Career Information
What does this career do?
Typical Tasks:
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
- Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
- 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.
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
- Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
- Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes to document weights and to comply with state regulations.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
- Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
How well does it pay?
Average pay for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is $66,000 per year. That is about $5,500 per month, or $34.00 per hour. New workers generally start around $44,000, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $80,000 - $100,000.
Is it growing or declining?
This career has increased over the last 2 years, and is expected to grow by 8% over the next 10 years.
