Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Also called: Driver, Line Haul Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Truck Driver

In the Air Force: Air Transportation; Fuels; Fuels Superintendent; Ground Transportation Manager; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Craftsman; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Helper, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance; Munitions Systems Journeyman; Nuclear Weapons Journeyman; Pavements and Construction Equipment Journeyman; Special Reconnaissance Superintendent; Weather Superintendent

In the Army: Air Defense (AD) Battle Management System Operator; Ammunition Specialist; Cannon Crewmember; Construction Equipment Repairer; Interior Electrician; Marine Engineering Officer; PATRIOT System Repairer; Prime Power Production Specialist; Senior Electronic Maintenance Supervisor; Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist

In the Coast Guard: Damage Controlman; Gunner's Mate; Machinery Technician; Marine Safety Specialist Deck; Marine Safety Specialist Engineer; Material Maintenance Specialty; Naval Engineering Specialty; Storekeeper; Weapons Specialty

In the Marine Corps: Armor Marine; Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Crewmember; Combat Engineer; Cryogenics Equipment Operator; Engineer Equipment Operator; Motor Vehicle Operator; Semitrailer Refueler Operator; Senior Armor SNCO; Vehicle Recovery Operator

In the Navy: Advanced Equipment Operator; Equipment Operator; Water Well Drilling Technician

Produced by CareerOneStop

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Excellent driving skills, quick reaction time, good hearing, and accurate vision form the baseline of what it takes to be a truck driver. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most are long-haul drivers with routes spanning several states, though some cover local routes only. Safety is a major concern in this field, as vehicles can weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers must know and follow special regulations for carrying different cargo, such as chemical waste, liquids, or oversized loads. Routes are assigned by a dispatcher, though drivers may use a GPS to help them plan. Truck drivers work for freight and wholesale trade companies, although some own and operate their own trucks. Their demanding schedules can keep them away from home for days or weeks at a time. Work hours, including breaks, are highly regulated, but drivers often work nights, weekends, and holidays. Because of traffic accidents, handling cargo, and long periods of sitting, there is high risk of illness or injury. Drivers must not have any medical conditions that could impair driving. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and a commercial driver’s license. Many learn their skills at a professional truck driving school. On-duty drivers are randomly tested for drug and alcohol use.

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

Personality

Technology

Education

high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.

$48,310

$30,710

$72,730

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