Career in Local Truck Driving
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in truck driving comprise one of the largest job segments in the United States. While there are many types of truck driving careers, local truck driving is a popular choice for many people because the job typically allows drivers to be at home much more than long distance drivers.
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Function
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The main job responsibility for local truck drivers is to transport goods or products over short distances, according to State University. The local truck driving position may be a delivery or a driver/sales position. Many industries and businesses have a need for local truck drivers. The majority of local truck drivers are employed by companies that actually manufacture the product or service they are delivering, such as beer distributors or meat packers. However, the federal government and shipping companies, such as the U.S. Postal Service and Fed Ex, employ these types of drivers as well.
Qualifications
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Local truck drivers who operate vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 lbs. or more must have a commercial driver's license, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Smaller trucks only require a standard driver's license. Most local truck drivers must have clean driving records and criminal backgrounds, as well as pass physical tests and regular drug screenings.
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Working Conditions
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Most local truck drivers operate vans or light trucks, rather than large semi trucks. Delivery drivers typically deliver products within a small region or specific urban area, while drivers/sales workers usually deliver and solicit their products to vendors. Many local truck drivers work 50 or more hours per week, especially those who work for food or grocery stores. Some drivers have the same route each day, while others have different routes every week. Most drivers are required to have good customer service skills and be able to lift and carry heavy items.
Salary
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As of May 2008, the median hourly wage for delivery drivers was $13.27, while the median hourly wage for driver/sales workers was $10.70 including commissions. Some local truck drivers are a part of teamster or truck-driving unions.
Job Outlook
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The demand for local truck drivers greatly depends on the rest of the American economy. Local truck driving careers are usually more competitive than long-haul driving positions because they have more desirable working conditions. Careers in the food manufacturing and grocery store industries are typically the most stable jobs, because people will always need food--even during a recession or depression.
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References
- Photo Credit delivery red trucks image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
