Transport, Supply Chain
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer 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
| Task | Related trait(s) |
|---|---|
| Inspecting and maintaining and operating the vehicle | Activity level Assertiveness Risk avoidance Conscientiousness – Following the Schedule |
| Planning and following a routes | Risk avoidance |
| Loading and unloading cargo and inspecting goods before and after transport to ensure they are in good condition | Risk avoidance Assertiveness |
| Communicating with dispatchers and others to coordinate deliveries and resolve issues | Emotional stability Politeness |
| Maintaining records, such as bills of lading, delivery receipts, and mileage logs | Conscientiousness – Following the Schedule |
| Complying with state and federal regulations regarding the operation of commercial vehicles, including maintaining required permits and licenses | Integrity Risk avoidance |
| Maintaining a professional demeanor and representing the company in a positive manner to customers and other stakeholders | Compliance |
| Coordinating with other drivers to ensure efficient use of resources | Politeness Teamplayer Helping Others |
Soft skills measured by TraitForward
| Trait | No of Questions | Cronbach’s alpha (α) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity level | 8 | 0.74 | |
| Can they cope with heavy workloads? | |||
| Emotional stability | 5 | 0.75 | |
| Can they remain calm in difficult situations? | |||
| Assertiveness | 6 | 0.76 | |
| Can they take charge when needed? | |||
| Integrity | 10 | 0.73 | |
| Are they trustworthy? | |||
| Risk avoidance | 5 | 0.76 | |
| Will they follow health and safety procedures? | |||
| Politeness | 9 | 0.74 | |
| Can they deal in a polite manner? | |||
| Conscientiousness – Following the Schedule | 9 | 0.82 | |
| Do they have a desirable work ethic? Do they complete their tasks on time? | |||
| Compliance | 8 | 0.75 | |
| Do they respect rules and authority? | |||
| Teamplayer Helping Others | 6 | 0.75 | |
| Do they like helping others? | |||
Did you Know?
Source: US Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median wage:
$48,310 / per year
$23 / hour
A relatively low annual wage is $30,710 10th percentile)
A relatively high salary of the annual wage is $72,730 (90th percentile)
Expected employment growth:
Number of professionals occupied in US in 2021: 2.01 M
Projected number of professionals occupied in US in 2031: 2.2 M
Employment percent change: 4.3 %
Entry Education level:
To become a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver, one typically needs a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which requires completing a training program and passing a written and driving test. Drivers must also be at least 21 years old, have a clean driving record, and pass a medical exam. They must have excellent driving skills, be able to operate large vehicles safely, and have good communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, they must be able to work independently and be comfortable spending long periods on the road.
Find out the psychometric properties for the Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Traitforward questionnaire