Commercial Truck Driver

RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does a Commercial Truck Driver Do?

EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS

How to Become a Commercial Truck Driver

• Complete a professional truck-driver training program covering truck operations, cargo handling, safety, regulations.
• Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the correct class (often Class A) and endorsements for the type of truck/trailer and cargo.
• Meet minimum age and driver-licensing requirements.
• Obtain a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.
• Undergo background checks, medical examination, drug-testing, and possibly endorsements for hazardous materials if required.
• Gain on-the-job training or experience through a company driver program; build experience to become eligible for long-haul or owner-operator roles.
• Maintain certifications, comply with hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspections and continuing regulatory requirements.
• Here are the specific requirements for Utah.

Education & Training Requirements

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Most heavy/tractor-trailer truck drivers have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• They then complete a non-degree professional certificate or training program (truck-driving school) and obtain a CDL.
• For bridging into a more advanced educational path, at Utah State University you can stack technical certificates (e.g., CDL Class A certificate, diesel technician certificate) into an Associate degree and then a Bachelor’s in areas such as Technical Management or Quality & Reliability.
• While a trucking career does not typically require a Bachelor’s degree, pursuing one can open pathways into logistics management, fleet operations, or other leadership roles within the transportation industry.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Commercial Truck Driver Skills & Qualities

Successful truck drivers typically demonstrate:

• Safe driving and vehicle-control skills: ability to maneuver large trucks safely in varied traffic and weather conditions.
• Attention to detail: inspecting vehicle, securing cargo, reading gauges, documenting logs, adhering to regulations.
• Navigation and time-management: planning routes, meeting schedules, managing rest breaks/hours-of-service.
• Physical stamina and alertness: long hours, periods of sitting, loading/unloading in some cases; staying alert on road.
• Self-discipline and independence: much of the time on the road alone; must maintain safe practices without direct supervision.
• Communication and professionalism: dealing with dispatchers, clients, customers at delivery sites.
• Mechanically-inclined & problem-solving abilities: identifying truck issues, calling for service, sometimes performing minor repairs.