Heavy or Tractor-trailer Truck Driver
Long-haul truck drivers operate trucks with a total weight exceeding 26,000 pounds for the vehicle, passengers, and cargo, and deliver goods across intercity routes that sometimes span several states.
Duties
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically do the following: drive long distances; report any incidents encountered on the road to a dispatcher; follow all applicable traffic laws; inspect their trailers before and after the trip and record any defects; and keep a log of their working hours in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Injuries and Illnesses
According to the US National Institute on Occupational Safety and Health (NIO), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. NIN charts show that truck drivers are among the most vulnerable workers in the country.
Work Schedules
Long-haul truck drivers are not allowed to work more than 14 hours in a row, with up to 11 hours of driving and the rest of the time spent doing other work, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Between working periods, drivers must have at least 10 hours off duty.
Education
Most companies require truck drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students can enroll in a private truck-driving school or a community college program, and training lasts between 3 and 6 months. Drivers receive a certificate of completion upon completion of their classes.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Long-haul truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which requires passing both a knowledge and a driving test. Drivers can add endorsements to their CDL to demonstrate their ability to drive a specific type of vehicle.
Training
In May 2019, the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260, according to federal regulations. A driver must have 20/40 vision in each eye and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye, according to federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website has a list of medical conditions that disqualify someone from driving a long-haul truck.
Job Prospects
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are expected to have excellent job prospects, as many companies struggle to find and retain qualified long-haul drivers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is published every two years by the United States Department of Labor.
What is tractor trailer transportation?
A semi tractor trailer truck consists of the tractor, also known as the main truck cab, and the trailer it is towing. Semi trucks are used in a variety of industries to transport freight and cargo that is vital to the economy. At Heavy Haulers, we transport semi trucks and trailers anywhere in the United States and internationally.
What is a tractor trailer driver at UPS?
UPS is hiring full-time Tractor-Trailer Drivers, who will be responsible for driving a tractor-trailer unit to one or more destinations and then returning to the original domicile during the same work shift. Some of the work will be done outside.
What is semi trailer truck driver?
Tractor-trailer truck drivers supervise freight loading and unloading, secure the freight to prevent damage, and ensure that freight weight limits are not exceeded as they drive tractor-trailer combination trucks in and between cities and over long distances to deliver products, livestock, or materials.
Is driving a tractor trailer a good job?
Driving a truck can also earn you a good living; some truck drivers earn up to $85,000 per year. Because there is always a shortage of good drivers, most companies have started providing benefits to retain drivers. These benefits include dental, medical, life insurance, vision, and retirement.
What do you call a tractor without trailer?
Bobtail u2013 A tractor without a trailer, also known as a straight truck.
What do truck drivers deliver?
Truck drivers are responsible for delivering a wide variety of raw materials and goods to individuals, communities, and businesses. Most truck drivers haul food, liquids, retail products, construction materials, and farming goods, but you may also end up hauling more specialized items.
What are the qualifications for UPS driver?
2. Requirements for UPS Drivers
- 21 years of age or older.
- Valid driver’s license.
- No at-fault accidents in the previous three years.
- No moving violations in the previous 12 months.
- Proof of a registered vehicle for use.
- Minimum state-required auto insurance.
How much does a FedEx tractor trailer driver make?
In the United States, the average hourly pay for FedEx Tractor Trailer Drivers is $18.25, which is 28% less than the national average.
Why do they call it a semi truck?
A semi truck is made up of two main parts: a semi-trailer that transports the cargo and a semi-tractor that provides the power. So, why is it called a semi truck instead of a semi-trailer truck or a semi-tractor-trailer? It’s mostly because “semi truck” is shorter and easier to say than “semi-trailer truck” or “semi-tractor-trailer.”
Is there a truck driver shortage 2020?
Yes, the trucking labor market is “tight,” meaning companies are competing for open positions, but it works in the same way as any other labor market, according to Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
Is buying an 18 wheeler a good investment?
Buying an 18-wheeler, like any large purchase, can be a good investment if you do your homework ahead of time to ensure you’re making the best financial decision for your company.
Why do truck drivers quit?
Burnout has an impact on drivers’ personal lives, health, and job performance, and it can even lead to them quitting. Most research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking looks at three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy.
Is truck driving bad for your health?
Long-haul truck drivers are more likely than other US workers to be obese, which can increase the risk of other health problems like heart disease.
Are truck drivers in demand 2020?
A driver shortage, more than anything else, is credited with boosting the freight economy in 2020 and likely into 2021, putting the trucking industry in a position to chase rate increases for the next two years.