Heavy Truck Driver Job Description
A heavy truck driver transports goods and materials from manufacturers to other destinations such as grocery stores and automobile lots. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers hold one of the largest occupations with about 3.2 million jobs.
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Definition
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A heavy truck driver works to deliver goods and freight from one destination to the next. Duties of a truck driver include driving on the highway for long periods of time, loading and unloading goods onto the truck, keeping a track record, inspecting vehicles and making sure his truck is in good working condition.
Education
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In most cases, there is no college-level education needed to be a heavy truck driver. Some aspiring truck drivers attend a technical or vocational school before attempting the commercial driver's license (CDL) test. A CDL is required for those drivers who are transporting materials that are considered hazardous or an overload. According to the BLS, to successfully gain a CDL, the driver must have a clean driving record, be capable of driving the truck, and complete and pass a test comprised of the rules and regulations of a truck driver.
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Environment
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The work environment for a truck driver requires a heap of physical and mental demands because the driver is on the road in a small space for the majority of his scheduled time. Because of the demands of this job, drivers are away from their home and family for long periods of time; in many cases, the driver won't know exactly when a off day will be available. Some of the downfalls of this career choice: loneliness, fatigue and boredom.
Salary
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According to the BLS, the average earnings of a truck driver are approximately $18 hourly, as of May 2008. In some cases, drivers are paid per mile and receive bonuses from the company they work for. Also, benefits and overtime may be available.
Future
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The truck transportation industry is vital to the United States because it employs a significant number of people. The outlook for truck drivers is at a high, according to the BLS, and employment is expected to increase between now and 2018 by 13 percent.
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References
- Photo Credit truck image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
