Commercial Truck Driver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern logistics industry, the role of commercial truck drivers has never been more critical.

As the economy continues to grow, the demand for skilled drivers who can efficiently and safely transport goods across the country is rising.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a commercial truck driver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of commercial truck driving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we roll out a customizable commercial truck driver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get this show on the road.

Commercial Truck Driver Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Truck Drivers transport goods from one location to another using heavy or tractor-trailer trucks while maintaining a clean driving record.

They are also responsible for vehicle inspection and monitoring the loading and unloading of goods.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Drive long distances to deliver goods to customers
• Load and unload cargo efficiently
• Record cargo deliveries and ensure they correspond with the manifest
• Ensure safe and timely delivery of goods
• Perform regular vehicle inspections to ensure functionality
• Adhere to traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures
• Report any incidents or delivery issues to the dispatcher
• Update logs and documents regarding cargo, the conditions of the truck, and any issues encountered during delivery
• Manage routes and routines to proceed in the most efficient way possible
• Maintain communication with dispatchers for delivery instructions
• Inspect the trailer before and after the trip, and record any defects they find

 

Commercial Truck Driver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a reliable and focused Commercial Truck Driver to transport goods safely and efficiently to our customers.

The Commercial Truck Driver’s responsibilities include ensuring timely delivery, maintaining logs of travel and rest periods, as well as performing basic truck maintenance.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced driver with knowledge of truck maintenance, good physical condition, and a clean driving record.

Ultimately, the role of the Commercial Truck Driver is to ensure our products reach their destination in a timely and safe manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate and drive trucks to transport goods and materials over long distances.
• Plan trip logistics and obtain necessary documents to transport goods.
• Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment, and accessories such as tires, lights, and turning signals.
• Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements.
• Record cargo information, hours of service, distance traveled and fuel expenditure.
• Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers, and customers by means of wireless devices and on-board computers.
• Comply with truck driving rules and regulations as well as with company policies and procedures.
• Report defects, accidents or violations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a truck driver
• Hands on experience with electronic equipment and software (GPS, AVL units, CB etc)
• Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly
• Extensive knowledge of applicable truck driving rules and regulations
• No recent moving or driving violations
• Valid truck driving license
• High school diploma

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Commercial Truck Driver
• Work Environment: Long hours of driving with possible long-haul routes. Overnight stays may be required for certain routes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fleet Manager or Transport Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Commercial Truck Driver Do?

Commercial Truck Drivers work for various industries such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics, transporting goods from one location to another.

They can also work as independent contractors or for trucking companies.

They primarily operate heavy trucks, tractor-trailers, or big rigs, ensuring the timely and safe delivery of goods.

This job role often involves long-distance travel, and the drivers may spend days or even weeks away from home.

The job of a Commercial Truck Driver includes conducting regular vehicle inspections to ensure safety and efficiency.

This includes checking brakes, tires, and other important parts of the truck, as well as securing the load properly.

They also need to maintain a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing rest and work periods.

Commercial Truck Drivers must follow all traffic laws and be knowledgeable about routes and geography.

In addition, they often have to plan the most efficient routes to deliver goods on time.

In case of a vehicle breakdown, they are also responsible for arranging for truck repair.

Moreover, some drivers are required to load and unload the cargo themselves.

Customer service is also a part of their job as they frequently interact with clients when delivering goods.

They must handle receipts, delivery confirmation, and sometimes payment collection.

Finally, the Commercial Truck Driver must maintain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and complete ongoing training to stay informed about safety procedures and transportation regulations.

 

Commercial Truck Driver Qualifications and Skills

Commercial Truck Drivers must have a unique set of technical skills, soft skills and industry knowledge to ensure safe and efficient transportation of goods, including:

• Excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure the safe and timely delivery of cargo.
• Strong knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, and the ability to follow them at all times.
• Physical stamina and the ability to drive for long periods of time without losing focus.
• Good navigation skills to effectively use GPS devices and traditional maps to identify the quickest and safest routes.
• Problem-solving abilities to address any mechanical or logistical issues that may arise during the journey.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact with dispatchers, law enforcement, and clients, and to document and report any incidents or discrepancies.
• Understanding of basic vehicle maintenance to conduct pre-trip inspections and address minor mechanical issues.
• Ability to handle stress and maintain composure in difficult driving conditions or unexpected delays.
• Customer service skills to professionally and courteously interact with clients during pick-up and delivery of goods.

