Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

To haul 26,001 pounds or more, your vehicle must be a tractor-trailer or have a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000. (GVW). The need to unload a truck is a possibility. Needs a CDL license or equivalent. This includes tow truck operators as well.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT HEAVY AND TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCK DRIVER CAREERS

A heavy truck is defined as a straight truck that weighs more than four tonnes. The majority have ten wheels and enormous engines. Because they are so adaptable, the same basic type can be outfitted as a concrete mixer, an aircraft fuel tanker, a garbage and recycling truck, or even a fire engine. 

Controlling the momentum of a truck carrying tonnes of material once it gets up to speed requires talent, expertise, and a special touch. As a result, large truck drivers must earn a commercial driver's licence, or 'CDL.' There is training available, but before you pay for it, make sure it is certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute of America. 

The working environment might be filthy and noisy. However, the majority of drivers in this sector are full-time employees who receive comprehensive benefit packages. Because the majority of runs are local, heavy truck drivers enjoy the advantage of working near to home.

Employment Projections

Annual projected job openings Subscribe to see

Wages


Average Wages Subscribe to see

Characteristics

Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Leadership
Physical demands
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Comfort of the work setting
Dealing and handling conflicts
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Exposure to job hazards
Competition for this position
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions

Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Controlling Machines and Processes Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Getting Information Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment Know More

Areas of Study

Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Geography Know More
Law and Government Know More
Mechanical Know More
Public Safety and Security Know More
Transportation Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Critical Thinking Know More
Monitoring Know More
Operation Monitoring Know More
Operation and Control Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Speaking Know More
Time Management Know More
Troubleshooting Know More