What Is the Job Description of a Truck Driver?

Truck drivers use cars, vans or trucks to transport supplies, including hazardous chemicals, manufacturing equipment and machine parts. They also transport finished goods such as electronics, food and magazines. These drivers are essential to every industry because they transport equipment and products needed by hospitals, factories, retail stores, warehouses and other businesses.

Responsibilities

Truck drivers typically transport cargo; inspect trucks for safety, looking for malfunctioning parts; inspect cargo to ensure that it is loaded correctly; and review shipping documents.

Requirements

A truck driver is required to have a driver's license for a small truck, typically less than 26,000 lbs., or a commercial driver's license for a large truck, of 26,000 lbs. or more.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers earn between $7.25 and $26 an hour as of 2006, depending on the truck and the size of the load.

Career Development

A truck driver who starts out as an extra driver--he takes over when the main driver is unable to drive--might become a regular driver. A regular driver might become a long-distance driver.

Types

The three main types of truck drivers are route drivers, who deliver newspapers, pizzas or laundry; light truck drivers, who transport loads of as much as 26,000 lbs.; and heavy truck drivers, who transport loads of 26,000 lbs. or more.

References

• Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers

Resources

• Truck Driving Jobs
• Route Drivers
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Light Truck Drivers