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Truck Driver Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Many Truck Drivers work for retail stores, manufacturers, movers and a variety of other businesses that must deliver their products and services to their destinations on time. Some also work for trucking employment service agencies or as independent contractors. Their duties include transporting goods and supplies over local, provincial or international routes in a commercial vehicle, making deliveries and pickups to and from stores and warehouses, and communicating with dispatchers.

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What does a Truck Driver do?

Some Truck Drivers drive long distances in larger vehicles, while others drive smaller vehicles and make largely local trips every day. Regardless of the type of driver, many drivers spend most of their time on the road, and they often make stops at warehouses, manufacturing facilities, truck stops and weigh stations. Trucks can transport just about everything – including food, fuel, medical supplies, construction equipment, other vehicles, and so much more – and they’re essential for keeping the supply chains of businesses working constantly and consistently.

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Truck Driver Job Description Examples:

Truck Driver duties and responsibilities

Truck Drivers are responsible for transporting a variety of materials, parts, and finished products. Some use delivery trucks or vans, and others use large commercial vehicles with trailers, tow trucks, dump trucks or other types of equipment. Truck Drivers sometimes transport refrigerated items or hazardous materials like gasoline. Duties and responsibilities in a Truck Driver job description may include:

  • Loading and unloading trucks
  • Completing a daily truck log and submitting mileage reports
  • Conducting daily vehicle inspections and reporting any problems
  • Complying with company and government regulations and rules
  • Securing cargo and dealing with hazardous materials safely, as needed
  • Communicating with dispatchers and other drivers using onboard radios or computers
  • Paying for goods and receiving payments from clients
  • Performing emergency repairs like patching tires when needed

Truck Driver skills and qualifications

Truck Drivers must drive safely, keep their attention on the road, and ensure that their cargo reaches its destination. They can adapt to changes quickly, be professional, work independently, and navigate unfamiliar areas successfully. Some top skills and qualifications for Truck Drivers include:

  • Customer service
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Planning and organization
  • An outstanding driving record without accidents or major traffic violations
  • Ability to adapt to changing conditions, troubleshoot equipment, and find new routes when needed

Truck Driver experience requirements

Most positions request Truck Drivers with more than two years of experience operating a similar type of vehicle they use. However, there is a wide range, as many are suitable for new Truck Drivers, and some for Truck Drivers with more than five years of experience.

Truck Driver education and training requirements

Truck Drivers typically must have a high school diploma or GED, but more importantly a commercial driving license. Several types of licenses are available, and people who operate more specialized vehicles like cement mixers often need additional qualifications. Different provinces have varying requirements, and some positions often require on-the-job training as well.

Truck Driver salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Truck Driver is $22.92 per hour. Pay rates can depend on locations, experience and education levels, and employers.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Truck Driver isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, some similar job description samples include:

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Truck Driver job description FAQs

Who does a Truck Driver report to?

Many Truck Drivers report to a supervisor who schedules drivers and a dispatcher who lets them know about any changes. Some Truck Drivers own their vehicles, work as independent contractors and report to clients. Two or more Truck Drivers can also work as a team and make decisions together.

How is a Truck Driver different from a Delivery Driver?

Truck Drivers drive large vehicles that require specialized licenses to operate. They usually take large amounts of materials long distances from warehouse to warehouse, and they sometimes make overnight trips. Some Truck Drivers are also Delivery Drivers. Delivery Drivers transport smaller amounts of cargo shorter distances to local homes and businesses. Some use commercial vehicles while others drive cars or vans.

What makes a good Truck Driver job description?

An excellent Truck Driver job description lets potential candidates know what a typical day will be like, how far they’ll need to travel from home, what type of truck they’ll be driving, and whether overnight trips are needed.

To write an interesting Truck Driver job description, include an overview of your company, and its culture, history, and values. You should also inform readers about the education and experience levels your company prefers. Keep your job description brief to encourage a wide range of candidates to apply. Mentioning benefits like dental and vision insurance is helpful as well.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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