Depending on their shipments and destinations, truck drivers either complete long-haul assignments or drive shorter, consistent routes. A freight company may offer interstate, intercity, or local assignments. Therefore, truck drivers may operate trucks of various capacities depending upon the size and amount of the cargo and the duration of the trip. Before leaving for their destinations, truck drivers perform certain mandatory checks of brakes, lights, tires, fuel, and all other equipment necessary for a safe trip.
Modern technologies such as GPS devices have improved working conditions, especially for long-haul truck drivers. Many truck drivers can communicate directly with their operational centers via radio and other sophisticated devices. With the help of GPS and satellite communication, truck drivers can receive crucial input regarding traffic and weather conditions as well as driving directions instantly. Truck drivers can transmit information about mechanical difficulties or engine failures immediately to their supervisors. Customers can also track the status of their cargo, which leads to improved service.
Working Conditions
Depending on experience and preference, truck drivers may drive light-transport trucks, heavy trucks, or trailers. Trucks that possess a capacity of 26,000 pounds (11,800 kilograms) of gross vehicle weight (GVW) or more are classified as heavy trucks, while those with less capacity are classified as light trucks.
Longer routes usually involve two drivers who take turns driving a single vehicle. Such trips usually take many days or even weeks. Therefore, these drivers generally stop only to load or unload cargo, refuel, and eat.
Shorter-distance drivers, also called route drivers, are responsible for delivering goods along specific routes. Delivery drivers work with a wide range of business establishments that provide a variety of courier, laundry, supermarket, and food delivery services, among others.
Modern truck design has also made truck driving less physically taxing. Today, trucks are more ergonomically designed than in the past. They have better seats and improved ventilation, and they may include modern amenities like refrigerators and beds on board. While route drivers can complete their driving responsibilities and delivery formalities relatively quickly, long-distance driving may be quite taxing, as the job entails long driving hours and sometimes many days or weeks away from home.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, interstate and long-distance truck drivers are not allowed to work for more than 60 hours in a seven-day period. Further, they should rest at least 10 hours for every 11 hours spent driving. In order to maximize earnings, most truck drivers work the maximum number of permissible hours. Route drivers usually work in excess of 50 hours a week. Depending upon their employers and the nature of their freight, they may perform loading and unloading operations themselves. This makes the capacity to lift heavy goods an important part of their work.
Requirements
To become a truck driver, one needs to possess a driver's license, which is usually issued by one's state of residence. A heavy-truck driver also needs a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This is applicable to the transport of hazardous goods as well. Many states only require standard driver's licenses to drive lighter trucks.
Generally, drivers need to be 18 years of age or older to drive within state boundaries, should not be colorblind, and should have a 70-degree field of vision as well as 20/40 corrected or uncorrected vision in both eyes. Additionally, federal standards require that drivers be tested for drugs and alcohol at periodic intervals. Drivers also need to be proficient in spoken English and should be able to read road signs. The U.S. Department of Transportation also requires that drivers pass a written examination covering motor carrier safety regulations.
Many private freighters require a minimum age of 22 years along with three to five years of experience in truck driving. Their tendency is to hire drivers who pose less risk, as steadier and more experienced drivers tend to manage trucks, freight, and fuel more efficiently. According to statistics, in 2002, truck drivers in the United States earned between $12 and $20 per hour. Some truck drivers, especially those who are self-employed or own their own trucks, earn more.
Summary
Currently, there are many jobs for truck drivers in the transportation industry. With favorable economic conditions in the U.S., there is constant demand for truck drivers across the country, with growth in the industry predicted through 2012.
