Transport, Supply Chain

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver

Related positions: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver, CDL Driver (Commercial Driver’s License Driver), Driver, Line Haul Driver, Log Truck Driver, Over the Road Driver, OTR Driver, Production Truck Driver, Road Driver, Semi Truck Driver, Tractor Trailer Driver, Truck Driver

Overview

A Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver operates large trucks and trailers to transport goods over long distances. They plan and follow routes, load and unload cargo, and keep accurate records of their trips. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and adhere to strict safety regulations.

The main responsibilities of a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver include inspecting their vehicle before and after each trip, driving long distances on highways and interstates, delivering goods on time and in good condition, communicating with dispatchers and customers, and following all safety regulations and traffic laws. They may also be responsible for loading and unloading their truck and maintaining records of their driving and delivery activities.

Common tasks 

    TaskRelated trait(s)
    Inspecting and maintaining and operating the vehicle Road Readiness Command Presence Road Safety Mindset Road Reliability
    Planning and following a routes Road Safety Mindset
    Loading and unloading cargo and inspecting goods before and after transport to ensure they are in good condition Road Safety Mindset Command Presence
    Communicating with dispatchers and others to coordinate deliveries and resolve issues Road-Ready Composure Professional Courtesy
    Maintaining records, such as bills of lading, delivery receipts, and mileage logs Road Reliability
    Complying with state and federal regulations regarding the operation of commercial vehicles, including maintaining required permits and licenses Road Reliability Road Safety Mindset
    Maintaining a professional demeanor and representing the company in a positive manner to customers and other stakeholders Road Compliance
    Coordinating with other drivers to ensure efficient use of resources Professional Courtesy Road Partner Mentality

    Soft skills measured by TraitForward

    TraitNo of QuestionsCronbach’s  alpha (α)
    Road Readiness80.74
    Can they maintain high levels of productivity and avoid idle time, even during long periods on the road or between scheduled deliveries?
    Road-Ready Composure50.75
    Can they maintain emotional equilibrium and professional demeanor during stressful situations such as tight deadlines, difficult road conditions, or unexpected logistical challenges?
    Command Presence60.76
    Can they project authority and take control of situations confidently, especially under challenging circumstances on the road?
    Road Reliability100.73
    Can they be trusted to consistently fulfill commitments, follow regulations, and represent the company honestly in all aspects of their driving responsibilities?
    Road Safety Mindset50.76
    Do they consistently prioritize safety protocols and actively avoid unnecessary risks while operating vehicles, even when under time pressure or challenging conditions?
    Professional Courtesy90.74
    Does this person consistently demonstrate respect, honesty, and consideration in their interactions with others across various professional situations?
    Road Reliability90.82
    Can they consistently fulfill their responsibilities, complete required tasks, and deliver loads on time regardless of obstacles or challenges encountered on the road?
    Road Compliance80.75
    Can they consistently adhere to transportation regulations, safety protocols, and company policies while operating commercial vehicles on the road?
    Road Partner Mentality60.75
    Do they demonstrate genuine concern for other road users and colleagues, readily offering assistance and maintaining respectful relationships with everyone in the transportation network?
    *Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) determines the extent to which the questions consistently measure each trait and it is expressed as a number ranging between 0 and 1 . Higher values indicate higher agreement between questions.  A value of α equal to greater than .7 indicates acceptable reliability or internal consistency.  For more information on the psychometric properties of the solution, please click here.

    Find out the psychometric properties for the Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Traitforward questionnaire