A truck driver is essential to all businesses and companies that rely on getting their product from one place to another.  Truck drivers are responsible for transporting items from one destination to another, in an effort to ensure delivery.  They occupy our highways, freeways and interstates and delivery things from automobiles to canned goods to live animals. 

It is the responsibility of the truck driver to make sure their truck is properly inspected and ready for travel.  They check fuel levels, oil and other applicable gauges and perform a series of inspections to ensure safety on the road.  It is important to secure the cargo or load that will be in route and adjust the mirrors to guarantee maximized visibility.  Anything that is not correct on the vehicle is then reported to the dispatcher who then makes a report.

Truck driver’s can spend long hours on the road and are responsible for maintaining integrity while on the thoroughfares.  It is important for them to be alert and aware of all situations in order to prevent an accident.

Cargo destinations vary as do the duration of a truck driver’s trip.  Local drivers may make several trips in a relatively small radius while other driver’s may drive the longer routes.  The responsibility and assignments pertaining to each trip vary depending on the load being hauled and the size of the truck.

Advances in technology are making the life of a truck driver easier.  Satellites and the Global Positioning System are making it simpler for drivers to communicate with headquarters.  This makes it easier for truck drivers to plan and continue on routes with knowledge of changes in the weather or other hazards that may interfere.  Global Positioning System provides the driver with a sense of security in the instance of breakdowns or traffic accidents.  Dispatchers are also able to maintain access to information concerning the trucks engine and are able to alert the driver if there are potential warnings.

Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers operate trucks that can carry a minimum of 26,000 pounds.  These vehicles are primarily responsible for the distribution of cars, livestock and packaged goods with excessive weights.  Many of the drivers who are responsible for these hauls simply drive.  Some drivers may also participate in the loading and unloading at the docks.

It is essential for truck drivers to document all aspects of any trip.  The US Department of Transportation requires documentation of driver miles, accidents and repairs.

Truck drivers are required to follow and adhere to specific standards that are governed by State and Federal regulations.  There are certain guidelines that all drivers must comply with.  First, truck drivers must have a valid driver’s license issued by the State.  Most employers recommend a clean driving record.  Drivers who operate vehicles over 26,000 pounds must also obtain a commercial driver’s license.  Drivers who transport hazardous materials are responsible to maintain a commercial driver’s license regardless of the truck’s size.  Special regulations also apply to the drivers hauling hazardous materials.  They are also required to have a criminal background check performed on them. 

In order to obtain a commercial drivers license, it is necessary for the applicant to have a clean driving record.  They must also pass a written test on the rules and regulations and must also be able to demonstrate the knowledge to operate the vehicle safely.  Databases are used to conduct nationwide searches.  Potential applicants who have had suspended licenses or driving violations in other states will also not be allowed the license in the state if application.

There are many Truck Driving Schools that are available to those who choose this career.  Students who have participated in driver training and automotive mechanic courses may have an advantage also.  Students who enroll in the tractor-trailer driving training program learn to maneuver the large vehicle on crowded streets ad in highway traffic.  They learn the basics of inspecting the vehicle in order to comply with regulations.  They are also taught the preventative maintenance necessary to ensure safe trips. 

Many certification programs do not provide an abundance of actual driving time and they do not guarantee job placement.  It is important for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a truck driver to check with specific truck driving companies before attending a school.  Most companies have specific requirements.  It is important to make sure the school’s educate on the specific needs of certain companies.

Many truck-driving companies have the ability to train a prospective employee on their own time.  There are many times when the actual employer will use his or her own time to train.  This involves behind the wheel instruction as well as maintenance and safety education.  The instruction normally involves a few hours of driving and may also include a ride a long with a more advanced and experienced driver.  Some companies are also prepared to give classroom instruction that also includes additional information about the company or firm itself.

A truck driver’s pay scale will depend on many different things.  There are many different ways for a driver to get paid.  By the mile, by the hour, by the load and by the day are typically the most common forms of pay.  Local truck drivers, meaning drivers who specifically deliver to short destinations, mainly get paid by the hour.  They earn overtime when applicable and are able to make more trips during a day.  Drivers who make long hauls, or drive to further destinations, are generally paid by the mile.  The rate per mile varies depending on the employer.  This may also depend on the type of cargo or load they may be hauling.  Some long distance drivers also earn compensation by commission.  They essentially earn a percentage of the revenues generated by the specific load or sale additional product upon delivery. 

Many drivers who own their own trucks primarily drive long hauls.  They are also involved in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which is a union that represents and endorses the needs of truckers.  They also work with the truck driver and individual companies to negotiate rates, benefits and treatment.  Owner-operators earn a higher yearly earning based on the fact that they are merely responsible for themselves.

Seniority is generally the basic qualification for advancement.  Those who have been with the company for the longest amount of time begin to receive the most profitable drives along with the preferred hours.

Driver’s salaries may also be dependent on the particular state in which the individual is employed as well as the nature of the haul.  Many different factors will effect an individual salary.

Here are some salaries that reflect the median average earnings of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers.

 General freight trucking    $14.67 per hour

 Grocery and related product wholesalers  $13.55 per hour

 Specialized freight trucking    $12.36 per hour

Employment services     $ 6.77 per hour

Cement and concrete product manufacturing  $ 6.59 per hour

Light drivers or delivery service trucks reflect the middle earnings of the industry.  Here is a breakdown of the median average earnings.

 Couriers      $17.94 per hour

 General freight trucking    $14.79 per hour

 Grocery and related product wholesalers  $12.44 per hour  

 Building Material and supplies dealer  $10.85 per hour 

 Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores  $ 8.07 per hour

Earnings for drivers who also assisted and sales and commission reflected the lowest average of truck drivers.