Job Description of a Truck Driver

A truck driver is responsible for transporting goods by truck. The truck driver is also responsible for positioning the vehicle for loading and unloading. This includes pulling back the side curtains, opening the end doors, and deploying a tail lift or ramp. The job also requires supervision of the unloading operations. Check about other jobs, How many jobs are available in basic industries?

Job Duties

A truck driver’s primary job is to transport goods by road. Drivers of heavy trucks are responsible for transporting a variety of items, including goods and packages. They must follow certain safety procedures, including performing inspections on their trucks before each trip and unloading cases of goods to customer facilities. Additionally, they must follow traffic laws and regulations to prevent accidents. Drivers must also possess a clean driving record and pass a drug test.

In addition to driving trucks, truck drivers must also maintain radio and telephone contact with their supervisors and base. Drivers must also maintain their trucks and trailers in good working condition. The job also requires the driver to perform pre-trip inspections, fill out delivery forms, and follow federal regulations. Drivers also need to know how to use GPS to navigate.

A truck driver must also have excellent planning skills. They must carefully analyze instructions to make sure they are following the right route. They must also schedule rest and fuel stops. Drivers must be familiar with the local area and weather conditions. They must also have strong motivation to handle long drives.

Education required

Whether you drive a semi-truck, pick-up truck, or other type of commercial vehicle, you’ll need to have a good sense of time management and be patient. You’ll need to know how long it takes to complete various tasks, such as driving between different locations and unloading or loading a truck. It’s also necessary to be able to read maps and follow directions.

Typically, employers will require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some may also require a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree. In addition to a high school diploma, you should have some truck driving experience, as employers will want to hire drivers with some experience.

Most truck driver job descriptions will mention prior driving experience and training courses. Some drivers learn to drive big rigs at a private trucking school, while others get their training through apprenticeships or employer-sponsored programs. While educational requirements can vary by company, most employers prefer applicants with at least two years of relevant experience.

Growth rate

According to the BLS, the number of jobs for truck drivers is expected to grow by approximately 2% a year through 2029. The job growth will be driven by both retirements and industry growth. Delivery truck drivers who perform sales work are also expected to see significant growth. However, the BLS figures are lower than the ATA estimates, which are based on unemployment rates and the number of open positions.

Truck drivers transport 70 percent of all goods in the United States, which means their jobs are integral to commerce. In fact, the growth of the American economy depends on their work. Without truckers, goods can get delayed or spoil, which results in higher costs for consumer goods. During recent years, the trucking industry has suffered from a severe shortage of drivers, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made matters worse.

Responsibilities

Truck drivers are responsible for the safe transportation of goods and materials across land routes. They must maintain their vehicles and ensure that they are in working order. Additionally, they must ensure that they are following federal and state regulations regarding truck driving. Drivers must also be able to use GPS devices to navigate their routes.

There are many responsibilities involved in truck driving, including maintaining a strict time schedule. Truck drivers must follow all traffic laws and maintain a clean vehicle inside and out. They must also keep track of weather reports along their routes. If there is bad weather looming ahead, they must find alternate routes or call in to inform their dispatchers.

Another important responsibility of a truck driver is inspecting cargo and the truck for safety. Improperly loaded cargo could cause the truck to overturn. Truck drivers should check cargo multiple times throughout the trip to ensure that everything is in order.