Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CDL B Driver

🎯 Role Definition

A CDL B Driver operates Class B commercial vehicles (straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, single-axle trucks) to transport goods, materials, or passengers across local and regional routes. This role requires strict adherence to DOT regulations, proactive vehicle inspection and maintenance, exceptional on-road safety, professional customer interactions during pickups and deliveries, accurate record keeping (logs, bills of lading, delivery receipts), and efficient route execution. Success in this role balances reliability, compliance, physical stamina, and strong communication skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Delivery Driver (non-CDL) or local courier
Warehouse Associate or Dock Worker
Vocational training graduate in commercial driving

Advancement To:

Lead/Trainer Driver
Route Supervisor / Dispatcher
Fleet Manager / Operations Supervisor
Safety & Compliance Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Owner-Operator (independent contractor)
Equipment Operator (construction/materials)
Customer Service / Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate Class B commercial vehicles safely and professionally on local and regional routes, maintaining defensive driving practices and abiding by all federal, state and local laws including FMCSA/DOT regulations and ELD requirements.
Complete thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, identifying mechanical issues, documenting defects, and coordinating with fleet maintenance to ensure vehicle safety and uptime.
Load, secure, and unload cargo using safe material handling techniques, tie-downs, straps, and equipment (hand trucks, pallet jacks, ramps) to prevent product damage and comply with cargo securement rules.
Execute scheduled pickups and deliveries on time, following optimized routes and making real-time adjustments for traffic, weather, or customer requests while communicating ETA changes to dispatch or customers.
Maintain accurate logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) records, including hours-of-service, fuel receipts, bills of lading, delivery confirmations, and any incident or delay reports.
Provide professional, courteous customer service at delivery and pickup locations, obtaining signatures, documenting delivery conditions, and resolving basic service issues or escalating when necessary.
Adhere to company safety programs, participate in safety meetings, complete required training, and report safety hazards, near misses, or accidents immediately to management.
Handle hazardous materials or specialized loads only if properly endorsed and trained; follow placarding, paperwork, and emergency procedures for any hazardous shipments.
Follow securement and weight distribution best practices to stay within legal axle and gross vehicle weight limits, coordinating with dispatch to avoid overloaded configurations.
Communicate proactively with dispatch and operations teams using company radios, mobile apps, or ELD-integrated messaging for route updates, delays, and load changes.
Perform basic roadside troubleshooting and minor mechanical adjustments (battery checks, fluid levels, tire inspections) to safely reach the next maintenance point or complete route obligations.
Inspect and secure trailer connections, electrical and air lines, and ensure proper coupling/uncoupling procedures for straight trucks and any towed equipment as applicable.
Complete required DOT paperwork for pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug/alcohol testing, and maintain a clean safety and compliance record.
Follow company-specific procedures for sealed or temperature-sensitive shipments (refrigerated loads), including monitoring temperature logs when applicable and documenting chain-of-custody.
Adhere to site-specific access rules at customer facilities, including sign-in/out procedures, PPE requirements, and load/unload staging protocols to minimize delays and maintain safety.
Execute scheduled preventive maintenance items or checklists as assigned, coordinate with shops for repairs, and document service work completed to support fleet reliability.
Assist with yard operations when not on route, including staging trucks, helping with loading/unloading at distribution centers, and supporting inventory counts as needed.
Maintain a professional appearance and presentation consistent with company policy, and represent the company positively to customers and the public at all times.
Investigate and document incidents, accidents, or cargo claims thoroughly and accurately, supporting insurance and claims processes with detailed reports and evidence.
Follow fuel management practices, complete fuel purchase documentation, and use company fuel cards or systems properly to control costs and reconcile expenses.
Adhere to environmental and waste disposal policies when handling shipments that require special disposal or spill prevention measures.
Support training and mentoring of entry-level drivers, demonstrating safe driving techniques, documentation processes, and company procedures when serving as a lead driver or trainer.
Participate in performance reviews and work with supervisors to set goals for on-time delivery, safety, fuel efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Secondary Functions

Assist operations teams with route planning feedback and suggestions to improve efficiency and decrease idle time based on first-hand route experience.
Complete inventory and shipment verification tasks at warehouses and distribution centers, ensuring accurate manifest reconciliation and reduced discrepancies.
Escalate and collaborate on logistics issues such as traffic delays, detention time, or loading restrictions to minimize customer impact and enable proactive problem solving.
Help onboard new drivers by sharing practical knowledge of local routes, customer expectations, and vehicle handling tips.
Support minor administrative duties such as filing delivery paperwork, scanning documents into company systems, and updating CRM or TMS notes for completed loads.
Participate in cross-functional safety and continuous improvement initiatives to help reduce incidents and improve on-time performance metrics.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B) in good standing with clean driving record.
Proven experience with Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and accurate hours-of-service record keeping.
Strong knowledge of FMCSA/DOT regulations, local vehicle weight laws, and cargo securement standards.
Proficiency in performing pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections and documenting defects.
Experience operating straight trucks, box trucks, refrigerated trucks, dump trucks, or other Class B vehicles.
Ability to use mobile route-planning apps, GPS systems, and transportation management systems (TMS).
Skill in safe material handling: loading/unloading, pallet handling, tie-downs, liftgate operation, and use of hand trucks.
Basic mechanical aptitude for minor roadside diagnostics and to communicate technical issues to maintenance teams.
Familiarity with hazardous materials handling and placarding when holding appropriate endorsements (if applicable).
Competence in completing bills of lading, delivery receipts, fuel/purchase logs, and incident/accident reports.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy for safety and regulatory compliance.
Excellent time management and punctuality with the ability to meet tight delivery schedules reliably.
Customer-focused communication skills; polite, clear, and professional when interacting with clients and partners.
Problem-solving mindset with resourcefulness to manage route disruptions and on-the-spot operational issues.
High level of dependability, integrity, and accountability — the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Teamwork and collaboration skills to coordinate with dispatch, warehouse, and maintenance personnel.
Stress tolerance and adaptability for changing traffic, weather, and customer demands.
Safety-first attitude with demonstrated commitment to following and promoting safe driving practices.
Strong physical stamina for repetitive lifting, climbing into vehicles, and extended time driving.
Coaching and mentoring capability for supporting new drivers when promoted to lead or trainer roles.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical training in commercial driving, logistics, or automotive maintenance.
Certifications in defensive driving, DOT compliance, or fleet safety programs.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Commercial Driving / Trucking
Logistics and Transportation
Automotive Technology / Diesel Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1 to 5 years operating commercial Class B vehicles; preference for local/regional delivery experience.

Preferred:

2+ years of professional CDL B driving with a demonstrated safety record, experience using ELDs/TMS, and prior customer-facing delivery experience. Additional endorsements (air brakes, tank, or passenger where applicable) and previous trainer/lead driver experience are a plus.