What Do CDL Truck Drivers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

CDL Truck Drivers drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers’ license. They also check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

Other tasks include:

• Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
• Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
• Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
• Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
• Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.
• Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.

We asked CDL Truck Drivers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

59% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, CDL Truck Drivers check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order. They perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid or performing minor repairs.

A typical day for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver will also include:

• Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
• Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
• Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
• Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
• Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.

We asked some CDL Truck Drivers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, CDL Truck Drivers also couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks. They may also give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.

On a weekly to monthly basis, CDL Truck Drivers Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles. They might also Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.

In addition, they Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.

To some CDL Truck Drivers, it is also their responsibility to Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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