Light Truck Drivers

Transport goods from a warehouse to their final destination using a truck or van with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 26,001 pounds or less.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT LIGHT TRUCK DRIVER CAREERS

A lot of truck driving work does not take place on the open road. Short-haul drivers of light trucks and vans can spend a lot of time carrying everything from fruits and vegetables to garments. Local truck drivers frequently work more than 50 hours per week. Many of those hours are sometimes late at night or early in the morning, particularly for drivers that transport goods for chain grocery stores, produce markets, or bakeries. 

Long hours of lifting, lugging, walking, and driving take a physical toll. But, no matter how fatigued they are, delivery and route drivers must provide customer service because they are typically the face of the firm whose name is on the truck. They must positively reflect the company. 

Some delivery drivers also function as salespeople, collecting orders and offering recommendations based on the inventory that has been used up or left over. Working as a vending machine mechanic is also a possibility. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents many truck drivers. 

Drivers of interstate trucks in the United States must be at least 21 years old, but truck drivers in most states must be just 18. If you drive a truck weighing 26,000 pounds or more, you must obtain a commercial driver's licence, which requires both a written and a road exam. 

Despite the fact that delivery trucks are lighter, many firms have higher expectations than the government. Expect to get drug and alcohol tested, as well as have your driving record reviewed. 

Driver education classes are available at both private and state technical vocational schools. However, if you have a certain company in mind, you should check with them beforehand to see what kind of training and licensure is required. Job chances will vary according on the state of the economy.

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Wages


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Characteristics

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

Activities

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Handling and Moving Objects Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment Know More
Processing Information Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
English Language Know More
Law and Government Know More
Mechanical Know More
Public Safety and Security Know More
Sales and Marketing Know More
Transportation Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Monitoring Know More
Operation and Control Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More
Time Management Know More
Writing Know More