 

Commercial Truck Driver Experience Requirements

Commercial Truck Drivers generally need to attend a truck driving school where they will gain the necessary theoretical and practical experience for this role.

This typically includes learning the rules of the road, truck maintenance, and safety procedures.

For entry-level positions, candidates may have less than a year of experience or even just have completed their training.

However, many employers prefer drivers with at least one to two years of experience on the road.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience in driving commercial trucks often have developed their skills in areas such as route planning, customer service, and dealing with unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions or mechanical issues.

They may be considered for roles with more responsibility, such as training new drivers.

Commercial Truck Drivers with over 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and be ready for roles such as Fleet Manager or Operations Manager.

They might also be seen as ideal candidates for roles that involve driving over long distances or handling specialized cargo.

It’s important to note that all commercial truck drivers need to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

This involves passing both a written and driving test.

Some companies may require additional certifications, depending on the nature of the goods being transported.

 

Commercial Truck Driver Education and Training Requirements

Commercial Truck Drivers are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

They must also complete a professional truck driving course in a certified driving school that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience.

These courses generally cover topics such as vehicle operation and maintenance, safety regulations, and federal laws related to commercial driving.

After training, truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The CDL is a mandatory requirement in all states and entails passing a written knowledge test and a skills test, which includes on-road driving.

Specific endorsements may also be required depending on the type of vehicle driven or materials transported, such as hazardous substances.

While not required, some drivers may also choose to gain additional certifications or endorsements to improve their job prospects, such as a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement or a Tanker endorsement.

Ongoing training is often necessary as regulations and technologies change.

This can include periodic refresher courses or specific training in new vehicle technologies or safety procedures.

Experience driving large vehicles and a good driving record are also important for this job role.

 

Commercial Truck Driver Salary Expectations

A Commercial Truck Driver can expect to earn an average salary of $45,260 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, the type of goods being transported, long-haul versus local routes, and the location of employment.

 

Commercial Truck Driver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Commercial Truck Driver need?

Commercial Truck Drivers should have excellent driving skills with a clean driving record.

They must understand the operations of various types of commercial vehicles and be familiar with highway traffic laws.

Good physical health is required to handle the rigors of long-distance driving.

They should also possess problem-solving skills, customer service skills, and basic mechanical knowledge to perform minor repairs on the vehicle.

 

Do Commercial Truck Drivers need a specific license or certification?

Yes, a Commercial Truck Driver must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to legally operate large, heavy, or hazardous material vehicles.

The specific class of CDL required depends on the type of commercial vehicle they will be driving.

Some companies may also require additional safety or hazardous material certifications.

 

What should you look for in a Commercial Truck Driver resume?

A Commercial Truck Driver’s resume should indicate their years of experience in driving commercial vehicles, the types of vehicles they are qualified to drive, and their safety record.

They should hold a valid CDL of the appropriate class.

Any additional certifications, such as hazardous materials endorsement, are a plus.

Look for references that can attest to their reliability, punctuality, and safe driving habits.

 

What qualities make a good Commercial Truck Driver?

A good Commercial Truck Driver is reliable, punctual, and committed to ensuring the safe and timely delivery of goods.

They should be able to handle stressful situations, such as traffic jams or bad weather conditions, calmly and effectively.

Good physical stamina is important for handling long hours on the road.

Additionally, they should have a high level of responsibility, as they are entrusted with valuable cargo and expensive vehicles.

 

Is it difficult to hire Commercial Truck Drivers?

Hiring Commercial Truck Drivers can be challenging due to the specific qualifications required, such as a clean driving record and a valid CDL.

Companies must also ensure that potential hires are physically capable of handling long hours on the road.

As with any job, finding candidates who are reliable, punctual, and committed to their work can be a challenge.

Offering competitive compensation, good working conditions, and opportunities for advancement can help attract qualified drivers.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be a commercial truck driver.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about steering the wheel.

It’s about driving the pulse of commerce, one mile at a time.

Armed with our handy commercial truck driver job description template and real-world instances, you’re geared up to shift lanes.

But why hit the brakes now?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for detail-oriented job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every mile driven contributes to a larger journey.

Let’s navigate this road. Together.

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