety meetings before each mission such as hazardous material, handling tasks at hand, and quality improvement.
- Assigned with the development of logistical plans, policies, and procedures; provide support in the logistics areas of supply, transportation, maintenance while in overseas locations.
- Exceptional problem solving skills coupled with solid communication and interpersonal skills, building and leading cohesive teams in fast paced environments.
- Proven ability to manage additional functions, including shipping/receiving, material control, accounting and purchasing.
6-10 years of experience
- Functioned as an Operator in fueling military aircraft.
- Drove military trucks to issue fuel to military aircraft
- Communicated with military personnel in fueling military aircraft
- Assisted with the work schedule of 16 drivers.
- Hot refueled different type on military aircraft fixed and rotary wing.
10+ years of experience
Transports merchandise, equipment, and personnel between destinations, such as: freight depots, warehouses, wholesale and retail establishments and customers required duty locations
- Assists in warehouse storage, receiving and distributing military personnel deployment equipment
- Maintains transportation vehicles and documents operation maintenance logs for service conditions
- Conducts loading and unloading of cargo and routing equipment to proper warehouse storage facility
- Follows federal and state transportation guidelines and regulations for safety of cargo and personnel movement; maintaining an excellent safety security rating
- Collects and transports hazardous waste material and dispose in designated disposal areas
0-5 years of experience
Ran heavy truck within convoy in war-zone conditions; coordinated with team of 20-30 other drivers.
- Prepared and tied down military cargo for border crossing transport into Iraq
- Secure cargo against all type of weather
- Operate all vehicle Tractor Trailer on daily basis
- Report all vehicle deficiencies to maintenance
0-5 years of experience
Inspect vehicle and drive safely following all of the U.S. military’s rules and regulations.
- Providing escort service for the locals that work on base.
- Expected to safely operate my vehicle at all times.
- Interface with the management to define scope of work, need for change to routes and schedules.
- Run Mission’s with the U.S. Army, Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Federal Police outside the wire throughout Iraq.
0-5 years of experience
Maintains radio or telephone contact with base or supervisor to receive instructions or be dispatched to new location
- Maintains truck log according to state and federal regulations
- Keeps record of materials and products transported
- Position blocks and ties rope around items to secure cargo for transport
- Operates equipment on vehicle to load, unload, or disperse cargo or materials
- Assists in loading and unloading truck manually
0-5 years of experience
Maximized efficiency by moving fuel tanker to their destinations within optimal time periods.
- Logged over 100 stops per day with accident/incident free movement within the Bagram Afghanistan arenas
- Maintained a log of all paperwork from dispatch assignments, fuel checks, pre and post operational checks.
- Adhered to army safety procedures; which included grounding and bonding of equipment prior to dispensing fuel.
6-10 years of experience
- Operates company vehicles with capacity of up to 30 tons of materials move to and from work locations within the camp site
- Support of construction and maintenance activities and/or deliver operating materials and supplies from one warehouse to another
- Loads and unloads vehicles
- Observes and follows all safety rules and procedures, including wearing required personal safety equipment
- Performs other duties and activities as directed
0-5 years of experience
Operate articulated trucks to transport materials.
- Vast experience in truck operation.
- Load and unload jersey barriers and generators.
- Preventative maintenance is vital to this position as company operates seven
- Maintain documentation and time schedule.
- Ability to drive safely and carefully.
0-5 years of experience
- Driving trucks that transporting crude oil from the lease to the unload station.
- Measuring crude oil in accordance with enterprise measurement policy at the lease.
- Unloading crude oil at the appropriate station in accordance with established operations and safety procedures.
- Performing routine maintenance and inspections to assigned vehicle and equipment.
- Completing and turning in paperwork in at timely manor as required by company.
- Performing all duties in a safe manner and in compliance with all safety regulations and procedures.
0-5 years of experience
- Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement.
- Operated up-to 30 ton capacity Kenworth 18-wheel trucks to and from work locations.
- Operated construction equipment including the vacuum pumps for dry cement at oil rig location.
- Loaded and unloaded cement solution at Hobbs and Carlsbad work areas.
- Kept vehicle maintained in a serviceable and clean condition with daily inspections.
