Truck Driver (Tractor Trailer)

Print

Work Tasks

• Drive trucks to move goods from one part of the country to another
• Load goods in the truck at factories and unload the goods at stores
• Check the truck for gas and oil and make sure it is working right
• Do reports about the trip and the condition of the truck after each run
• Work for trucking companies, auto parts stores, oil companies, lumber yards, food and grocery stores, the government, or themselves
• Work with trucks, goods being moved, road maps, reports, trip logs, clerical forms, safety equipment, cell phones, computers, and electronic record-keeping devices

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)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A commercial driver's license
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma, 25 years of age or older, able to lift heavy things, and driving experience
• Skills/Courses: Training in driving a truck is offered by private career schools.
• Certification/Licensing: A commercial driver's license requires 21 years or older, a physical, good vision, reading and writing English, and passing both a driving and written test.