How to Be Truck Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 6, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Truck drivers play a vital role in the transportation industry, as they transport goods to their destinations. The demand for truck drivers is on the rise, due to the increased demand for goods transportation, and the increased online shopping activity. As a result, truck drivers are in high demand, leading to an increase in wages and improved working conditions.

This has had a positive effect on the trucking industry, as it has enabled companies to hire more experienced and qualified drivers and provide better services. better wages and working conditions have enabled truck drivers to enjoy higher levels of job satisfaction and stability, thus improving their overall quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Before you can become a truck driver, you need to pass the test to obtain a CDL. To do so, you must be at least 18 years of age (21 years old in some states), have a valid drivers license, and pass a physical exam. The exam will test your vision, hearing, and physical ability to operate a vehicle.
Complete Truck Driving Training Program. After passing the CDL exam, you can enroll in a truck driving training program. These programs range from 3-6 weeks and cover a variety of topics including safety regulations, defensive driving, and trip planning.
Get On-the-Job Training. Once you complete the truck driving training program, you should get on-the-job training. This can be done by working with an experienced truck driver for a few weeks or months. During this time, you will learn how to use trucking technology and become familiar with the routes you will be taking.
Find Employment. After you have obtained your CDL and have received on-the-job training, you can start looking for employment as a truck driver. You should look at both local and national trucking companies to find the best fit for you.
Stay Up-to-Date. To stay competitive in the industry, it is important to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. Take the time to read up on the latest developments in the industry and make sure you are following all of the safety regulations.

Truck drivers who wish to stay up-to-date and capable must invest in regular training and education. This includes staying current on the latest regulations and laws, as well as taking refresher courses to maintain their knowledge and skills. Additionally, drivers should stay informed about the industry, regulations, and technology through reading trade publications and attending industry events. Doing so helps ensure safety, compliance, and proficiency, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, better rates for customers, and ultimately more successful long-term trucking careers.

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Job Description

Operate tractor-trailer trucks to transport goods and materials.
Load and unload cargo.
Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance.
Plan routes and meet delivery schedules.
Record cargo information, hours of service, distance traveled, and fuel expenditure.
Follow applicable laws and safety regulations.
Communicate with dispatchers, other drivers, and customers using communication devices.
Drive trucks with capacity of more than 3 tons to transport materials to specific destinations.
Keep logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
Report any incidents to dispatch.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable safety laws and regulations
Ability to follow and adhere to company safety policies
Knowledge of basic truck maintenance and repair
Ability to inspect and maintain vehicles in good operating condition
Ability to safely operate a variety of commercial trucks
Excellent driving record and valid commercial license
Ability to maintain accurate records of trips and log books
Good navigational skills and knowledge of geographical areas
Ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods of time
Good customer service skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to lift and carry heavy loads
Knowledge of hazardous materials handling procedures
Ability to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, when needed
Ability to work in all weather conditions

Being a truck driver requires a certain set of skills and knowledge in order to operate the vehicle safely and efficiently. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to pay close attention to the road and be aware of any potential hazards. This includes being aware of other vehicles, traffic signals, and road signs.

In addition, truck drivers must have knowledge of the rules of the road and adhere to the laws and regulations governing commercial vehicles. They should also have good communication skills, as they will often need to communicate with dispatchers and other drivers. Finally, truck drivers must be able to maintain their vehicles, performing regular inspections and repairs as necessary in order to ensure that the truck is always in top condition.

Having these skills and knowledge are critical for any truck driver in order to be successful and remain safe on the road.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in truck driving?
What safety measures do you take while driving a truck?
What challenges have you faced while driving a truck?
How do you handle tight deadlines while on the road?
How do you handle unexpected traffic or mechanical issues while on the job?
What is your experience with loading and unloading trucks?
How do you ensure that you maintain accurate logs during long trips?
Do you have experience with using GPS navigation systems?
How do you handle difficult customers or clients?
Are you comfortable driving in different weather conditions?

Common Tools in Industry

Logbook. A book for recording and tracking the miles a truck driver drives during the course of a work day. (eg: An electronic logbook can be used to record the time spent driving, on breaks, and idle time. )
Commercial Driver's License (CDL). A license required by all truck drivers in the United States in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle. (eg: A CDL must be obtained in order to be legally allowed to drive any type of commercial motor vehicle. )
GPS Navigation Device. A device used to provide directions to a truck driver while navigating a route. (eg: A GPS navigation device can provide turn-by-turn directions while driving, as well as provide information on traffic and estimated arrival times. )
CB Radio. A two-way radio used by truck drivers to communicate with other drivers and truck stops. (eg: A CB radio can be used to ask for assistance or advice from other drivers, such as directions or weather updates. )
Trip Planning Software. Software used to plan trips for truck drivers, including routes, fuel stops, and rest stops. (eg: Trip planning software can help a truck driver plan the most efficient route for their trip and optimize fuel efficiency. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Trucking Associations (ATA)
National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
Professional Transportation Institute (PTI)
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
Truckload Carriers Association (TCA)
Women in Trucking Association (WIT)
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC)

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Common Important Terms

Logbook. A document that records the details of a truck driver's daily activities, including miles driven and time spent on the road.
Commercial Drivers License (CDL). A state-issued license required for operating a commercial vehicle over a certain size or weight.
Hours of Service (HOS). Regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that govern how long a driver can be on the road and how often they must take rest breaks.
Trip Sheet. A document used to record a truck's route, cargo type, and other details related to a specific trip.
Fuel Tax. Taxes imposed on motor carriers that use public highways, including fuel use taxes, weight-distance taxes, and fees.
Pre-Trip Inspection. A detailed inspection performed by a driver before beginning a trip to ensure their vehicle is safe and in compliance with all regulations.
Load Securement. The process of safely securing cargo in a truck to prevent it from shifting during transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to apply for a truck driver job?

The minimum age to apply for a truck driver job is typically 18 years old.

How much does the average truck driver earn?

The average truck driver earns about $41,340 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What qualifications are required to become a truck driver?

To become a truck driver, you must possess a valid drivers license, have a good driving record, and be able to pass a physical exam and drug test. Additionally, many employers require drivers to have prior experience and specialized training.

What is the typical work schedule for a truck driver?

Truck drivers typically work long hours, with shifts ranging from 10 to 14 hours per day. Many truck drivers are on the road for days or even weeks at a time.

How much does it cost to become a truck driver?

The cost of becoming a truck driver varies depending on the type of training and certifications required. Most programs cost between $3,000 and $6,000.