Truck drivers sport one of the best blue-collar jobs that are available in today’s economy. The benefits of the job, and the number of available jobs out there, make it an attractive career for many working-class people. However, many people who are curious about the job feel too intimidated to look into what being a truck driver means. To help those in the dark understand this career path, here is a useful guide to understanding the job tasks and responsibilities of your average truck driver:
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Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Many of the responsibilities truck drivers take on require a consistent day-to-day execution, both for efficiency and safety purposes. Driving long distances, loading, and unloading cargo, and keeping aware of the road at all times are the top three responsibilities truck drivers take on daily. With the right truck, a truck driver can enjoy a comfy, safe day on the job every time they hit the road.
Lesser-known responsibilities truck drivers deal with are important to know as well if you’re considering taking on this demanding but rewarding career. Many truckers communicate with other truckers to report accidents and any problems on the road. The community-centric, high communication nature of the job demands that truck drivers act as a team while they are doing their job.
Lastly, there are a few logistical responsibilities that truck drivers take on day-to-day that are important to note. Planning the GPS route to be as efficient as possible is one of the biggest responsibilities, and is usually done with support from sophisticated route-tracking and improvement technologies. At the end of each route and long day on the road, truckers finish up the day with refueling, hours log, and then, a nice, long rest to get ready for the next day on the road.
Long-Term Responsibilities
Beyond the day-to-day tasks that truck drivers deal with, there are many long-term responsibilities they undertake to help boost the business’s efficiency, ensure their vehicles are kept safe, and ensure the truck driver themself can feel properly rested and satisfied after taking on a long job. With the high demand for truck drivers in today’s economy, there are nearly endless jobs waiting for qualified applicants.
Many of the long-term responsibilities deal with keeping the truck clean, properly maintained, and functional. Both the interior and exterior must be kept clean to keep up a professional appearance, and to ensure rust build-up and other cleaning-related problems do not arise down the line. With maintenance, many truck drivers are educated on the mechanical problems that can happen with their truck, and they become the first person in line to notice a potential need for maintenance. After that, they usually inform their company so they can fix the problem before it becomes dangerous, costly, and frustrating.
Keeping active logs of their hours, and ensuring they journal the data involved in their driving routes are also important for truck drivers. This is one of the minor responsibilities, and often happens fairly quickly, but this information is essential for continuing to operate at maximum efficiency.
Requirements to be a Truck Driver
If you’re looking to become a truck driver, you need to gain the necessary skills and certifications first. The process can be difficult but is essential for ensuring everyone behind the wheel of a large commerce truck knows how to stay safe, and keep everyone else on the road safe as well.
A CDL license and/or commercial driver license is the first step on your journey and will take up the majority of your time during your drive to become a truck driver professionally. Next, you’ll likely need a current TWIC card, and this certification will help you score truck driver jobs more successfully.
Lastly, there are a few personal record requirements that will have to be clean and clear for you to become a professional truck driver. You’ll need to pass alcohol and drug tests to ensure you’re doing your job safely, and a clean driving record is also a must. Additionally, you need to provide a current MVR and medical certificate to your employer. Finally, many employers require truck drivers to have completed a high school diploma.
Why Truckers Love Their Job
Trucking is one of the most sought-after blue-collar jobs out there. The flexibility of hours, the high pay, and the chance to travel across the country all add to the prestigious nature of the job. For those that are working to save up for a house, or to start a family, trucking can provide an excellent career choice. The accessibility of programs that can help you gain the necessary skills and certifications needed to become a truck driver make that dream that much more accessible as well.
Fulfill Your Dream of Becoming a Professional Truck Driver
Now that you have the information you need, you can finally begin your journey toward becoming a professional truck driver. This informative guide will ensure you’re fully aware of what you’ll need to do day-to-day on the job, and understand what a career as a truck driver may look like.
