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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CDL Truck Driver

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

TransportationLogisticsDriving

🎯 Role Definition

The CDL Truck Driver is a professional commercial vehicle operator responsible for the safe, compliant, and timely movement of goods. This role requires expert knowledge of driving laws and regulations (FMCSA), strong vehicle inspection and maintenance habits, excellent route planning and time management skills, and a customer-focused approach for pickup and delivery interactions. CDL drivers may operate dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, tankers, or specialized equipment and must manage electronic logging devices (ELD), secure cargo correctly, and report any safety or mechanical issues promptly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Local delivery driver (non-CDL) with progression to CDL training and licensure
  • Regional straight truck or van driver with Class B moving to Class A
  • Vocational school or community college truck driving program graduate

Advancement To:

  • Lead driver / trainer / driver mentor
  • Fleet safety manager / safety supervisor
  • Operations supervisor / dispatch lead
  • Owner-operator / small fleet owner

Lateral Moves:

  • Dedicated route driver (retail, beverage, grocery)
  • Specialized equipment operator (tanker, flatbed, refrigerated)
  • Intermodal or drayage driver

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate commercial motor vehicles (Class A or B) safely and professionally over local, regional, or long-haul routes, following all FMCSA, state, and company regulations to minimize risk and ensure on-time delivery.
  • Conduct thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, identifying and documenting mechanical issues, tire and brake conditions, fluid levels, lights, and other safety-critical systems; submit inspection reports and follow up on required repairs.
  • Accurately complete and manage electronic logging device (ELD) records or paper logs in accordance with HOS (hours-of-service) rules; maintain clean, legible trip records, vehicle inspection reports, bills of lading, and delivery receipts.
  • Load, unload, and secure cargo using appropriate tie-downs, straps, chains, tarps, and blocking methods; observe weight distribution and securement procedures for dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, and tanker loads to prevent shifting or damage.
  • Operate equipment and perform cargo handling when required, including pallet jack, forklift (if certified), dock operations, and manual handling while following safe lifting practices to protect goods and self.
  • Communicate proactively with dispatch, route planners, and customers regarding ETA changes, delays, weather impacts, mechanical issues, and delivery instructions; escalate service-impacting issues immediately.
  • Follow routing and GPS navigation while exercising judgment to avoid unsafe roads, restricted routes, low clearances, and traffic delays; plan fuel stops and rest breaks to optimize efficiency within HOS rules.
  • Perform securement and placarding for hazardous materials when certified (HazMat endorsement); comply with DOT hazardous materials regulations, emergency response procedures, and placard requirements.
  • Execute proper temperature control procedures and monitoring for refrigerated loads (reefer) to maintain cold-chain integrity and complete temperature logs as required.
  • Conduct safe backing, docking, and curbside deliveries at various facilities and customer locations, using spotters or ground guides when available to reduce risk during tight maneuvers.
  • Respond to roadside inspections, weigh station stops, and enforcement interactions with professionalism; present required documentation (license, medical card, registration, permits) and correct log compliance on request.
  • Perform basic roadside troubleshooting and emergency repairs (tire changes, minor electrical checks, securing load issues) and coordinate with maintenance or towing services for significant mechanical failures.
  • Manage and reconcile shipping documents, bills of lading, PODs (proof of delivery), damage reports, and inventory discrepancies; report claims and follow company claims procedures when cargo is damaged or lost.
  • Maintain vehicle cleanliness and secure company assets, tools, and paperwork; adhere to company policies on uniforms, signage and vehicle appearance to represent the brand professionally at customer sites.
  • Practice defensive driving and risk avoidance in adverse weather, heavy traffic, construction zones, and on long-haul stretches; keep safety-first mentality to minimize incidents and downtime.
  • Monitor fuel usage and implement fuel-saving driving techniques (idle reduction, cruise control where safe, proper gear selection) while managing fuel cards, receipts, and tolls as required.
  • Participate in routine safety meetings, drug and alcohol testing programs, DOT physicals, and other compliance activities mandated by federal, state, and company policies.
  • Assist with yard operations, trailer spotting, hook-ups, and preloading or staging trailers for dispatch as directed by terminal supervisors.
  • Mentor and train junior drivers or CDL trainees on company procedures, safe practices, vehicle inspection routines, and customer service expectations when acting as a trainer or lead driver.
  • Adhere to all company safety protocols, PPE requirements, and COVID/health policies; report near-misses and safety hazards through the established reporting system to support continuous safety improvements.
  • Manage time-sensitive deliveries and multi-stop routes with strong organizational skills, prioritizing stops by delivery windows, customer requirements, and load constraints to meet SLAs.
  • Complete all required company onboarding, online training modules, and site-specific qualifications for secure or high-risk pickup/delivery locations (e.g., airports, military bases, chemical plants).
  • Maintain positive customer relations by providing courteous, professional service during pickups and deliveries, obtaining signatures, handling special handling requests, and resolving minor customer concerns on site.
  • Ensure compliance with weight limits and cargo classification when crossing state lines or entering restricted jurisdictions; coordinate with dispatch to re-route or re-weigh when necessary to avoid fines.
  • Support company efforts on sustainability and compliance by following engine idle policies, reporting fuel theft or losses, and documenting any environmental incidents or spills immediately.
  • Operate and secure specialized equipment (e.g., tarping for flatbeds, pumping/cleaning for tankers, liftgate operation for dockless deliveries) while observing manufacturer and company safety instructions.
  • Maintain continuous professional development by staying current with federal and state regulation changes, company policy updates, and required endorsements or certifications.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain clear, organized records of trips, fuel receipts, tolls, maintenance logs, and expense reports for reconciliation with payroll and accounting.
  • Participate in safety audits, self-inspections, and quality assurance checks to help the company meet regulatory and customer standards.
  • Provide input to dispatch and operations on route optimization, customer feedback, and opportunities to improve delivery efficiency.
  • Support special projects such as route pilot programs, seasonal surge operations, and pilot testing of new routing/GPS or telematics systems.
  • Assist in light shop tasks at terminal when needed (cleaning, stocking supplies, basic vehicle servicing support under supervision).
  • Help onboard and orient new hires to terminal facilities, fuel procedures, and local delivery requirements when asked by leadership.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid CDL Class A (preferred) or Class B license with clean driving record and endorsements as required (HazMat (H), Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T), Passenger (P) where applicable).
  • Strong knowledge of FMCSA hours-of-service (HOS) rules and experience managing ELDs and electronic log systems (KeepTruckin, Omnitracs, BigRoad, etc.).
  • Proficient in pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures, reporting defects, and understanding basic vehicle mechanical systems (air brakes, suspension, drivetrain).
  • Cargo securement expertise for dry van, flatbed, tanker, and refrigerated freight including use of straps, chains, tarps, seals, and placards.
  • Experience with route planning and GPS/routing software, map reading, and the ability to choose safe alternate routes based on restrictions and road conditions.
  • Competence in reading and completing shipping documents: bills of lading, manifests, PODs, delivery receipts, and customer-specific paperwork.
  • Forklift and pallet jack operation (preferred/certified) or experience working with dock personnel for safe loading/unloading.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills for roadside issues and familiarity with service/towing coordination processes.
  • Cold-chain management for refrigerated loads, including temperature monitoring and documentation.
  • Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and DOT placarding procedures if carrying HAZMAT freight.

