About This Career Path
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license.
A Day In The Life
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution Industry
Salary Breakdown
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Average
$47,920
ANNUAL
$23.04
HOURLY
Entry Level
$32,840
ANNUAL
$15.79
HOURLY
Mid Level
$46,680
ANNUAL
$22.44
HOURLY
Expert Level
$66,730
ANNUAL
$32.08
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
59,550
Projected job openings through 2028
Sample Career Roadmap
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Job Titles
Entry Level
JOB TITLE
Class A Driver
Mid Level
JOB TITLE
Senior Driver
Expert Level
JOB TITLE
Director
Degree Recommendations
Vincennes University
Vincennes University
C1 Truck Driver Training, LLC
Turning Point Education Centers
Truck America Training of KY, LLC
Vincennes University
Indiana CDL training center
Top Expected Tasks
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
01
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
02
Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
03
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
04
Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
05
Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
06
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
07
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
08
Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
09
Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
10
Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Transportation
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Operation Monitoring
SKILL
Time Management
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Speaking
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Far Vision
ABILITY
Multilimb Coordination
ABILITY
Response Orientation
ABILITY
Reaction Time
Related Careers
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
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