What Does a Truck Driver Do?
A truck driver is responsible for transporting goods from one location to another using heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring deliveries are completed safely, on time, and in compliance with federal and state regulations. Their work plays a crucial role in supply chains across industries, supporting commerce and consumer demand. Depending on the type of route and cargo, a truck driver may operate locally, regionally, or across state lines, either over-the-road (OTR) or within a specific region.
Truck drivers perform a range of duties beyond driving, including inspecting vehicles for mechanical issues, maintaining accurate logs, loading and unloading freight, and interacting with dispatchers and clients. They must follow strict safety protocols and adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) rules regarding rest breaks, driving limits, and equipment inspections.
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Truck Driver Core Responsibilities
- Operate a commercial motor vehicle to transport goods
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
- Safely load and unload cargo when necessary
- Maintain accurate records of hours driven and miles logged (ELDs)
- Comply with federal, state, and company regulations, including FMCSA rules
- Plan and follow efficient routes based on traffic and weather conditions
- Communicate with dispatchers and logistics teams to update delivery status
- Monitor vehicle systems and report mechanical issues promptly
- Ensure the securement and condition of cargo throughout transit
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Valid CDL (Class A or B, depending on vehicle type)
- Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs)
- Understanding of DOT and FMCSA safety regulations
- Ability to inspect and perform basic maintenance on vehicles
- Route planning and GPS navigation skills
Soft skills
- Strong time management and reliability
- Communication and customer service skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to safety
- Independence and problem-solving under pressure
Educational requirements
High school diploma or GED typically required
Certifications
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements (e.g., hazmat, tanker)
- DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (physical exam)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience driving long-haul or specialized routes
- Familiarity with reefer, flatbed, or tanker trailers
- Strong safety record with minimal violations
- Mechanical skills or experience performing minor vehicle repairs
- Knowledge of freight documentation such as bills of lading
National Average Salary
Truck driver salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Truck Driver is:
$59,908
Truck Driver Job Descriptions
Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional truck driver. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1: Tanker Truck Driver
Position overview
A Tanker Truck Driver is responsible for transporting liquid or gas materials such as fuel, chemicals, or water using specialized tanker trailers. This position demands rigorous adherence to safety protocols due to the hazardous nature of the cargo. Drivers must be skilled in handling large vehicles, monitoring fluid stability, and complying with strict industry regulations.
Responsibilities
- Operate tanker vehicles to transport liquid or gas cargo safely
- Follow all DOT and hazmat transport regulations
- Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
- Monitor fluid levels and balance during transit
- Manage secure connections during loading and unloading
- Maintain accurate records of deliveries, routes, and inspections
- Respond appropriately to emergencies or spills
- Communicate with dispatch regarding schedules and cargo details
Requirements
Hard skills
- Valid Class A CDL with tanker endorsement (N) or hazmat-tanker (X) endorsement
- Experience operating tanker trailers
- Knowledge of hazmat protocols and emergency response procedures
- Proficiency with ELD systems and DOT compliance logs
Soft skills
- High level of attention to detail and safety awareness
- Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- Physical stamina for long-haul driving and loading tasks
Educational requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- CDL with appropriate endorsements (N or X)
- DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Hazmat certification (if transporting hazardous materials)
Example 2: Reefer (Refrigerated) Truck Driver
Position overview
A Reefer Truck Driver transports perishable goods using refrigerated trailers to ensure cargo remains at a specific temperature throughout transit. This role is vital to industries such as food distribution, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Drivers must manage both the vehicle and refrigeration unit while adhering to delivery timelines and safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Operate refrigerated trucks to deliver temperature-sensitive cargo
- Set, monitor, and adjust refrigeration units as needed
- Perform regular trailer checks to confirm cargo integrity
- Load and unload perishable goods safely
- Comply with federal transport regulations and customer specifications
- Maintain detailed logs for temperature, delivery, and mileage
- Communicate with shippers and receivers about cargo condition
- Report mechanical issues or temperature deviations promptly
Requirements
Hard skills
- Valid CDL (Class A)
- Knowledge of reefer unit operation and temperature control
- Familiarity with perishable cargo handling
- Compliance with FMCSA and food safety regulations
Soft skills
- Time management and punctuality
- Communication and documentation accuracy
- Ability to work independently and manage refrigeration settings
- Reliability in following exact delivery requirements
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
CDL and DOT Medical Certificate
Example 3: Dump Truck Driver
Position overview
A Dump Truck Driver operates large trucks equipped with open beds to haul materials such as gravel, sand, dirt, or construction debris. This role is essential on construction sites, roadwork projects, and mining operations. Drivers must be comfortable maneuvering heavy vehicles in off-road environments and urban job sites.
Responsibilities
- Transport loose materials to and from construction sites
- Operate hydraulic lift mechanisms to dump cargo accurately
- Inspect vehicles and hydraulic systems before and after use
- Navigate job sites with attention to terrain and safety
- Comply with weight limits and local traffic regulations
- Maintain clean and accurate delivery logs
- Perform basic maintenance and report mechanical issues
- Coordinate with site managers for material drop-off
Requirements
Hard skills
- Valid CDL (typically Class B; Class A for trailers)
- Experience operating dump trucks and understanding load balance
- Ability to read construction site instructions and traffic control signage
- Knowledge of hydraulic bed systems
Soft skills
- Spatial awareness and defensive driving
- Reliability and punctuality
- Communication with site crews and dispatch
- Ability to work in varied weather and site conditions
Educational requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
CDL and DOT Medical Certificate