Truck Drivers operate trucks to transport all types of materials and goods. The trucks driven are of various sizes, and are either gasoline or diesel powered. There are 2 basic classes of drivers, local and long-distance. Local Truck Drivers tend to perform their work in or around a single city or metropolitan area. Long-distance Truck Drivers, also known as over-the-road drivers, generally transport goods between cities and/or states.

JOB DUTIES

Truck Drivers may:

Receive and examine work assignments for the pickup and/or delivery of goods

Inspect the truck to ensure that all equipment and instruments work properly

Make sure that emergency equipment, such as flares and fire extinguishers, is on the truck and works

Load and unload goods

Check the cargo to be sure that it has been loaded so that it will not shift while the truck is moving

Obtain receipts and freight bills for goods which have been delivered or picked up

Collect payment for delivered materials

Turn in receipts, bills, or money collected

Complete trip logs according to the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations

Examine the condition of the vehicle for any damage as a result of a trip

Report mechanical problems that arose during the trip to a mechanic

Operate on-board computers that monitor vehicle performance

To view truck drivers at work click here .

Tools and equipment used may include:

Types of trucks that may be driven are: tanker trucks, dump trucks, flatbed trucks, concrete-mixing trucks, milk trucks, tractor-trailer trucks, car carriers, logging trucks, and tow trucks.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Truck Drivers may specialize in these areas:

905.663-014 HEAVY TRUCK DRIVERS drive trucks with a capacity of more than 3 tons.

906.683-022 LIGHT TRUCK DRIVERS drive trucks with a capacity of less than 3 tons.

904.383-010 TRACTOR-TRAILER-TRUCK DRIVERS drive gasoline or diesel powered tractor-trailer combinations.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Script:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Truck Drivers spend most of their time working without direct supervision. They receive assignments from dispatchers. Drivers may work alone, in pairs, or with helpers.

Truck Drivers spend much of their time in trucks and around warehouses. They have to drive in all kinds of weather. They may have to stop while driving to eat, rest, or refuel. Conditions have improved owing to the increased use of mechanical loading devices such as forklifts and conveyors. This has eliminated much of the heavy work for Truck Drivers. All trucks, especially larger ones, have become easier to operate with improvements such as power-assisted steering, brakes, and gear shifting. Improved seats and air-conditioning have added to comfort.

Truck drivers may also need to be familiar with a new tracking system called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID is an automated data-capture technology that can be used to automatically store and track products. These products can be monitored by an Electronic Product Code (EPC code) which tags and stores information in a reader and transfers the info to the data collection system. This is beneficial because employers and truck drivers want to insure they are picking up the right trailers with the right products for distribution and to keep track of inventory. Also, companies that may be responsible for transporting hazardous products will want to track and insure that the hazardous trucks are taking routes that minimize risks to public safety and reduce the company's liability.

Most local Truck Drivers have a standard 40-hour workweek. However, overtime is common and many Drivers work a 6-day, 48-hour week. Long-distance Truck Drivers who carry freight between states are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules.   Individuals seeking careers as Long-Distance Truck drivers should adhere to the rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding work hours. The FMCSA also require alcohol and drug tests of drivers who are required to have a CDL. Long-distance Drivers often work at night because they move freight accumulated during the day. They are often away from home for several days, and sometimes a week or more. Most trucking work is steady and year-round. In certain areas, such as furniture moving and agriculture, less work is done during the winter months.

Drivers who are self-employed must buy or lease their equipment and pay all necessary operating expenses.

Many Truck Drivers belong to The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America Union. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Performing activities dealing with things and objects

• Doing work that involves a great deal of driving

• Performing organized and routine work

• Performing activities involving the use of machines

You Should Be Able To:

• Judge distances and spaces between objects

• Follow instructions

• Repeatedly perform the same work

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you increase your speed from 20 mph to 60 mph, how much more braking distance is required at 60 mph than at 20 mph?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks and is connected to the engine through gears or a V-belt. The compressor may be cooled by air or by the engine cooling system.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a trip log according to Interstate Commerce Commission regulations.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills, organizational skills, and be detail oriented in following routes and work specifications and completing deliveries.

Experience in driving a car is usually enough to be employed as a local Truck Driver of light trucks. Additional experience is required to drive heavy trucks. Several years of experience driving heavy trucks is generally required to become a long-distance Truck Driver.

All Truck Drivers employed in Michigan must have a chauffeur's license from any Secretary of State office. Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Chauffeur License for specific licensing information. Applicants must be at least 18; have a good driving record; and pass a written, vision, and practical driving test. Employers often require applicants to take a physical exam.  

Drivers of vehicles of 26,001 pounds or greater must also obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) from the Secretary of State. Vision, knowledge, and skills tests are required.

All persons driving trucks between states must be at least 21 years old. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires all interstate examinations. Long-distance Truck Drivers must also pass a written test on motor carrier safety regulations.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE, 0600 BUSINESS, 0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

172 TRUCK DRIVING

Programs in Truck Driving provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to operate tractor-trailer trucks. Students enrolling in a truck driver training program must have an acceptable driving record, complete an approved program, and pass a state examination prior to receiving their endorsed chauffeur's license.

For further information concerning driving schools in Michigan, call or write to Michigan Department of State, Driver Programs Division, 430 W. Allegan, 3^rd Floor Lansing, MI 48918. (517) 241-6850.

Local private truck driving schools may be located in the Telephone Directory Yellow Pages under the heading of "Driving Instruction" or in the following alphabetical list:

American Truck Driving School of Michigan, Inc.
270 Sauk River Dr., Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: (800) 999-8012

Lansing Community College
P.O. BOX 40010
Lansing, MI 48901-7210
Phone No: (517) 483 1957

North Country Truck Driving School, Inc.
1519 North 26^th Street
Escanaba, MI 49829
Phone: (906) 789-6311/(800) 377-5567

Fleet Compliance Group, LTD.
2976 Ivanrest, SW,
Grandville, MI 49418
Phone: 616-532-1444

International Trucking School, Inc.
27800 Wick Rd.
Romulus, MI 48174
Phone: (734) 947 9311

Star Professional Driving School
5260 36th SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: (800) 748-0481

U.S. Truck Driver Training School, Inc.
4195 Central St.
Detroit, MI 48210
Phone: (800) 615-4443

Courses may include the following:

Range & Highway Driving

Department of Transportation Regulations

Freight Handling

Driver's Log

Weight & Measures

Defensive Driving

Airbrakes & Transmissions

Docking, Backing, & Hooking Up 

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources of More Information below.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com.

VEHICLE DRIVERS

The military uses numerous vehicles to transport its troops, equipment, and supplies. The services own and operate heavy trucks and buses along with all types of heavy military vehicles. Truck Drivers operate fuel or water tank trucks, semi-tractor trailers, heavy troop transports, and passenger buses.

What They Do

Vehicle drivers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Read travel instructions to determine travel routes, arrival dates, and types of cargo

• Make sure vehicles are loaded properly

• Check oil, fuel and other fluid levels, and tire pressure

• Drive vehicles over all types of roads, traveling alone or in convoys

• Keep records of mileage driven and fuel and oil used

• Wash vehicles and perform routine maintenance and repairs

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school courses include driver education. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in trucks and truck driving

• Interest in mechanics

Work Environment

Vehicle driving involves long periods of sitting. Drivers sometimes must change heavy tires.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 8 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in driving trucks. Course content typically includes:

• Accident prevention

• Safety check procedures

• International road signs

• Basic vehicle maintenance

The Army and the Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for one specialty in this occupation.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to read road maps.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian vehicle drivers work for trucking companies, moving companies, bus companies, and businesses with their own delivery fleets. They perform duties similar to military truck drivers. They may specialize as tractor-trailer truck drivers, tank truck drivers, heavy truck drivers, or bus drivers.

Opportunities

The services have about 14,000 vehicle drivers. They need new vehicle drivers each year due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, truck drivers are assigned to motor pools or motor transport units. They generally work without close supervision. In time, vehicle drivers may advance to supervisory positions assisting in the management of motor transport units. 

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

You may explore this field by working as driver helpers or dock workers. With a chauffeur's license, you may find summer or part-time employment as a local or Light Truck Driver or an "extra board" Driver filling in for regular Drivers who are ill or on vacation. Postsecondary truck driving programs and military service may provide experience also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

Informal apprenticeships

Mentorship's

Job shadowing experiences

Touring a local Truck Driver employer

Internships

Volunteer work with a Truck Driver employer

Community service work with an agency

Persons interested in truck driving jobs should consult newspaper want ads, apply directly to employers, contact local union offices or civil service offices, and inquire at truck driving school placement offices. Michigan Works! offices may be helpful in locating jobs. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Truck Drivers depend on the size and type of truck, duties, geographic location, employer, and hours worked. Long-distance Truck Drivers may also receive extra pay for driving more than a specified number of miles.

Nationally, in 2007, Heavy Truck Drivers had median weekly earnings of $665 or $16.62 per hour.  The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $695 or $17.37 in 2007. Straight-time hourly earnings for Truck Drivers in various Michigan areas (2007) were:

Most Truck Drivers receive paid vacations and holidays, hospitalization and health insurance, and pension plans. Some also receive uniforms, sick leave, and life insurance. Long-distance Drivers may receive living allowances or expense accounts. Self-employed Drivers must provide their own benefits.

Individuals usually learn this occupation through on-the-job training. Others may attend truck driving schools. Advancement for Truck Drivers usually consists of moving from one kind of truck driving to another. Experience is the most important requirement for advancement. Those wishing to move up to supervisors should learn as much as possible about the business. Some experienced Drivers start their own businesses.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, about 2,911,007 Truck Drivers were employed in 2006. Employment of Truck Drivers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The general economic growth of the nation is expected to increase the amount of freight that will be carried by trucks, thus increasing the demand for Truck Drivers. However, the demand for Drivers is expected to increase more slowly than the growth in freight because larger trucks should increase the amount of freight each Driver can haul. About 8.8% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Truck Drivers looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are approximately 83,800 Truck Drivers employed in Michigan. They worked for trucking companies transporting various products.

Employment of Truck Drivers in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 2,330 openings is expected annually, with 1200 due to growth and 1130 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

The rise in total business activity anticipated in the years ahead will increase the amount of freight to be distributed. Trucks carry virtually all of the local freight and a high percentage of the freight sent long distance. Therefore, as the economy grows, more Truck Drivers should be needed. However, when economic conditions become poor, manufacturing and construction slow down. During such times, Truck Drivers working in these and related industries may experience temporary layoffs and job growth is delayed.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

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Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth