Heavy & Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers Job Description

The Role of Drivers in Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Trucking

Over the next decade, 231,100 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected. Many openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. Some independent drivers still plan their own routes despite the fact that most heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers have their routes assigned by a dispatch.

Drivers must take into account road restrictions when planning routes. Drivers must plan rest periods into their trip. Some drivers drive a few routes a week, while other drivers take many different routes.

Some drivers have routes that take them to Mexico or Canada. Long-haul truck drivers buy or lease trucks and go into business for themselves. Finding and keeping clients and doing administrative work are some of the tasks owner-operators have.

Most tractor-trailer drivers work full time. The hours that a long-haul truck driver can work are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Drivers can work up to 11 hours on top of their 14 hours of driving and other work.

Drivers must have at least 10 hours off between working periods. Drivers are limited to driving no more than 60 hours within 7 days or 70 hours within 8 days, and then must take 34 hours off before starting a new run. Federal regulations require that drivers of commercial vehicles pass a physical exam every two years.

Heavy Truck Drivers

A tractor trailer truck driver is delivering a wide variety of goods. Some drivers invest in their rigs with the goal of making more money. Heavy truck drivers take on the responsibilities of an owner operator when they own and drive their own truck.

The owner operators are responsible for driving large cargo trucks safely. They are involved with loading and unloading cargo, planning routes, interacting with dispatch and logging all trucking activities. Drivers monitor wear and tear and maintain their rigs.

Operator must perform business related duties to maximize profitability Accounting responsibilities include submitting tax information and calculating business expenses to determine net income. Road accidents are the main cause of injury for owner operator truck drivers.

The job requires long hours on the road, which results in a physically and psychologically demanding atmosphere. Driving is a sedentary occupation that leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and problems with the musculoskeletal system. Poor diet choices on the road can lead to weight gain and Obesity.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average pay for heavy truck drivers is $37,770. Operators who use their own rigs can earn more money. The owner operators average over $50,000 per year after expenses.

Building and Organizing Interest Areas for Heavy Truck Driver

The Holland Code framework states that heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers have an interest in the Building and Organizing interest areas. The focus of the Building interest area is on working with tools and machines. The focus of the organizing interest area is to keep things orderly.

If you don't know if you have an interest in building organizing which would fit with a career as a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver, you can take a career test. Hand-eye coordination. The driver of a heavy truck or tractor-trailer must be able to coordinate their legs, hands, and eyes at the same time so that they can drive safely.

The median annual wage for a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver was over $50,000 in May. Half of the workers in an occupation earn more than the median wage, and half earn less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,840.

The economy depends on truck drivers to move freight. More truck drivers will be needed as demand increases. The trucking industry should grow as households and businesses increase their spending.

Job prospects are good for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers with proper training and a clean driving record. Many companies have trouble finding and retaining qualified long-haul drivers because of the difficult lifestyle of truck drivers. Many truck drivers are expected to retire in the coming years, which will create more job opportunities.

A Template for Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Job Description

Heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds are expected to be operated by tractor-trailer truck drivers. Drivers can work alone or in pairs. A tractor-trailer truck driver is expected to follow safety guidelines, record his or her hours, clean the truck, and report mechanical errors.

The skills you expect candidates to have are explained in your tractor-trailer truck driver job description. Good hand-eye coordination allows drivers to react quickly to other people's actions. Truck drivers health is important.

Federal regulations dictate that someone operating a tractor-trailer truck doesn't have a medical condition that could affect his or her ability to drive. The sight and hearing of a truck driver are important. The template below is a good place to start to understand what your own write-up should include.

Many companies rely on truck drivers to haul their products and materials from point of manufacture to point of sale. Employers looking to fill a position need to find candidates who are well suited to the job because the job requires dedication to safety and superior driving skills. If you want to make a tractor-trailer truck driver job description that is exciting and accurate, you should consider crafting it.

The Pay of Heavy Truck Drivers

Heavy truck drivers are those who transport loads weighing more than three tons and include cargo or freight drivers. Heavy truck drivers are often long-haul drivers and carry materials across the country. Heavy truck drivers are in compliance with rules and regulations for transporting heavy loads.

They decide if their vehicle complies with weight and height limits on bridges and tunnels and change their plans if necessary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median wage for heavy truck drivers was $41,340 in May of 2016 The highest-paid 10 percent made over $63,140, while the lowest-paid earned $26,920.