Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Also Called: Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Road Driver, Truck Driver

What Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers do

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.

  • Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
  • Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
  • Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
Industry Areas:

Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Auto Collision • Automobile Technician • Heavy Equipment Operations • Heavy Truck Driving • Material Distribution Operations • OCT-Only Automotive & Machine Repair • OCT-Only Transportation

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Time Pressure
  • Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Tools

  • Lifts
  • Trailer hitches
  • Flatbed trailers
  • Hand trucks or accessories
  • Global positioning system GPS receiver

Technology

Word processing software
3M Post-it App
Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
ddlsoftware.com drivers daily log program DDL
TruckersHelper
Route navigation software
ALK Technologies PC*Miler
MarcoSoft Quo Vadis

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Time Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring

Knowledge

Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Business
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 56% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 19% Less than high school diploma
  • 15% Post-secondary certificate

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.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Spatial
  • Vision
  • Reaction Time and Speed

This is what Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers across the country typically make.

$18.00 / hour
$37,440 /year

Entry Level

$26.12 / hour
$54,320 /year

Median Level

$36.91 / hour
$76,780 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs