Occupation Details
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$41,680.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$51,910.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$66,280.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
65,890
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
80,050
+1,416 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
9,352
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Truck Driver, Heavy or Tractor Trailer
Learn MoreApprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 4-ranger tower trucks
- Air compressors
- Blocks and tackle
- Boom trucks
- Cargo hoists
- Cell phones
- Dump trucks
- Electric handtrucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Forklifts
- Frequency modulation FM two way radios
- Front load dumpsters
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Handheld bar code scanners
- Handlifts
- Handtrucks
- Johnson bars
- Laser facsimile machines
- Lowboy trailers
- Manual lifts
- Notebook computers
- On-board computers
- Order picker clamp trucks
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Plow attachments
- Pup trailers
- Ready mix trucks
- Refuse collection trucks
- Satellite linkup systems
- Scanners
Technology
- 3M Post-it App
- ADP ezLaborManager
- ALK Technologies PC*Miler
- Computerized inventory tracking software
- Eko
- Evernote
- Fog Line Software Truckn Pro
- Inventory tracking software
- MarcoSoft Quo Vadis
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Omnitracs Performance Monitoring
- PeopleNet
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- work as a team member
- collect payment
- operate cleaning equipment
- use two-way radio or mobile phone
- use weighing or measuring devices in transportation
- use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment
- use geographic positioning system (GPS)
- use local or regional geographical knowledge to transportation
- follow traffic laws
- use established traffic or transportation procedures
- verify cargo against shipping papers
- wrap products
- maintain driver log according to I.C.C. regulations
- maintain or repair cargo or passenger vehicle
- service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
- examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
- move or fit heavy objects
- load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
- perform safety inspections in transportation setting
- read maps
- drive truck with capacity greater than 3 tons
- drive tractor-trailer truck
- transport passengers or cargo
- use truck-mounted hydraulic lifts or other accessories
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
- Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
- Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
- Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.
- Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
- Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
- Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
- Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
- Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
- Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.
- Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.
- Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
- Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
- Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.
- Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
- Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.
- Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.
- Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.
- Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.
- Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources, such as fuel cells, to reduce idling time, to heat or cool truck cabins, or to provide power for other equipment.
- Remove debris from loaded trailers.
- Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.
- Operate trucks equipped with snowplows or sander attachments to maintain roads in winter weather.
- Drive electric or hybrid-electric powered trucks or alternative fuel-powered trucks to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Truckdrivers and driver/sales workers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More