Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced logistics industry, the role of tractor trailer truck drivers is more crucial than ever.

As the wheels of commerce keep turning, the demand for skilled drivers who can expertly navigate, deliver, and maintain our transportation network grows.

But let’s look under the hood: What’s truly expected from a tractor trailer truck driver?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of the truck driving profession,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable tractor trailer truck driver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get this show on the road.

Contents show

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Duties and Responsibilities

Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another.

They must adhere to safety regulations, maintain their vehicles, and ensure timely delivery.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

Conducting inspections of the vehicle before and after each trip to ensure that it is operating properly
Ensuring the truck is equipped with necessary safety equipment
Adhering to all traffic laws and maintaining a safe driving record
Planning routes to ensure timely deliveries
Loading and unloading cargo as required
Maintaining accurate logs of travel and cargo details
Communicating with dispatchers and clients to report delays or issues on the road
Performing basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as checking and replenishing fluid levels, and refueling the truck
Reporting any mechanical problems to the appropriate personnel

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Tractor Trailer Truck Driver to join our logistics team.

The Truck Driver is responsible for safely operating a tractor-trailer, transporting goods across long distances, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining detailed driving and delivery records.

Our ideal candidate has a clean driving record, is physically fit, and understands the importance of customer satisfaction and safety procedures.

Ultimately, the role of the Tractor Trailer Truck Driver is to ensure our goods reach our customers in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.

Responsibilities

Operate and drive tractor-trailer to transport goods and materials over long distances
Plan travel schedules and routes, use maps and GPS to navigate routes
Perform pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment and accessories
Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements
Communicate with dispatchers and other drivers using two-way radio, mobile phone and on-board computer
Record cargo information, driver’s hours, distance travelled and fuel consumption
Manage logbook detailing each trip
Handle queries or concerns of customers in a professional manner
Adhere to all regulations and safety standards

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Tractor Trailer Truck Driver
Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Knowledge of applicable truck driving rules and regulations
Ability to drive for extended periods of time and in various weather conditions
Strong physical health to load and unload cargo
Excellent organizational and time management skills
High school diploma or equivalent

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Continuing education and training

Additional Information

Job Title: Tractor Trailer Truck Driver
Work Environment: On the road, with occasional night and weekend shifts. Some physical labor is required for loading and unloading cargo.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Logistics Manager or Fleet Supervisor.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Do?

Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers, also known as long-haul drivers or truckers, play a crucial role in the transportation and logistics industry.

They are responsible for the safe and timely delivery of goods, which can range from raw materials to finished products, across different locations, often spanning cities and states.

Their duties involve planning the most efficient routes, adhering to traffic laws, and ensuring the secure loading and unloading of freight.

They must keep an accurate log of their travel and rest periods to comply with federal regulations and company policies.

Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers also perform basic maintenance tasks on their vehicles, such as checking oil levels, brake function, and tire pressure.

In case of any mechanical issues, they coordinate with fleet maintenance departments for repairs.

Moreover, they communicate regularly with dispatchers and freight coordinators, providing updates on their progress and reporting any delays due to weather conditions or road incidents.

Customer service is also a part of their job as they sometimes interact directly with clients during deliveries, therefore they need to maintain a professional and courteous demeanor.

In case of accidents, they are required to fill accident reports providing a detailed account of the incident.

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Tractor Trailer Truck Driver should have skills and qualifications that match your job description, including:

Extensive knowledge of and experience with tractor-trailer operation and maintenance.
Strong driving skills to effectively navigate different roads and highways, even in adverse weather conditions.
A valid and clean driver’s license, specifically a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Strong physical stamina to drive for long periods and to load and unload cargo when necessary.
Excellent time management skills to deliver loads on time and efficiently plan routes.
Good communication skills to effectively liaise with dispatchers, clients, law enforcement, and others.
Knowledge of and adherence to all traffic and safety laws to maintain safety at all times.
Ability to perform basic repairs and maintenance on the vehicle to ensure it remains in good working condition.
Problem-solving skills to address challenges on the road such as vehicle breakdowns, route changes, and delivery complications.
Attention to detail to accurately complete paperwork including logs, reports, and inspections.

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Experience Requirements

Entry-level tractor trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma or equivalent and hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Obtaining a CDL involves passing a series of written exams and a driving test, and it provides drivers with the basic skills and knowledge they need to operate a tractor-trailer safely.

Prior experience in the operation of heavy vehicles is often preferred, though not always necessary.

This can be gained through a part-time job or an apprenticeship that involves handling large vehicles or heavy machinery.

Drivers with 1-3 years of experience will have gained substantial on-the-road experience, adhering to delivery schedules, managing their logs, and maintaining their vehicle.

They will have developed a good understanding of the specific laws and guidelines related to commercial driving.

Drivers with more than 3 years of experience are usually adept at long-haul trips, may have experience in operating different types of tractor-trailers, and can handle a variety of weather and road conditions.

They may also have experience training junior drivers.

Those with over 5 years of experience may be suitable for lead driver or driver trainer roles, and might have additional endorsements on their CDL, which allows them to handle specialized loads such as hazardous materials.

In all cases, a clean driving record is a critical requirement for tractor trailer truck drivers, as safety on the road is of paramount importance.

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Education and Training Requirements

To become a Tractor Trailer Truck Driver, a high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required.

The most important requirement for this role is obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which allows individuals to operate large, heavy vehicles.

Training for this license can be obtained through a truck driving school, community college, or some trucking companies offer training programs.

These programs typically last from three to six months and cover a range of topics such as operating a vehicle, safety regulations, and maintenance.

Upon completion of a driving program, an individual must pass a written and practical driving test to obtain their CDL.

Some states may require additional endorsements on the CDL to operate certain types of tractor trailers.

Apart from these, it’s beneficial for Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers to have good physical health as the job often involves loading and unloading cargo, and long hours on the road.

Continued education is also important in this role as technology and safety regulations evolve.

Some companies may offer ongoing training or require drivers to attend specific courses.

Previous experience in a related field or role can be beneficial, but it’s not always necessary as many skills are learned during the CDL training process.

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Salary Expectations

A Tractor Trailer Truck Driver earns an average of $45,260 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the distance of routes, location, and the specific company for which the driver works.

Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Tractor Trailer Truck Driver need?

Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers need excellent driving skills and the ability to handle large vehicles safely.

They should also have good physical health to handle heavy lifting or loading when necessary.

Moreover, they should have a sound understanding of traffic laws and regulations, and the ability to read and interpret maps or GPS devices.

Do Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers require specific qualifications?

Yes, Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

They may also need to have completed a professional truck driving course.

Some companies require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Drivers typically need to have a clean driving record and some on-the-road training to handle large vehicles.

What should you look for in a Tractor Trailer Truck Driver’s resume?

You should look for a valid and current commercial driver’s license (CDL) first and foremost.

Experience in driving tractor trailers or similar vehicles is also valuable.

It’s beneficial if the driver has a record of safe driving and if they have any extra qualifications like hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement.

What qualities make a good Tractor Trailer Truck Driver?

A good Tractor Trailer Truck Driver should be responsible, alert, and safety-conscious as they are handling large, heavy vehicles.

They should have good physical stamina for long hours on the road and manual labor during loading and unloading.

Excellent time management skills for timely deliveries and patience to deal with unexpected delays or traffic are also important qualities.

Is it difficult to hire Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers?

The difficulty in hiring Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers depends on various factors like location, salary, and working conditions.

There is a high demand for drivers, but the job can be challenging with long hours and time away from home.

Therefore, offering a competitive salary, good benefits, and ensuring safe working conditions can attract more candidates.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve put the spotlight on what it truly means to be a tractor trailer truck driver.

Surprise!

It’s not just about steering the wheel.

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

With our definitive tractor trailer truck driver job description template and real-world instances, you’re ready to roll.

But why put the brakes on now?

Accelerate your journey with our job description generator. It’s your next pitstop for creating pinpoint-accurate listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every mile driven is a part of the bigger journey.

Let’s hit the road. Together.

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