6-10 years of experience
- Deliver products to various locations throughout Oklahoma and surrounding areas
- Follow all state, federal and county regulations and rules for the use of roadways
- Perform duties according to company policies and procedures
- Responsible for collecting COD’s directly from customers
- Provide excellent customer service related to deliveries
Heavy Truck Driver Duties and Responsibilities
A typical workday varies depending on the route, but all heavy truck drivers possess commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and are responsible for efficiently and effectively transporting materials from one location to another. Based on listings we analyzed, core duties include:
Transport Heavy Loads Heavy truck drivers transport heavy loads within their assigned route or territory in compliance with rules and regulations for transporting materials. They determine whether their vehicle complies with weight and height limits on bridges and tunnels and change their plans if needed.
Maintain Records Heavy truck drivers maintain excellent records of materials picked up and delivered, along with miles driven, tolls paid, and other activities while on the road. For long-haul drivers, this also includes maintaining records of stops and keeping detailed records of miles driven, since heavy truck drivers are frequently paid on a per-mile basis. Heavy truck drivers also provide proof of delivery, entering information into computer systems.
Plan Routes and Schedules Heavy truck drivers also need to plan routes and driving schedules, particularly for long-haul trips. In this aspect of the role, heavy truck drivers may use GPS technology to outline routes and determine the number of miles they can cover in a day, and may also need to consider factors such as weight limits, hazardous materials regulations, weather, and traffic. A heavy truck driver also needs some level of familiarity with their route so they can make adjustments while driving.
Conduct Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance In this role, heavy truck drivers are also responsible for inspecting and maintaining their vehicles before driving, while on the road, and after making deliveries. They may also be responsible for regular maintenance, inspections, and emergency repairs. Heavy truck drivers also need to report any accidents or delays to their supervisors and keep detailed records of vehicle maintenance, inspections, and repairs to ensure that their trucks remain safe and legal to drive.
Coordinate Activities with Dispatchers Heavy truck drivers coordinate with dispatchers and other logistics personnel while driving their routes. They frequently provide updates on delivery timelines, routes, miles driven, and breaks taken. Frequently, heavy truck drivers make a delivery and a pickup at the same location, logging this information and updating dispatchers to ensure that delivery schedules and timelines are maintained.
Heavy Truck Driver Skills and Qualifications
Heavy truck drivers are excellent drivers, able to safely operate their trucks to deliver loads that weigh several tons. Companies hire candidates who have CDL licenses, along with the following skills:
- Driving and vehicle operation – a heavy truck driver safely operates and maneuvers a truck carrying loads weighing more than three tons; a clean driving record, the ability to drive for hours, and excellent driving skills are necessary
- Route logistics – heavy truck drivers are comfortable planning and altering routes to make deliveries and pickups efficiently and according to schedule
- Vehicle maintenance – heavy truck drivers have a solid grasp on vehicle inspection and maintenance, ensuring their trucks remain safe and efficient while conducting deliveries
- Time management – managing a schedule is important for heavy truck drivers, as well as ensuring that hours worked are within limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Verbal communication – heavy truck drivers should be able to effectively communicate with dispatchers, logistics personnel, and team members at pickup and delivery locations
Heavy Truck Driver Education and Training
Heavy truck drivers tend to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Many also attend truck driving schools to learn the basics of maneuvering and operating tractor trailers. This position requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which consists of passing a written examination and driving test.
Heavy Truck Driver Salary and Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy truck drivers earned a median yearly wage of $41,340 as of May 2016. The highest-paid 10 percent made over $63,140, while the lowest-paid earned $26,920. Wages for heavy truck drivers can vary because of many factors, including routes driven, pay per mile, or whether truck drivers were recognized as employees or independent contractors. Employment for heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers is expected to grow at an average rate of six percent between 2016 and 2026. This job plays an important part in supply chain management and logistics, and with so much freight traveling by truck in the US, this is a very stable position.
Helpful Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a heavy truck driver, there are many resources available on the web to find more information:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – The FMCSA sets laws and guidelines for commercial vehicle operators, including hour limits and guidelines for breaks and daily mileage to ensure safe roads.
Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Training – This book provides a useful overview of training to be a heavy truck driver, with all of the information a new driver needs to prepare for this career.
Trucker’s Training: Truck Driving Schools in the US – Read about truck driving schools across the nation that prepare drivers for careers as heavy truck drivers.
CDL – Commercial Driver’s License Exam (CDL Test Preparation) – Prepare for the CDL exam with test information, diagrams and definitions, and practice questions.