Truck driving offers a wide range of career opportunities across various industries, with the most common role being an over-the-road (OTR) tractor-trailer driver. To work in this capacity, obtaining a Class-A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is essential. A Class-A CDL is required for anyone operating a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight exceeding 26,001 pounds, provided that the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is over 10,000 pounds.
Class-A CDL Driver Responsibilities
A Class-A tractor trailer driver is responsible for their truck and the load on the attached trailer. The job description of a Class-A driver will vary by position but here is a list of common duties that can be expected.
- Drive and operate trucks either owned by the driver or a trucking company
- Read location and road maps
- Pick up goods and materials, verify loads for accuracy, and deliver them as instructed
- Load and unload cargo
- Basic truck maintenance
- Participate in educational opportunities and professional networking opportunities
- Plan and manage distribution to manufacturing plants or retail and distribution centers
- Inspect truck for mechanical and safety issues before each trip
- Perform preventative maintenance
- Plan best route options
- Plan and meet delivery schedules
- Document and log your work expenses
- Report defects, accidents or violations
- Follow all DOT regulations
Class-A CDL Driver Requirements
The requirements for working as a trucker vary to a certain degree, but the requirements to earn your CDL are the same everywhere.
- Provide a picture ID
- Provide proof of citizenship
- Pass a physical exam
- Read and speak English fluently
- Pass a written exam
- Pass a hands-on skills and road test
- Meet the minimum age (the minimum age is 18 or 21, depending on the state)
What You’ll Earn and Where You’ll Work
Truck driving has long been a career that pays higher-than-average wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2023, truck drivers earned an average of $55,990, with the top 10 percent making $76,780 or more. Demand for truck drivers is expected to steadily increase 4 percent by 2032, which is as fast as the national average of industry growth for all occupations.
The highest levels of employment for truck drivers were in the transportation industry, merchant wholesalers, and couriers and express delivery services. In 2023, the industries paying truck drivers the most were motion picture and video industries, telecommunications, and electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.
The top-paying states for truck drivers in 2023 were: Alaska ($65,870), New Jersey ($64,270), and Washington ($63,160).
Training and Education
A truck driver training program has one of the shortest time frames between your first day in the classroom and graduation day. Accelerated programs can be completed in a few as three weeks with part-time options running as few as twelve weeks. Basically, it takes from 1 to 3 months to complete your CDL program.
For Class-A CDL training opportunities in your area, as well as tips, tricks and more about your training, visit CDL Training Today. If you’re looking for a job or looking to move to a different job, DriveWave is your top resource for hiring events, local job listings, and insider information on making the most of your trucking career.
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