Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers

Truck drivers play a very important role for any industry by picking up and delivering freight from one place to another. This may be from a manufacturer to a distribution center, from a distribution center to a customer, or between distribution centers. . Some truckers move inventory a few miles, while others haul them across the country. Overall job opportunities are favorable for Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers.

Role of Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers

Load and unload cargo
Drive long distances
Report to a dispatcher any incidents encountered on the road
Follow all applicable traffic laws
Inspect their trailer before and after the trip, and record any defects they find
Keep a log of their activities
Report serious mechanical problems to the appropriate personnel
Keep their truck, and associated equipment, clean and in good working order

Skills of Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers

Hand-eye coordination: Drivers of heavy trucks and tractor-trailers must be able to coordinate their legs, hands, and eyes together well to always be aware of the situation around them and to drive such a heavy vehicle safely.
Hearing ability: Truck drivers need good hearing. Federal regulations require that a driver be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear at five feet (with or without the use of a hearing aid).
Physical health: Truck Drivers should be in good health condition to operate the vehicle smoothly as per the norms of Federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website has a full list of medical conditions that disqualify someone from driving a long-haul truck.
Visual ability: Visual ability: To have a driver’s license, delivery truck drivers must be able to pass a state vision test.

Work Schedule

Working as a long-haul truck driver is a major lifestyle choice, because these drivers can be away from home for days or weeks at a time. They spend much of this time alone. Truck driving can be a physically demanding job as well. Driving for many hours in a row can be tiring, and drivers must load and unload cargo.

Some reported job titles:

Truck Driver, Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Line Haul Driver, Delivery Driver, Owner Operator, Road Driver, Semi Truck Driver, City Driver, Feeder Driver