Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
What is a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers operate large vehicles designed to transport goods and materials across various distances. They play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry, ensuring that products reach their destinations in a timely and efficient manner. These drivers must be skilled in handling large trucks, which can weigh over 26,000 pounds, often pulling trailers that may contain valuable or perishable goods. Their responsibilities include inspecting their vehicles for safety, adhering to federal and state traffic regulations, maintaining accurate logs of working hours and routes, and ensuring that cargo is securely loaded and properly distributed. They may also have to navigate complex traffic situations, weather conditions, and road types, demonstrating both technical driving skills and the ability to think quickly under pressure.
Tasks
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
Technology Skills
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Word processing software
- 3M Post-it App
- Evernote
- Microsoft Word
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Data base user interface and query software
- ddlsoftware.com drivers daily log program DDL
- Fog Line Software Truckn Pro
- TruckersHelper
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Route navigation software
- ALK Technologies PC*Miler
- MarcoSoft Quo Vadis
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Inventory management software
- Computerized inventory tracking software
- Inventory tracking software
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
- Lifts
- Trailer hitches
- Flatbed trailers
- Hand trucks or accessories
- Global positioning system GPS receiver
Knowledge
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Rate Control
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
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Response Orientation
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Secure cargo.
- Follow safety procedures for vehicle operation.
- Inspect cargo to ensure it is properly loaded or secured.
- Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
- Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$37440.0 - $76780.0
This career will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.