Soft Skills

  • Strong safety orientation with attention to detail and commitment to compliance and defensive driving.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication for interacting with dispatch, customers, terminals, and safety teams.
  • Customer-service mindset: professional demeanor during pickups/deliveries; ability to de-escalate issues and represent the company positively.
  • Time management and prioritization under tight delivery windows and complex multi-stop routes.
  • Problem-solving and adaptability for unexpected delays, mechanical problems, and route changes.
  • Dependability and punctuality with a proven track record of meeting performance metrics (on-time delivery, DOT compliance).
  • Teamwork and collaboration with dispatch, warehouse staff, and other drivers to ensure seamless operations.
  • Stress resilience for long hours, isolation during OTR routes, and high-pressure delivery environments.
  • Recordkeeping accuracy for logs, receipts, and regulatory documentation.
  • Mentoring and training ability for drivers-in-training or new hires.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED (preferred); equivalent life/industry experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma from an accredited truck driving school or vocational program.
  • Additional safety or logistics certifications (e.g., Defensive Driving, OSHA, HazMat training).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Automotive Mechanics / Diesel Technology
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of professional commercial driving experience (local, regional or OTR). Many positions require a minimum of 1–2 years CDL driving experience; specialized roles (flatbed, tanker, HazMat) often require 2+ years.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years operating the specific equipment type (e.g., flatbed, reefer, tanker) desired by the employer.
  • Clean driving record with no disqualifying violations; experience passing DOT roadside inspections.
  • Current DOT medical card and clean drug/alcohol testing record as required by FMCSA and company policy.
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