Heavy Truck Drivers
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most Tractor-Trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a total weight exceeding 26,000 pounds for the vehicle, passengers, and cargo. These drivers deliver goods over intercity routes that sometimes span several states.
About Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Drivers are responsible for picking up and delivering freight from one place to another. This may be from a manufacturer to a distribution center, from a distribution center to a customer, or between distribution centers. In addition, drivers may be responsible for loading and unloading their cargo. They are also responsible for following applicable laws, keeping logs of their activities, and making sure that their equipment is in good working condition.
Key Tasks
- Drive long distances
- Report any incidents encountered on the road to a dispatcher
- Follow all applicable traffic laws
- Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chains, or covers
- Inspect their trailers before and after the trip and record any defects they find
- Maintain a log of their working hours, following all federal and state regulations
- Report serious mechanical problems to the appropriate people
- Keep their trucks and associated equipment clean and in good working order
Key Skills
- Vehicle Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Troubleshooting
Education & Certifications
- Commercial Driver License (CDL)
- Hazardous Material Endorsement
- Certified Equipment Manager
- Passenger Endorsement
- Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement
Local College/ University Programs
- Fortis Institute
- Road Runner CDL Academy
Industry Sector Employers
- McLane PA
- Northeast Freight Transfer
- I.D. Logistics
- Valley Distributing & Storage Company
- Blue Eagle Logistics