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cdl a regional driver

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CDL A Regional Driver
salary: $60,000 - $85,000
categories: [Logistics, Transportation, Driving, CDL-A, Trucking]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a CDL A Regional Driver.
Hiring now: CDL A Regional Driver (Class A CDL). Seeking experienced, safety-first regional truck drivers to operate tractor-trailers for scheduled regional lanes. Must have valid CDL-A, clean driving record, ELD experience, strong route/time management skills, and proven on-time delivery performance. Ideal for drivers with 1+ years regional or long-haul experience who want predictable home time and steady lanes. Keywords: CDL A, Class A CDL, regional driver, truck driver, ELD, FMCSA, DOT, HOS, on-time delivery, freight, logistics.

🎯 Role Definition

As a CDL A Regional Driver, you will safely operate a Class A tractor-trailer on multi-day regional lanes, deliver freight to customers on schedule, maintain accurate ELD and paper records, and represent the company professionally at customer sites. This role emphasizes safety, compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations, excellent customer service, and reliable execution of assigned loads across a defined regional territory.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Local CDL-A Driver or Class A Local Delivery Driver transitioning to regional lanes.
  • Owner-operator or leased driver seeking company advantages and consistent routes.
  • Class B drivers or experienced commercial drivers moving up to Class A, regional positions.

Advancement To:

  • Lead Regional Driver / Mentor or Driver Trainer.
  • Driver Supervisor, Dispatch Lead, or Operations Coordinator.
  • Fleet Manager or Safety Manager (DOT/FMCSA compliance oversight).
  • Dedicated/Private Fleet Driver or Regional Safety Specialist.

Lateral Moves:

  • Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driver.
  • Dedicated account driver (retail, grocery, or manufacturing dedicated lanes).

