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>Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $30K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $37K
Median Salary: $47K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $58K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $69K
Demand
Core Tasks
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.
Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.
Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid or performing minor repairs.
Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.
Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.
Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Remove debris from loaded trailers.
Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.
Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources, such as fuel cells, to reduce idling time, to heat or cool truck cabins, or to provide power for other equipment.
Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.
Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.
Drive electric or hybrid-electric powered trucks or alternative fuel-powered trucks to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
Operate trucks equipped with snowplows or sander attachments to maintain roads in winter weather.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Transportation
80%
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security
75%
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.
Customer and Personal Service
74%
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.
English Language
70%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
64%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Geography
59%
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Education and Training
57%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government
52%
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management
51%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics
51%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Top 10 Skills
Operation and Control
78%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring
75%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Time Management
63%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
60%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
60%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Troubleshooting
60%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening
58%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving
58%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Control Precision
80%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision
80%
The ability to see details at a distance.
Multilimb Coordination
78%
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.
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Reaction Time
78%
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation
78%
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.
Depth Perception
75%
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Rate Control
75%
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.
Spatial Orientation
75%
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Problem Sensitivity
70%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Top 10 Work Activities
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
92%
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
86%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information
85%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Controlling Machines and Processes
76%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
75%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information
74%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
73%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing General Physical Activities
73%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Detailed Work Activities
Inspect motor vehicles.
Follow safety procedures for vehicle operation.
Inspect cargo to ensure it is properly loaded or secured.
Record operational or production data.
Record service or repair activities.
Secure cargo.
Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
Report vehicle or equipment malfunctions.
Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
Collect fares or payment from customers.
Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
Verify information or specifications.
Connect cables or electrical lines.
Inspect cargo areas for cleanliness or condition.
Maintain vehicles in good working condition.
Read maps to determine routes.
Operate communications equipment or systems.
Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
Adjust routes or speeds as necessary.
Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
Remove debris or damaged materials.
Monitor cargo area conditions.
Acquire supplies or equipment.
Package materials or products.
Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
Operate green energy production equipment.
Direct material handling or moving activities.
Work Context
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
67%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
43%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
29%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
15%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Dependability
84%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self Control
80%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Attention to Detail
79%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
78%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
77%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Cooperation
75%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Adaptability/Flexibility
74%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Independence
73%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Achievement/Effort
70%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Concern for Others
69%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Work Values
Support
67%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
