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Truck drivers are everywhere--in our cities, on our highways. They deliver everything from automobiles to canned food. Firms of all kinds rely on trucks to pick up and deliver goods because no other form of transportation can deliver goods door-to-door.
Truck drivers are responsible for making sure their trucks are in good working order and have safety equipment on board. They also make sure cargo is secure. Drivers keep a log of their activities, as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, to the condition of the truck and the circumstances of any accidents.
Many routes are from city to city and cover long distances. Some heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers who have regular runs transport freight to the same city on a regular basis. Long-distance heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers spend most of their working time behind the wheel but also may have to load or unload their cargo.
Light or delivery services truck drivers operate vans and trucks weighing less than 26,000 pounds. They pick up or deliver merchandise and packages within a specific area. This may include short “turnarounds” to deliver a shipment to a nearby city. Light or delivery services truck drivers usually load or unload the merchandise at the customer’s place of business.
Some local truck drivers have sales and customer service responsibilities. They sell goods such as food products, including restaurant takeout items, or pick up and deliver items such as laundry. Route drivers may also take orders and collect payments.
How long will it take?
Taking driver-training courses is the best way to prepare for truck driving jobs and to obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL). State and Federal regulations govern the qualifications and standards for truck drivers. All drivers must comply with Federal regulations and any State regulations that are in excess of those Federal requirements.
Amarillo College's Truck Driving Academy can help you become a truck driver in three to six weeks.
How much can you earn?
Median hourly earnings of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers were $16.85 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Anywhere. Truck drivers are a high-demand occupation.
AC can help you get there!
