JOB DESCRIPTION

Drive tractor-trailer combination or truck with a capacity of at least three tons to transport and deliver goods, livestock, or materials in liquid, loose, or packaged form. May be required to unload truck.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

At least 18 years old to drive trucks within State borders and at least 21 years old for interstate commerce Mechanical aptitude Good hearing and vision Normal use of arms and legs and normal blood pressure Cannot use any controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician Ability to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with law enforcement officers and the public Self-motivation and ability to work with little supervision

Local truck drivers may provide daily service for a specific route, while other drivers make intercity and interstate deliveries that take longer and may vary from job to job. Produce truckers usually pick up a loaded truck early in the morning and spend the rest of the day delivering produce to many different grocery stores. Lumber truck drivers make several trips from the lumber yard to one or more construction sites. Gasoline tank truck drivers attach the hoses and operate the pumps on their trucks to transfer the gasoline to gas stations’ storage tanks.

Long haul truck drivers may haul loads from city to city for a week or more before returning home. Some companies use two drivers on very long runs—one drives while the other sleeps in a berth behind the cab. “Sleeper” runs may last for days, or even weeks, usually with the truck stopping only for fuel, food, loading, and unloading.