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate a Class A tractor-trailer safely and efficiently on assigned regional routes while complying with all FMCSA and DOT regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS) rules and company policies.
  • Maintain a valid CDL-A and any required endorsements (e.g., tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples) and present documentation during audits and inspections.
  • Use electronic logging devices (ELD) and company telematics to record driving time, duty status changes, mileage, and fuel purchases accurately and in real time.
  • Perform comprehensive pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, identify mechanical problems, document defects on Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR), and notify maintenance or dispatch promptly.
  • Secure cargo using appropriate load securement techniques (straps, chains, binders, tarps, edge protectors) to prevent shifting and comply with load securement regulations for the freight type (dry van, reefer, flatbed).
  • Execute scheduled pickups and deliveries at customer facilities, yards, and warehouses; obtain signed proof of delivery (POD), bills of lading, and required paperwork while verifying freight counts and condition.
  • Plan, follow, and adapt routes using GPS and approved routing tools to meet delivery windows while minimizing fuel consumption, tolls, and downtime.
  • Communicate proactively with dispatch, operations, and customers about ETAs, delays, accessorials (detention, layovers), and special delivery requirements; escalate issues as needed.
  • Adhere to company safety programs, participate in safety meetings, and follow procedures for load securement, backing/spotting, and maneuvering in tight delivery locations.
  • Manage temperature-sensitive freight by operating refrigeration unit controls, monitoring cold-chain logs, and taking corrective action to maintain required temperatures during transit.
  • Complete accurate trip paperwork including bills of lading, scale tickets, fuel receipts, mileage reports, and hazardous materials shipping papers when applicable.
  • Handle customer interactions professionally and courteously; provide exceptional service during deliveries, reporting any customer concerns or damages immediately to dispatch.
  • Perform basic vehicle maintenance and minor repairs (tire changes, checking fluids, replacing bulbs) when safe and qualified; coordinate with shop or on-call mechanics for major issues.
  • Follow company fuel card guidelines, process fuel purchases, and log receipts while maximizing fuel efficiency through idling reduction and eco-driving best practices.
  • Maintain a clean driving record by following defensive driving practices, obeying traffic laws, and avoiding preventable accidents or citations.
  • Participate in random DOT drug and alcohol testing, annual medical exam (DOT physical) maintenance, and any required pre-employment or periodic screenings.
  • Accurately record and manage trip-related expenses, accessorial charges, and exceptions in company systems and submit receipts and documentation timely.
  • Assist with safe loading/unloading when required by customers and company policy, using pallet jacks or basic freight-handling equipment following safe lifting practices.
  • Report any accidents, cargo claims, or security incidents immediately and follow post-accident procedures, including photo documentation and driver statements.
  • Maintain positive relationships with terminals and yard personnel; follow check-in/check-out procedures and staging instructions to keep operations flowing.
  • Support seasonal and operational peak needs by adjusting lane schedules or taking temporary assignments while maintaining performance standards.
  • Protect company assets by following anti-theft and security protocols, locking trailers, and safeguarding keys and shipping documents when parked overnight.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide on-road coaching to new or less experienced drivers as requested by management.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by providing field feedback on routing, detention minimization, and customer access issues.
  • Assist dispatch with load planning insights based on firsthand knowledge of regional traffic patterns, bridge restrictions, and customer access times.
  • Attend and contribute to driver safety meetings, training sessions, and recertification programs.
  • Contribute to company reporting by submitting incident/near-miss reports and safety observations.
  • Support customer onboarding or site surveys when requested to help improve delivery processes and reduce accessorial fees.
  • Maintain a professional, clean driver appearance and keep vehicle interior and exterior tidy to represent the brand positively.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) in good standing with required endorsements (list endorsements if required: HAZMAT, Tanker, Doubles/Triples).
  • In-depth knowledge of FMCSA and DOT regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS) rules, ELD usage, and driver qualification files.
  • Proficiency with electronic logging devices (ELD) and telematics platforms to record hours and status changes accurately.
  • Strong pre-trip and post-trip inspection skills with the ability to identify mechanical defects and communicate maintenance needs via DVIR.
  • Cargo securement expertise for dry van, refrigerated (reefer), and flatbed freight, including appropriate use of straps, chains, tarps, and edge protection.
  • Ability to read and interpret bills of lading, manifests, packing lists, and hazardous materials shipping papers when applicable.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude for routine preventive maintenance tasks (checking fluids, tire pressure, lights) and safe roadside procedures (tire change).
  • Familiarity with GPS, route-planning software, and mobile driver apps used for dispatch, navigation, and load documentation.
  • Experience handling temperature-controlled freight and monitoring refrigeration units to maintain chain-of-custody and product integrity.
  • Strong recordkeeping and paperwork completion skills: PODs, fuel receipts, scale tickets, detention logs, and trip expense reports.
  • Knowledge of safe loading/unloading techniques and operation of basic freight-handling tools (pallet jack) where required by customer sites.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally with dispatch, customers, and operations teams.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills to meet tight delivery windows and manage multi-stop regional routes.
  • Customer-service orientation with the ability to de-escalate issues and present the company professionally during deliveries.
  • Dependability and punctuality; proven track record of consistent attendance and on-time performance.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make sound decisions in traffic, weather, and operational disruptions.
  • High attention to detail for accurate logs, inspections, and documentation that support safety and compliance.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate changing routes, customer requirements, and operational priorities.
  • Team player who collaborates with dispatch, maintenance, and terminal staff to optimize fleet performance.
  • Safety-first attitude and commitment to continuous learning and adherence to company safety policies.
  • Professionalism and integrity, including maintaining confidentiality of customer information and adherence to company policies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certificate in commercial driving or transportation logistics.
  • Additional coursework or certificates in defensive driving, HAZMAT handling, or fleet safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Commercial Driving / CDL Training
  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Automotive Technology
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of verifiable CDL-A driving experience; 1–2 years regional preferred.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years experience operating tractor-trailers on regional routes with documented safe driving record and experience with ELDs, DOT inspections, and load securement procedures.
  • Experience with specific freight types (reefer, flatbed, dry van) or endorsements as required by the role.

Additional requirements: Clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), successful pre-employment drug screening, DOT medical card (current), and ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks related to loading and securing freight as necessary.

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